Foundation offers hope to battered women, children
by Janet Chang
reporter

One woman’s tragedy turned into a mission of hope when Brenda Jackson, once a victim of abuse, created the Battered Women’s Foundation in 1996.

Jackson said her goal is to give hope to abused women and their children and help them begin a new life.

One way is through Day to Shine events, held the first Saturday of each month.

At the foundation event, abused women receive assistance with physical, psychological, nutritional, medical, child-care, housing, counseling, legal and emergency needs.

Each month, a different area church hosts the Day to Shine event although the foundation is not affiliated with a particular church, Mahrkay Byers, a foundation worker, said.

Starting at 10 a.m., women gathered at New Beginnings Church March 6.

They received makeovers, haircuts and styling, massages, manicures, pedicures, free clothing, resume typing and dress-for-success classes.

Women could bring their children, and the host church provided nursery care for several age groups.

Participants had the chance to win prizes, including school supplies, computers, gas vouchers and toiletries. A drawing for large prizes yielded a dryer or a dining room suite.

After the morning makeovers, the host church performed inspirational skits about abuse.

One scene depicted a man drinking, threatening a woman, then leaving her. A man playing the part of Jesus came to comfort her.

In a skit performed by a group called Kaleidoscope, a young man told his personal story of a loose life, depression, separation from his family and suicidal feelings.

He said after he received help, he was able to “forgive himself and live for Jesus.”

A musical group also performed for the women.

Of nearly 100 persons present, about half of them were volunteers or church staff, identified by their red New Beginnings t-shirts.

Byers said that the turnout was less than half the usual number.

Jackson announced that clothing would be distributed at a site five miles away.

“ A car has also been donated,” she said.

Among the motivational speakers were some who said that they, too, were once abused.

“ There’s enough people here to move Fort Worth,” one speaker told the group.

A police officer, who was a volunteer, asked the abused women to raise their hands.

“ I salute you,” he said.

The officer advised the women to help each other, each reaching out to the next woman.

At the end of the day, many of the women followed Jackson to the resale shop, where clothes and larger items were distributed.

To qualify for the foundation’s program, a woman must be referred by another agency, a church, the police or a counselor and must meet the guidelines posted on the foundation’s Web site, www. bwf1.com.

Those in need do not have to wait for a Day to Shine.

“ Food is available throughout the month, and clothing, toys, books, furniture, appliances and many other items are available on first Saturdays at the foundation’s resale shop,” Byers said.

Much of the assistance provided by the foundation is in the form of information. Byers said the group provides hundreds of contacts for legal assistance, counseling, medical care, temporary housing and job training.

“ Volunteers are always needed to stamp envelopes and sort clothes. Thirty volunteers are needed at each event,” she said.

Byers said the foundation depends on donations and volunteers.

“ The Foundation is supported with grants from area businesses such as U-Haul and Mary Kay Cosmetics,” she said.

Byers said that the most needed donation is a 17-20 passenger van for delivering families to church, Day to Shine and other events.

A goal for the future is an education building to house a computer lab, GED training and other classes.

The foundation has no shelter associated with it, but women are given rent assistance and referred to homes for temporary shelter.

“ To qualify for rent assistance from the foundation, a woman is required to be in counseling,” Byers said.

“ Motivational speakers are welcome,” she said.

Anyone from the community who would like to speak at a Day to Shine is encouraged to contact Brenda and Van Jackson, directors of the Battered Women’s Foundation, at 817-485-2118. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 54888, Hurst, TX 76054.

The Battered Women’s Foundation’s next Day to Shine will be Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. at Word of Love, located at 1860 Precinct Line Road in Hurst. For directions, call 817-485-5683.

Last Updated: 4/14/2004
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