Pocono News Section

Women's Resources Begins Fundraising

Women's Resources Begins Fundraising - Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 4:50PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Mar 11, 2009 @ 04:50pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - An organization that helps abuse victims needs money. Women's Resources of Monroe County is trying to raise $100,000. Organizers held a fundraising kick off event Wednesday.

Madeline Valenzuela started to cry as she told her story. She wasn't the only one who got emotional during the event. She and Georgia Archer stepped out of the shadow of domestic violence and shared their stories of survival.

Madeline told the group her spirit was shattered when she was first abused as a toddler. She explained, "I didn't believe I had any worth. I didn't believe I had any talent." That lead her to lose respect for herself and she eventually turned to prostitution. "No one else respected me. Why should I respect me? That's what happens when you're abused," she said.

She eventually turned her life around. She told Eyewitness News it took, "I lot of therapy, a lot of therapy, a lot of therapy, a lot of therapy, a lot of therapy to even recognize who I am and my worth."

Georgia was first abused as a teen. She was a cheerleader dating a football player. It seemed like a story book life. "It was but it wasn't," she remarked. Then her boyfriend started to hit her. She escaped with the help of Women's Resources. She said, "It was the choice between losing hope and finding some hope." Georgia is now an intern with the organization because she wants to help other women.

Women's Resources is preparing for a fundraiser that will help women like Georgia and Madeline. It's a Black and White Gala called Serenity Under the Stars. They hope for a large turnout because no one deserves to be hurt.

The Gala is May 29th at the Inn at Pocono Manor.
Tickets are $100

Women's Resources is still looking for sponsors and donors. The organization could use donations for silent and live auctions.

For more information or to make a donation call 570-424-2093.