Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tanesha Ash-Shakoor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Tanesha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
As the Founder & CEO of Voices of Color, Tanesha Ash-Shakoor, J.D., I was given the opportunity to experience first hand how my testimony could affect the lives of victims and survivors. Upon sharing my testimony at a church service one Sunday, a woman in the congregation began to scream. This woman indicated that after service she had planned to commit suicide because she saw no other options after being abused and buried alive.
Revelation: That is when I knew that the emotional, physical and sexual abuse that I had once endured had to come out and go forth. I could no longer choose to be silent knowing that my survival wasn’t a mistake. I could no longer allow my abuser & rapist, that silenced me for over a year, to defeat me. It was time to change my thoughts and I began to no longer see myself as a victim but a survivor.
Moving Forward: It didn’t happen over night and often times I got ahead of what God had purposed for me. Brainstorming and then praying, Voices of Color was created. I began speaking out where ever and whenever I could, freely offering my testimony and an ear to those who wanted to share their testimonies.
No one jumps into the ring to fight against domestic violence. It is not a topic that many understand and it is not text book. The unique approach was to be truthful and transparent about my experience. I could not expect another victim/survivor to share and trust me if I was not willing to be vulnerable with them. My organization is boots on the ground, addressing domestic violence in a way that is unique to every client.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Voices of Color is an inclusive non-profit that services not only women but also men who have been abused. There is no age, gender, race, religion or economic status restriction when receiving services through Voices of Color. We operate with unrestricted funds. This allows us to provide the services and resources necessary without restrictions. Every domestic violence case is unique and may require additional time and resources. This is critical as a proactive organization unlike many other organizations whose primary duty is to respond after the abuse has happened.
Our goal is to provide culturally sensitive, appropriate, and far reaching services, however we can’t do that without going into the community and meeting with people where they are most comfortable, which is why we provide mobile advocacy. We represent and provide a space to advocate for and implement strategies to ensure access to the highest quality of resources for victims and survivors of the black, indigenous and people of color community (BIPOC). We are the only known black-woman owned and operated domestic violence non-profit servicing the tri-county area.
Best practices for DV resources include promoting independence and self-reliance by:
1. offering multiple services,
2. providing service for a sufficient length of time, and
3. focusing on long-term stability. These components provide the necessary structure, guidance, and assistance to victims while encouraging independent living, which is essential for the future success of survivors.
Background
Voices of Color was founded February 2015. The Voices of Color services continuum provides in-person services to over 50+ victims and children annually, including emergency shelter; short-term advocacy including culturally-specific services, mobile advocacy and relocation assistance; legal advocacy and personal protection order assistance; and specialized support for victims and children involved with Friend of the Court. Domestic violence impacts nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men in their lifetimes, with women, as a group, experiencing more frequent, severe and injurious violence than men (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 2010). In 2019, Michigan reported 57,018 incidents of domestic violence, 67 of those resulted in fatalities.
Mission. To educate and prevent domestic violence for all races, ages, sexual orientations, religions, and genders, and actively work toward restoring self-empowerment for victims and survivors.
Vision. One day, all domestic violence victims and survivors will have the confidence, resources, and support they need to recognize abuse and build healthy relationships.
Legal Structure: 501(c)3
Program Description
Mobile Advocacy
Advocates work out in the community, meeting survivors wherever it is safe and convenient for the survivor.
Legal Advocacy & Personal Protection Order
Provide assistance and support to survivors of domestic violence as they engage with the criminal or civil legal system.
Emergency Sheltering
Assist with locating temporary safe housing for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Relocation Assistance
Provide relocation assistance as available, including security deposits, first and last month’s rent, transportation expenses, and/or furniture to help the transition into their new home.
Online Chat
Our advocates are here to listen without judgement and help survivors begin to address what’s going on in their relationship. Our services are always free and available 24/7.
Expert Witness
Adept to advice on domestic violence, domestic assault, and spousal abuse. As experts we can offer testimonies on family violence, spousal emotional abuse, and causes of domestic violence. We may provide risk assessments to assess the severity of the situation.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A couple of years ago I had to pivot because I was operating out of passion and not purpose. Essentially, I was operating the non-profit in a way to cater to and assist every victim in whatever way they indicated was essential without properly assessing their situation. Funding started declining fast and I was being stretched thin. I committed to pulling back the services being offered at that time. I also took more time to assess each client referred to ensure it aligned with our mission. It was evident that many people associated their needs with domestic violence just so I would assist them when the issue was not domestic violence.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Going from 3 boards members who took an active roll in the non-profit to essentially it being me. Three of my boards members moved to another state and I had no help in terms of boots on the ground. Every year we host a domestic violence gathering at the Capitol. I wanted to put a pause on my non-profit entirely because every tasks was on me. I knew that the education and knowledge was too important to no show up and not put on events because we were saving lives. I continued to run a 1 man organization and hosted the annual domestic violence gathering as scheduled.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.voicesofcolor.org
- Instagram: @thevoicesofcolor
- Facebook: @thevoicesofcolor
Image Credits
N/A