Beth uses her voice and experience to reach out and help others.  Initially she focused her time and energy on working exclusively with victims of domestic violence, but over time she began to realize that to help victims it was also necessary to go to the source of the victimization...the offender. 

To this end, Beth has chosen to join us as we work to educate offenders about the impact of their crimes.  As victim advocates, our goal is to see an end to victimization and our dream is no more victims.  We attempt to make this dream a reality by teaching offenders how to cultivate genuine remorse so that they can actually change their behaviors instead of attempting to only manage their symptoms. 

Beth often comes into the prison setting with You Have the Power to share her story as we cover the topic of domestic violence during our Victim Impact classes.  Her personality allows her to relate to the offenders in such a way that they can hear her message and really understand the impact of being a victim of domestic violence.  By sharing her story in the prison setting, Beth is helping to reduce violent crime.  Her courage in facing this population coupled with all that she has overcome makes her an inspiration to everyone around her.  People are blessed by knowing and hearing what Beth has to say.

                                        - Valerie Craig, Director of Education

                                            You Have the Power

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I would use the word "resiliency" to describe Beth.  She has taken some of the most difficult situations that a woman can find herself in, and over time transformed hurt and betrayal into something strong and good:  helping others in similar situations. 

I've sat in audiences with inmates as Beth tells her story, and watched their faces change as the they relate to what she says.  Some are inmates who suffered similar abuses, and became trapped in the web of deception; others are inmates who chose to deliberately hurt people as a response to their hurt.  Those who are seeking a way out of their way of "criminal thinking" see someone who begins by compassionately telling them, "I could just as easily have been where you are, but for the Grace of God." 

Part of Beth's passion comes in helping others.  She points out that it's a way to turn the negative energy of being victimized into positive energy.  She speaks passionately, yet realistically about finding her way out, learning to trust again, and is honest about why she still cannot trust others today.  Beth speaks the truth:  she worked hard to change her life and to find a better way; inmates relate to her because she uses everyday language that's easily understood.  She understands failure, getting up only to fall down, and then getting up again.  As a result of her choices to help others, I've watched Beth grow, both personally and professionally. As Virginia Satar stated, "Life is not what it's supposed to be. It's what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."

                                        - Sheryl DeMott, Victim Services Director

                                            TN Department of Correction

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Beth is indeed one who has taken her own personal experience as a victim and survivor of domestic violence, and after going through a healing process, answered the call to help others who find themselves in the midst of similar life threatening problems.

I have been very impressed with the niche that Beth has filled during her work with helping victims.  The support groups, mentoring services, crisis call line, and information and referral service are especially geared to people who are in abusive relationships, but because of their religious beliefs and values, struggle with the process of whether or not to leave. 

Beth’s work with victims is extensive:  emotional support, housing, education to help understand the legal system, basic needs issues, child care, crisis counseling, safety planning and assisting with an array of life’s issues critical in the face of domestic violence are just some of the many things she does.

Finally, I have seen Beth very involved in local and state domestic violence coalitions, specifically in leadership roles.  Her hard work in forming a solid board of directors, along with all of the arduous tasks of developing an organization is impressive.  Beth is in this for the “long haul”.  Her commitment and passion are evident.

                                                - Susan Cannon, Executive Director

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I have known Beth for years and have no doubt that she has a heart of gold to be able to do this work as a volunteer.  She started her own non-profit herself and has kept it going and growing with the help of a few other volunteers.  Working with victims of domestic violence is very challenging and exhausting at times, but Beth takes it in stride and gives 100% to the women she serves.

I have worked with Beth on the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.  She is reputable among other agencies and is extremely committed not only to her individual clients, but also to the elimination of family violence in general.

                                         - Kristy Pomeroy, Program Director

                                           Madison Children’s Home & Domestic Violence Program

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The Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence would like to express our deepest appreciation to you for your workshop presentations at our Annual Conference, “The Color of Change: Building a Movement Against Violence.”

Participant surveys from the conference indicate a very high approval rating, and advocates and allies expressed that what they learned will greatly benefit their programs and the victims they serve.  Your time, energy and willingness to share your experience, knowledge and skills ensured that this conference was a very successful training opportunity for advocates throughout Tennessee and across the country.

Again, everyone at the coalition would like to offer our most sincere thanks for everything you did during the conference to help us all improve victim advocacy and services in our communities.

                                    - Kathy England Walsh, Executive Director

                                      Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence