Project HEAL

Mentorship, prevention, support and recovery

MMIW Awareness: Documentary, Discussion, and Dinner

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The ongoing crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Indigenous Persons has been devastating Native and First Nations communities for far too long. The issue has reached epidemic proportions as it continues to be overlooked by persons outside of Indigenous communities and underfunded by government agencies.

In honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day, May 5th, Project HEAL recently  partnered with Missouri State University’s Department of Anthropology, the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the Southwest Missouri Indian Center, Ozarks Public Television/KSMU, and Multicultural Programs to host an event on Missouri State campus. On Thursday, May 12th, Project HEAL screened the documentary film, “Bring Her Home” by filmmaker, Leyla Hale, hosted a keynote speaker and panel discussion, viewed a special presentation by an MSU alum, and wrapped up the evening with a shared meal.

The purpose of the event was to not only bring awareness to the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons in this country and its impact on Indigenous communities, but to also provide opportunities for our community to act.

The evening began with an opening dance and drum ceremony by Beyond the Circle Dancers and an opening prayer by Beyond the Circle member, Corey Chavez. Following the ceremony, the audience viewed the documentary film, “Bring Her Home”. Due the nature of some of the content in the film, Project HEAL Victim Advocate (OTC’s Victim Services Coordinator), Rachel Herron, stood by to provide support.

Two dancers stand in traditional dress
Corey Chavez (left), Zuni, NM, and Alex Slowtalker (right), Navajo, AZ, from Beyond the Circle Dancers

 

Ms. Lisa Arnold, Supervisor/Educator for the Family Violence Prevention Program of Wyandotte Nation located in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, delivered a keynote address following the film. Ms. Arnold is currently the Co-Chair for the Northeast Oklahoma “RISE” Chapter of the Native Alliance Against Violence , volunteers as part of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) for Ottawa, Craig and Delaware Counties, and serves on the Multi-Disciplinary Task Force on both Ottawa and Delaware Counties. Ms. Arnold delivered an educational, informative, and impassioned address to the audience.

Lisa Arnold wears a black jacket and red shirt and stands in front of seated audience members.
Keynote speaker, Lisa Arnold, Supervisor/Educator, Family Violence Prevention Program of Wyandotte Nation, addresses audience

Providing a brief overview on the MMIWP crisis, Ms. Arnold discussed the scope of the epidemic and shared statistics and quantitative data. Weaving personal narratives into her presentation, Ms. Arnold talked about how domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking intersect with MMIP. Throughout her presentation, it was clear that Ms. Arnold possesses not only a wealth of experience in the field, she is also deeply committed to finding solutions to end the MMIP epidemic. Stressing the importance of awareness and education, Ms. Arnold inspired the audience with her knowledge and warm but strong delivery.

Kirby is wearing a purple t-shirt that says "Reclaim Your Power", long beaded earrings, and is in front of a backdrop of a green grassy yard and trees
Kirby Williams, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, National Women’s Indigenous Resource Center

Following the keynote presentation, the audience viewed a narrated slide-show presentation created by anti-violence activist/consultant and survivor leader, Kirby Williams. Ms. Williams, an MSU alum, is a speaker with the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and serves on the board of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs. Ms. Williams’ presentation focused on allyship and resources.

A brief panel discussion followed the presentation. The panel was comprised of individuals from our local community and included Paula Rector, MS, Senior Instructor, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Missouri State; Hannah Scarborough, student, Department of Anthropology, Missouri State; David Miller (Otoe-Missouria and Cherokee), American Indian Center of Springfield; and Dawn Day, RN, BSN, SANE-A, Ex-Officio Stand Against Trafficking , Sexual Assault Program Coordinator/Trauma Specialist-Mercy Hospital.

A shared meal concluded the evening and gave attendees, panelists, and speakers a chance to connect and network. Project HEAL was honored to facilitate this evening of education, awareness, and community building. For a list of local and national trauma-informed victim service resources, please visit Project HEAL. For free and confidential assistance and resources specific to Native American and Indigenous communities, please visit StrongHearts Native Helpline.

Two dancers and a drummer perform a ceremony in front of a medium sized audience
Beyond the Circle Dancers perform opening ceremony

Tuesday Talks with Project HEAL and Surviving Souls presents “Real Talk About Red Flags”

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Maroon background with yellow lettering that says Tuesday Talks-Real Talk about Red Flags
Tuesday Talk-“Real Talk About Red Flags”

Project HEAL and Surviving Souls will co-host “Real Talk about Red Flags” as part of “Tuesday Talks”, a series presented by the Multicultural Resources Center. This event will feature a mini-victim services resource fair with representatives from The Victim Center, Harmony House, and the Greene County Family Justice Center. Our Victim Services Coordinator from OTC will be present along with our MHC-Victim Service and Advocacy Specialist from the MSU Counseling Center.

 

Following a brief introduction of our off-campus community victim service agencies and our on-campus victim advocates, we will engage in an interactive discussion about how to identify red-flags at social events and in other environments. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether or not particular behavior is healthy or if the behavior is serving as an indicator that inter-personal violence could be occurring. We will discuss ways to recognize and safely intervene when a potentially harmful situation may be unfolding. Surviving Souls will lead the discussion. Join us Tuesday, April 12th at 2 pm in the MRC! 

 

 

Bear Aware 2022!

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Image previewProject HEAL is excited be collaborating with Bear POWER and Abilities First to host Bear Aware 2022! We are in our 3rd year of administering the signature Project HEAL program. This virtual program runs every Tuesday, noon-1:30 pm throughout the month of April. Bear Aware provides a safe and inclusive space for participants to learn from community experts and connect with peers. We will discuss a broad range of topics relating to gender-based violence.

Our amazing line up of presenters this year include Thomas Bartolotta; MSU Green Dot Coordinator, Dani Lacio; Ozarks Inclusion Project, Alisa Garbisch;  The Victim Center, and Christina Ford and Coach Dana Ford; The Rebound Foundation. We will discuss a broad range of topics relating to gender-based violence. Open to on and off-campus community members of all abilities. All sessions virtual. Bear Aware is presented by Project HEAL at MSU & OTC , Abilities First, and Missouri State Bear POWER. At the close of sessions, participants will have received 6 hours of interpersonal violence prevention education and a certificate. Please scan QR code on flyer to register. Contact kuntibentley@missouristate.edu or calebhatz@missouristate.edu with questions.

 

 

Project HEAL Welcomes Surviving Souls, a New Student Organization

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In the fall 2020 semester, a new student organization was brought to life on the campus of Missouri State. Project HEAL is excited to welcome Surviving Souls, an inclusive student organization dedicated to providing a safe space for survivors of sexual assault/trauma and to sharing educational opportunities with the student body.

President Destanie Watson, a junior at Missouri State, shares details about her goals for the group and why she was motivated to establish the organization:

“I created this organization after my own experience with sexual assault. I don’t like to go to much into detail about it, but I knew that justice was not served and I was still struggling to heal from my assault. I felt alone and I didn’t want anyone else to feel the same as I felt. I believed there needed to be a safe space for survivors. Creating that space is one of my biggest goals for the organization. Another goal I have for this organization is helping to break the stigma around sexual assault by having open and honest discussions about various topics. The third and final goal I have for my organization is to also create a learning environment for those who may not know much about sexual assault and how to support someone who is a survivor.

four people sitting together on sofa
President of Surviving Souls, Destanie Watson (center) with the executive board: (left to right) Jorre Hadley, Jynivah Grant, Ayreana Shepard and Naysa Adams

My exec board consists of four amazing young black women who are very dedicated to making this organization. Their names are Jorre Hadley, who is the Vice President; Jynivah Grant, who is the Secretary, Ayreana Shephard, who is the Social media chair; and Naysa Adams, who is the Treasurer.

Lastly, for those who want to keep in contact with the org and stay tuned with what we have going on can reach us at our Instagram page surviving.souls. We also have a website, survivingsouls.org. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions and want to find how you can become a part of the organization!”

 

Destanie Watson recently spoke with Project HEAL Director, Kunti Bentley, about the organization. See their interview below!

 

Please email Destanie at destanie19@live.missouristate.edu if you would like more information or details about weekly Surviving Souls meetings.

Looking Back: Interview with Missouri State Journal

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Project coordinate of Project HEAL, Kunti Bentley
Kunti Bentley is the coordinator of Project HEAL and the project’s primary point of contact.

“What we’re doing with the grant is to really focus on prevention and counseling and then victim advocacy. What we want to do is move on from that heightened awareness of these issues and move into action.”

It’s been almost a year since our project coordinator Kunti Bentley was interviewed by the Missouri State Journal on KSMU. This interview was conducted when Project HEAL was still in its planning phase. Now that we’re in the midst of our implementation phase, we thought we’d share this interview with you all while we reflect on how far the project has come since its first year! We look forward to the continued success of this project, thanks to involvement from students, staff, and faculty from both the MSU and OTC campuses. Want to learn more? Listen to the interview on KSMU’s website.

In the interview, Bentley describes the project’s purpose and many of its ongoing initiatives, in addition to the work we’ve done with many current campus services such as Green Dot.