Becky's Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is committed to eradicating domestic violence through education, advocacy, and service. In this blog, we will dive into more into the impact of Becky's Fund, including our collaborative mental health yoga workshops to local high school football teams.

A Catalyst for Transformative Change

At the core of Becky's Fund lies a dedicated collective of volunteers, patrons, and sponsors, who serve as the backbone of the organization's mission. It is through these shared endeavors that Becky's Fund creates an avenue for positive change in the realm of domestic violence.

Intimate partner violence against women stands as a global public health crisis, exacting both immediate and enduring consequences. However, regrettably, our society often directs blame towards the survivors of such abuse, diverting attention from the crucial accountability for the crime and the perpetration of harm.

The repercussions of victim-blaming reverberate profoundly, impeding the survivor's journey towards healing and amplifying feelings of self-blame, shame, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, victim-blaming acts as a deterrent, discouraging survivors from coming forward, seeking assistance, and finding solace in support networks.

Men of Code

The bedrock of Becky's Fund's initiatives is its array of interactive workshops, tailored for young adults. One of the prominent development workshops include Men of Code.

Men of Code is an initiative aimed at empowering young men and coaches engaged in athletics to become formidable allies and trailblazers in the mission to eradicate intimate partner violence against women and girls. The acronym "CODE" signifies its essence, representing "Men of Character and Ownership Dedicated to Leading by Example." This program is a cornerstone for cultivating healthy masculinity and nurturing respectful relationships, arming young men with the essential tools needed to shatter the cycle of violence.

Yoga for Mental Health

This quarter, I had the privilege of collaborating with Becky's Fund for the 2023 Men of Code initiative, enabling me to empower young athletes to emerge as champions of change while fostering respect and nurturing healthy relationships among them.

I led therapeutic and transformative yoga sessions for three local DC high school teams, which included Bell High School, Jackson Reed High School, and Friendship Heights. Through these sessions, I aimed to promote healing and prioritize mental health by emphasizing self-care, physical movement, and the release of stress and negativity.

My experience involved guiding three high school football teams through a refreshing yoga flow, emphasizing the importance of stillness, mindful movement, and the release of stress and negativity. It was a wonderful and humbling experience, watching these young men embrace the practice and their potential for personal growth.

Healing gives you the freedom to thrive by feeling, releasing and owning your triggers.

Accepting Becky's Fund's invitation was an easy yes for me. It provided an exceptional platform to share my own story of resilience as a survivor while encouraging these high school students to become allies for women and girls. Their actions and leadership can serve as a beacon of inspiration and light for those in their schools and communities.

Click the image to watch the inspiring recap from Bell High School.

We must acknowledge that society's tendency to blame survivors diverts focus from accountability, often hindering the healing process and discouraging reporting. It is imperative that we work collectively to change this narrative. By practicing mindful listening and extending self-kindness, we can all rise and thrive, contributing to a brighter future and inspiring a collective movement toward a world free from of domestic violence.

How Yoga Shapes the Men of CODE Program

Combining yoga with discussions on key subjects created a holistic and transformative learning experience for the young men.

Leadership

Yoga instills leadership qualities by teaching young men self-discipline, self-awareness, and the ability to guide their actions mindfully. Through the practice of yoga, they learn to lead themselves effectively, a fundamental step toward leading others.

Masculinity

The concept of masculinity is evolving, and it's essential to redefine it beyond stereotypes. Yoga helps young men understand that true masculinity lies in emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and self-acceptance, challenging toxic masculinity norms.

Dating Violence and Consent

The Men of CODE program engages participants in open dialogues about dating violence and consent. Yoga cultivates empathy and respect for others' boundaries, promoting healthy relationships built on communication and consent.

Personal Responsibility

Yoga teaches personal responsibility by encouraging individuals to take charge of their own well-being. Through mindfulness practices, young men learn to make conscious choices and take responsibility for their actions.

Non-Violence

Yoga promotes non-violence by fostering emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills. It equips young men with the tools to address anger and frustration peacefully, reducing the likelihood of resorting to violence.

Mental Health

Yoga has a profound impact on mental health, providing young men with strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. It encourages self-reflection and seeking help when needed, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Click the image above to watch the inspiring recap from Jackson Reed High School.

Now, more than ever, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence.

Becky's Fund cannot achieve its mission without your support and involvement. You can be a part of this movement to eradicate domestic violence by donating your time, skills, or resources. Consider volunteering your time to help with outreach, awareness campaigns, or assisting survivors directly. Your financial contributions, no matter the size, can provide vital resources and support to those in need.

Share the message of Becky's Fund with your friends, family, and community, sparking important conversations about domestic violence prevention and survivor empowerment. Together, we can shine a light on the shadow of domestic violence, where survivors can thrive, and where respect, empathy, and support prevail.

Join Becky’s Fund and I in this vital mission, and together, we can make a lasting impact that can foster generational healing. Take action today and stand with Becky's Fund in the fight against domestic violence.

Click the image to watch the inspiring recap from Friendship Heights High School.

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