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.

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.