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The Survivors Health Project
Addressing the long-term health effects of trauma
When we think of a survivor our minds most often think of the person in imminent danger.
Unfortunately, the consequences of experiencing trauma can last well beyond the moment of crisis.
Research confirms that physical, sexual, and psychological violence is linked to many long-term health problems, including arthritis, anxiety, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, frequent headaches, traumatic brain injury, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, migraines, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), problems with the immune system, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
HopeWorks addresses the long-term effects of sexual and intimate partner violence through The Survivors Health Project.
The Survivors Health Project includes seven programs that provide opportunities for survivors to attend to and advocate for their health, learn and practice wellness skills and create a network of supportive care.
For more information email Vanita Leatherwood, Director of Community Engagement, at vleatherwood@hopeworksofhc.org or call (410) 997-0304.
Weekly Virtual Trauma-Informed Yoga Class for Survivors
Every Tuesday at 4 p.m. via Zoom
HopeWorks is partnering with Three and a Half Acres Yoga(THAY) to bring survivors free yoga sessions every Tuesday at 4pm via Zoom.
THAY partners with community organizations within Harlem, Upper Manhattan, and virtually. They focus on serving folks facing emotional, physical or social trauma. THAY provides yoga, breathing and mindfulness programs to nonprofits to support their existing missions and build bridges of understanding among neighbors.
Please note that you will be able to participate while seated or on a mat.
ARTiculation: an expressive-arts peer support & education group for survivors living with chronic health conditions
Many survivors experience chronic pain and other health conditions that interfere with their quality of life. ARTiculation is a peer support and education group focused on exploring ways to live well, be informed self-advocates, address stigma and the health disparities that challenge our well-being. Sessions feature expressive-arts activities, self-care practices, relaxation techniques and guest speakers.
Learn more about ARTiculation.
This program is funded by a grant from the Horizon Foundation.
The Health Advisory Board
Members of our Health Advisory Board serve as resources of support and information as we continue to develop the Survivors’ Health Project. Together we work to raise awareness, to educate, to improve care, and to increase access to a broad range of treatment modalities. Membership to the Board is open to survivors, care givers, community partners, and health practitioners including acupuncturists, rheumatologists, nurses, internists, nutritionists, trauma nurses, physical therapists, and mental health practitioners.
The Articulating Health Newsletter
HopeWorks’ publishes a quarterly electronic newsletter called Articulating Health. The newsletter is published in November, February, May and August. Each issue features notices of health/wellness workshops and events, agency news, and articles highlighting the work of community partners.
Wellness Locker
The HopeWorks Survivors’ Wellness Locker contains essential wellness items to replenish the body and mind. For many survivors, an “ordinary day” is extraordinarily difficult to manage. Survivors experience a wide range of symptoms including difficulty walking, depression, unrelenting exhaustion, constant pain, and gastrointestinal problems. Many of the treatment modalities for these conditions are not covered by insurance. Additionally, it can be costly to maintain a regular schedule of treatments.
HopeWorks alleviates some of the financial challenge by maintaining the Wellness Locker. The Wellness Locker contains essential wellness items to replenish body and mind. The locker is available to survivors who are members of the Survivors’ Health Project. The Wellness Locker is supported by a grant from Tridelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Horizon Foundation.
Wellness Grants
Members of The Survivors Health Project can use the wellness grants to receive free health and wellness treatments.
Thriving Together: a survivors' mental health awareness & wellbeing group
Trauma, whether physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual, can have long-term effects on mental health. People who have experienced abuse or other trauma have a higher risk of developing a mental health condition, including depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
During Thriving Together, survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence explore ways to live well, be informed self-advocates, address stigma, and the health disparities that can challenge our well-being.
How to Join the Survivors Health Project
If you are an adult survivor of sexual violence (including child sexual abuse) or intimate partner violence (domestic violence, partnership abuse or teen dating violence) living with a chronic health condition (mental, emotional, or physical health) you are eligible for membership in the Survivors Health Project.
Please download and read The Survivors Health Project Membership Eligibility Requirements Flier for details.
Please download and complete the Survivors Health Project Membership Application.
The Survivors’ Health Project is Sponsored By:
