In a time when you don’t know what the next moment will bring, you hold on tightly to whatever you can. Genuineness and compassion are two things I’m holding onto with an iron grip right now, and Women’s Own Worth has those two things and then some.

 

The founder of Women’s Own Worth (WOW), Jajuan Archer, is a dear friend of mine with a heart of gold, and I’ve always held WOW close to my heart for its mission to empower and support individuals affected by domestic violence and violent crime. What Jajuan and her team do for individuals and families facing the aftermath of trauma is simply amazing. We need more organizations like WOW.

 

I was awarded the WOW Woman of the Year award a few years ago, and while I was incredibly humbled and honored at that time, I now see — and, more importantly, understand — the organization from an entirely different perspective. 

 

 

In November, Ryan and I were ambushed and shot at more than 30 times. It is truly a miracle that we are alive today to tell our story. Jajuan and WOW were the first to step up and extend a hand in the most traumatic and terrifying moment of our lives. Jajuan showed up with a list of providers for us to look into for therapy and, most importantly, helped us figure out what to do next. Nothing can prepare you for an event like this, and when it tragically happened to us, we had no idea what we were supposed to do or who to turn to. Jajuan came in with a kind heart and knew how lost we were feeling.

 

“I founded [WOW] after my own trauma that I experienced. I realized very quickly that people need to know the resources that are available and how to navigate the system,” Jajuan shares. “A lot of the time, people fall through the cracks, so we formed [WOW] to bridge the gap to the services that are available from other organizations that get federal and state funds to help people receive the mental health therapy they need.”

 

WOW has been an absolute blessing. There are few resources in our state that will help you as quickly as Jajuan and WOW. For those going through traumatic experiences alone, my heart breaks you. Having the right resources and being treated with care and respect is so important.

 

“It can happen to any of us. It doesn’t matter our financial background, where we work, where we live, it can happen anywhere,” Jajuan says. “For people that want to be a part of the change and help people to get through their trauma and really care, please step up to the plate and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to help.'”

 

 

That last statement is so important because there’s a difference between a group or organization reaching out and the ones that take action. There are so many individuals and families out there that need support but their voices aren’t heard. WOW hears those voices and WOW takes action.

 

One resource that is so powerful is the handbook “Domestic Violence: A Practical Guide for Navigating the Legal System in Arkansas.” This handbook is a self-help guide for survivors of domestic violence that explains survivors’ rights and how to seek help. Violence in the state increases day by day, and being knowledgeable about your rights is critical.

 

As a nonprofit organization, the WOW team is made up entirely of volunteers and runs on donations. Any funds donated to the organization go directly to helping survivors and giving them the tools and support they need to move forward. 

 

“Our key in-network provider is Argenta Counseling, and they really are amazing. They care about these survivors,” Jajuan emphasizes. “It’s so important for people to visit with a therapist and remember that they are worthy, they will always be worthy. The therapists help them rebuild their worth and get back in the community. Ninety-nine percent of the time, those survivors turn around and they give back to us to keep the kindness going.”

 

WOW has recently broken ground on transition homes for those escaping domestic violence and dangerous situations, and Jajuan says that the project has been fortunate enough to receive donations of services, items and funding for different areas of the building process. Vogel Schwartz Foundation is a gold sponsor for the first transition home build, and many other individuals have given what they can toward the project. The project has many parts, so any kind of support is always appreciated.

 

“We’re so blessed to have Royal Windows and Doors provide all of the windows for the first two homes. Any money that we can save from donations like this can go to more mental health therapy for people,” Jajuan says. “I give all the glory to God because he opens every door and makes everything happen. Things like that make such a big difference in our organization, and there are so many ways that leaders and individuals can help.”

 

There are so many ways to give to WOW that will directly help survivors, and this is only scraping the surface of what Jajuan and her team are all about.

 

“Domestic violence and violent crime impact everyone. You just don’t realize it until it hits you close to home,” Jajuan says. “When somebody has almost lost their life, they are changed. Our whole mindset has to be reset.”

 

 

Who I was before the ambush and who I am now are two different people. My story will be published in AY Magazine’s February issue. There is so much in my head and heart that will probably never be able to be put into words, but it’s important for others going through similar traumatic experiences to know they are not alone, and as Jajuan says, they are worthy.

 

Learn more about Women’s Own Worth and the many ways you can be involved here.

 

Stay up to date with AY Magazine and when my story is published on my social accounts.

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