We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kim Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kim below.

Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I just moved to Texas; I get a phone call from my best friend asking me to come pick her up out of field. It took me 45 minutes to figure out where she was and how to get her. Finally figured it out and a successful rescue. It was the longest quiet car ride in my life! I didn’t want to pry; I just wanted to be a listening ear. We finally made it back to my apartment. Once inside she started talking and undressing. She was black and blue all over her back, parts of her arms and legs. Unclear what started the argument. All I got out of it was “all I said was no.”

During the time of her stay, I called around to different domestic violence shelters to get resources and possible place to stay. Being told that by different shelters that she would have to call in if she wanted the help. How much money does she make? (didn’t know that low-income people are the only ones getting abused.) Yes, with certain funding with shelters survivors aren’t allowed to make over $30,000 a year. I was floored to say the least!

She stayed with me roughly 3 days before I get a phone call that she’s leaving my house. She claimed he had a seizure and needed her. Time went on and she stopped talking to me. We were friends over 15 years.

After that ordeal, I decided to start my own non-profit for domestic violence survivors. I didn’t want a shelter that only accommodates low-income survivors; I want a shelter that supports everyone who needs help. Discovering that we wouldn’t qualify for certain grants/funding because of the rules they have attached to them. We are currently raising money by selling bracelets to support survivors while trying to open a safe place for them. It’s a lot of work but someone must do it.

Currently we provide emergency housing and counseling.

Kim, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, my name is Kym and I have the Founder/Executive Director of Quality Day Foundation and the CEO of Bead the Purpose which supports the mission of Quality Day Foundation. Every bracelet bought; one is given to a survivor. Every two bracelets sold; Quality Day Foundation is able to house a survivor in a safe place for a day.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, I would choose the same profession. Domestic violence is on the rise and needs to be talked about. Did you know that teen dating violence starts at the age of 12? On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. Women return to their abuser 7-12 time before they finally leave. Black women experience domestic violence at a rate of 35% than do white women.

We need more resources and funding to help women and children leave a domestic violence relationship.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

We need more partnerships and collaborations with other non-profits in the same field. Our common goal is to help a survivor! Survivors needs a safe place, clean environment, and someone to listen to their needs. No one wants to feel like their leaving one hell to go to another! More funding and resources.

Contact Info:

• Website: qualitydayfoundation.org beadthepurpose.com
• Instagram: @qualitydayfoundation @beadthepurpose
• Facebook: @qualitydayfoundation @beadthepurpose
• Other: TikTok: @qualitydayfoundation