We were lucky to catch up with Arianna Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Arianna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.
My nonprofit, Goddess Reaching Out Outreach, serves an underserved community deeply affected by gun violence, specifically in New Orleans, Louisiana. This community has been overlooked for far too long, and we have witnessed firsthand the lack of support and resources available to the families impacted by such devastating incidents.
Allow me to share a story that highlights the extent of the underservice and the importance of our work. It all began with a tragic event that deeply affected my family. My little brother was a victim of gun violence, and this devastating loss not only shattered our lives but also exposed the limited support systems available to families like ours in our community.
As my mother sought help and support groups to cope with her grief and find solace, she faced numerous challenges. She discovered that there were only a few resources available to assist families with funeral expenses, and the grief counseling services were insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. Many families in our community were left stranded, attempting to navigate their grief journey without adequate support.
Motivated by this personal tragedy and witnessing the struggles faced by countless others, I founded Goddess Reaching Out Outreach. Our primary mission is to bridge the gap in our underserved community by offering comprehensive support to families affected by gun violence.
When we engage with these families, providing financial assistance for funeral expenses is just the first step. We recognize that grief extends far beyond the immediate aftermath, and therefore our outreach programs are designed to address both the emotional and practical needs of these families. Our emphasis on painting and conversations as a therapeutic activity has been particularly well-received among the children who have experienced trauma. It provides them with a safe space to express themselves and engage in dialogue, fostering healing and resilience.
By serving this underserved community, we offer vital support, guidance, and hope to those who have been through unspeakable tragedy and loss. Our organization stands as a beacon of light in a community that has long been neglected and left to suffer silently. Through our concerted efforts, we strive to emphasize the value and well-being of each individual affected by gun violence and empower them to heal and rebuild their lives.
The need for our services is immense, and we work tirelessly to ensure that no family in our community feels abandoned or overlooked. By serving this underserved community, we not only make a difference in the lives of individuals and families, but we also contribute to the overall healing and development of our community as a whole. Our brand, Goddess Reaching Out Outreach, is driven by a deep commitment to advocating for those who have been marginalized and offering them the support they desperately need and deserve.
Arianna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hey, I’m Arianna a 32-year-old writer and passionate about all forms of art. I have a background in the healthcare field with over 10 years of experience and have served as a group facilitator. Additionally, I sit on the special education advisory board for Nola public schools. These experiences have given me invaluable knowledge and insights into the needs of individuals and families during challenging times.
I started Goddess Reaching Out Outreach after a deeply personal experience: the tragic loss of my little brother and the subsequent struggles my family faced. Witnessing my mother’s deep depression, I realized the profound impact that gun violence can have on families and communities, and I was determined to make a positive difference. As a result, our nonprofit was born.
At Goddess Reaching Out Outreach, we provide a range of support services to families affected by gun violence. Our main focus areas include providing assistance with funeral expenses, offering grief counseling and support to those in need, and addressing the issue of homelessness that often arises from such tragic circumstances.
What sets us apart from other organizations is our lived experience. Having personally faced the challenges of losing a loved one to gun violence, we deeply understand the pain, confusion, and trauma that families go through. This allows us to provide empathetic and effective support, navigating grief alongside them and guiding them towards a positive future.
One aspect of our work that I am particularly proud of is our emphasis on helping children who have experienced trauma. We offer them a safe space to express themselves creatively and provide opportunities to channel their emotions in a positive manner, steering them away from harmful behaviors. We firmly believe that a traumatic experience should not define a child’s future, and we are committed to empowering them to heal and thrive.
In summary, Goddess Reaching Out Outreach is a nonprofit dedicated to helping families affected by gun violence through various support services. Our lived experience, focus on creative expression, and commitment to empowering individuals make us a unique organization. We aim to navigate grief alongside our clients, offering them hope, healing, and a brighter future.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous challenges and hardships that have tested my resilience. One particular story that stands out is my experience with unspeakable trauma. Despite enduring this trauma witnessing my grandfather take his last breath, and five months later losing my brother to gun violence, I made a conscious decision to use my pain as fuel to become a positive light in the world.
I faced further trials when I found myself in a mentally and physically abusive relationship and had to still co- parent with my abuser. Despite the difficult circumstances, I managed to summon the strength and resilience needed to break free from that toxic environment and prioritize my well-being.
These experiences have shaped my perspective and motivated me to establish Goddess Reaching Out Outreach. Through the organization, I am able to channel my personal journey of resilience towards helping others who have been affected by gun violence and traumatic experiences.
By standing firm in my belief that no matter the challenges we face, there is always an opportunity for healing, growth, and kindness, I continue to be a beacon of hope and support for those in need. My personal journey has instilled in me the understanding that resilience is a choice we make, and I am committed to sharing this message with others through my nonprofit work.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I could solely rely on myself to make a significant impact. In the early stages of my nonprofit, Goddess Reaching Out Outreach, I believed that I had to personally take on all the responsibilities and tasks in order to ensure its success. However, I soon realized that this mindset was limiting the potential of the organization and preventing it from reaching its fullest impact.
The backstory behind this realization came after a particularly overwhelming period, where I found myself trying to juggle all the aspects of the nonprofit on my own. It was exhausting, and I started to notice that the quality of my work was suffering. I also observed that there were many individuals in the community who were genuinely passionate about our cause and had valuable skills to contribute.
Realizing that I couldn’t accomplish everything on my own, I made the decision to let go of my need for control and to embrace collaboration and delegation. I started reaching out to community members, volunteers, and experts in the field who were willing to lend their expertise and support. This shift allowed me to tap into a wider pool of resources and ideas, leading to more effective and impactful initiatives.
Through this experience, I learned the importance of recognizing my own limitations and the power of collaboration. It taught me to value the contributions of others and to build a strong, diverse team that could work together towards our shared goals. Unlearning the belief that I had to do it all myself was not easy, but it ultimately transformed our organization into a more resilient and successful force for change. Some of the organizations I have collaborated with and that always supports me IG are : @arinsnestingplace , @ebsculture, @sess45, @youthdaynola, @nolakeys @raineydai , @justiceangelsllc , @whisperpartymusic, @fabulousfashionsbya, @ dahairtrapp504 @nursediamond, and iam_geauxqueen. Please go check them out and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/goddesswalking?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=f01e7fb7-d4dd-4873-bd1e-a6631f28217f
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/goddessreachingout
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/goddessreachingout