We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rae Bates a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rae, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Both my mother and father exemplified hard work, instilling in me the determination and skills that have shaped my life. My father would often take my sisters and me to work with him, and despite facing significant mental health challenges, he never wavered in his dedication. My mother was equally remarkable; she worked tirelessly and faced difficulties head-on, all while shielding us from certain harsh realities. She allowed us to learn from our mistakes, nurturing our growth into the women we are today. Reflecting on their parenting, I recognize that they did many things right. While no one is perfect and they faced their share of challenges—having us at a young age, for instance—the struggles my sisters and I experienced have prepared us to confront life’s adversities. We learned early on that storms do not last forever.

The loss of my mother in 2010, just two months before my sixteenth birthday, had the most profound impact on my life and career. Her passing, a tragic consequence of domestic violence, transformed my pain into a driving passion. I often replayed countless “what if” scenarios in my mind, wondering if I could have changed the outcome. However, as I matured, I came to understand that there was nothing more I could have done. Instead, I channeled my grief into a commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. My mission became clear: to advocate for women affected by domestic violence, to help save lives, and to inspire change.

Though my journey has been fraught with challenges, I have persevered. Statistically, given my upbringing, I could have ended up in a very different place, yet I believe that God has guided me, giving me the strength to overcome and empowering me to bring about change in my community.

Rae, 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?

I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey and insights with your readers. My path into this field has been deeply personal and transformative, shaped by both my upbringing and my experiences. Growing up in a family where hard work and resilience were paramount, I learned invaluable lessons about determination and empathy from my parents. These qualities have guided me throughout my life and are at the core of my work today.

I entered the field of probation services driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, particularly for those facing adversity. My experiences, notably the loss of my mother to domestic violence when I was just sixteen, galvanized my commitment to advocate for vulnerable populations. This personal tragedy ignited a passion within me to support individuals navigating difficult circumstances, and I dedicated myself to understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system and the needs of those affected by it.

In my role as a probation officer, I provide comprehensive support services aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration. My work involves not just overseeing compliance with probation terms, but also offering guidance, resources, and advocacy to help individuals overcome the challenges they face. I focus on facilitating access to mental health services, educational opportunities, and job training programs, all of which are essential for fostering long-term success and reducing recidivism.

What sets me apart in this field is my unwavering belief in the potential for change. I approach each case with a unique combination of compassion and accountability, understanding that every individual has a story that influences their actions. This perspective allows me to forge genuine connections with my clients, creating a supportive environment that encourages growth and transformation. I strive to be a source of hope and a catalyst for positive change, rather than just an enforcer of rules.

I take great pride in the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the positive outcomes that have emerged from our work together. Witnessing the progress of individuals who have turned their lives around, often against the odds, fills me with a profound sense of purpose. I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that my commitment to advocacy extends beyond my professional role; it’s a lifelong mission to uplift those who have been marginalized and to contribute to a more equitable society.

Ultimately, my brand is rooted in resilience, empathy, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. I aim to not only serve those in my care but also to raise awareness about the broader issues surrounding domestic violence, mental health, and rehabilitation. Through education and advocacy, I hope to inspire others to join me in this important work, creating a community that supports healing and transformation for all.

How did you build your audience on social media?

In the past, I had a substantial following on social media, but I eventually reached a point where I felt the need to curate my online presence. I decided to remove connections that did not resonate with my values or were not genuinely supportive. At the end of the day, authenticity is paramount, and I am grateful for those who have remained; they have witnessed me through various phases of my life and have accepted me for who I truly am.

For individuals looking to build their social media presence, my key advice is to remain authentic and not allow social media to alter your true self. Establish a clear goal, concentrate on it, and pursue it wholeheartedly. Focused engagement with your content will naturally attract followers without the need for forced interactions. It’s important to remember that growth may take time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results; with patience and perseverance, your audience will expand.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There are many moments in my life that have shaped the woman I am today and revealed the depth of my resilience. It’s hard to choose just one story, because my journey has been filled with challenges that tested my strength in different ways. Losing my mother at a young age and facing homelessness shortly after forced me to grow up faster than I should have. I was taken advantage of by people I trusted and witnessed things no child should ever see.

For a long time, I struggled with my mental health in silence. I pushed people away because I was ashamed and didn’t know who I could trust with my pain. I lost friends during that time, but I never lost the will to keep going. Each obstacle I faced taught me something about survival, healing, and self-worth.

Today, when I look back, I don’t see just hardship—I see growth. Every trial became a lesson in strength, every setback a reminder of how far I’ve come. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has shaped me into a woman who refuses to give up, no matter what life brings her way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curl3h?igsh=MWFpMmQ2MWMyc28xNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reyshellbates?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@somebodyprobationoffic3r?_t=ZP-90yC4pdyXE6&_r=1