Shining Light In Darkness (SLID)

A Full Circle Moment with Senator Sydney Batch Back in 2019, Shining Light in Darkness had the incredible opportunity to sit down with then-Representative Sydney Batch to share our mission and the "why" behind our work. Fast forward to 2025, what a journey it’s been! Shining Light has grown by leaps and bounds and so has she. We were honored to reconnect with now Senator Sydney Batch, the newly appointed Democratic Leader and the first woman from either party to hold this powerful leadership position in the North Carolina General Assembly. Talk about making HERstory! Senator Batch continues to be a fierce advocate, a trailblazer, and a shining example of leadership in action. Thank you, Senator, for believing in Shining Light from the beginning and for standing boldly with survivors whose voices deserve to be heard, protected, and empowered. We’re grateful for her unwavering support not just for Shining Light, but for survivors, families, and communities across North Carolina. Thank you, Senator, for believing in us then and now. #SenatorSydneyBatch #WomensHistory #Leadership #SupportSurvivors #Advocacy #NorthCarolina #WeAreShiningALight

This week, members of our Shining Light In Darkness team stepped into the halls of the NC General Assembly with a mission, to amplify the voices of survivors and advocate for real change. We had the honor of engaging in deep, heartfelt conversations with some of North Carolina’s dedicated leaders: Rep. Maria Cervania, Rep. Allen Buansi, Rep. Abe Jones, Rep. Kanika Brown, and Democratic Leader Sydney Batch, the first woman to lead a party in the NC General Assembly. One of the most inspiring moments was how our Junior Advocate, Alyssa, a fearless 10th grader, left a lasting impression on every official she met. With wisdom beyond her years, she passionately advocated for her peers, proving that the next generation is ready to lead the charge for justice and support for survivors. We are deeply grateful to these champions of change who took the time to see, listen, and strategize on ways to support Shining Light In Darkness and, most importantly, the victims and survivors across North Carolina. Your voice matters, too! Join us in standing up for survivors and pushing for policies that create real impact. Let’s work together to build a future where every survivor is seen, heard, supported, and empowered. Share this post, tag your representatives, and remind them that survivor support is not just necessary, IT’S NON-NEGOTIABLE!!!!! #ShiningLightForSurvivors #AdvocacyInAction #SupportSurvivors #NCGeneralAssembly #WeAreShiningALight Catherine Leake

Recently, we were honored to host a powerful domestic violence training for the compassionate community at St. Paul’s of Durham. Led by our dedicated Education & Outreach Specialist, Laura Yeomans, the session, titled “How Can We Help Family, Friends, Church Members Suffering Domestic Abuse?”, sparked uplifting conversations about recognizing signs of abuse, offering support, and fostering true healing. We are immensely grateful for St. Paul’s openness to learning and their determination to uplift vulnerable individuals in times of crisis. At our core, we believe faith-based communities hold tremendous potential to be beacons of hope for survivors of domestic violence. If your congregation or organization is ready to stand against abuse and be a catalyst for change, we invite you to partner with us. Let’s work together to create safe, nurturing spaces for those in need and empower every member of your faith community with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively. Reach out today at [email protected] to learn more about our training and take the next step in becoming champions of safety, compassion, and healing. #StopDomesticViolence #FaithInAction #CommunityEmpowerment #WeAreShiningALight

Here we grow again! It’s a tremendous honor to welcome a truly remarkable woman who not only believes in our mission but also embodies the passion and purpose behind it. We’re excited to introduce Tanisha Bagley Maxson to #TeamShiningLight! Tanisha is an accomplished author, dynamic public speaker, driven entrepreneur, and powerful advocate for survivors of domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault. Her courageous personal story of overcoming those very hardships herself has moved and motivated audiences nationwide. She’s devoted her life to educating and inspiring people of all ages, speaking from her experiences to spark hope, change, and the determination to save lives. Tanisha’s transformative work includes training over seven hundred Raleigh North Carolina Police Officers; guiding the North Carolina Department of Corrections; partnering on Expos, Vigils, and Panels; and empowering youth in middle schools, high schools, universities, churches, and book clubs. Her efforts extend even further with her rehabilitation work in the S.O.A.R. (Sexual Offenders Accountability and Responsibility) Program and the S.T.O.P. and Change Direction Domestic Violence Education and Treatment Program, proving that her impact has no bounds. We are beyond grateful to have Tanisha’s unwavering dedication and fearless leadership on our team. Join us in giving her the warmest welcome, and let’s continue shining a light of hope, healing, and support for every survivor out there. The time for change is NOW!!! Survivors are counting on us. Let’s be louder than silence, stronger than fear, and more united than ever. Stand with us. Speak out. Take action. Because together, we’re not just making a difference, we’re saving lives. #SurvivorStrong #EndDomesticViolence #HopeAndHealing #TogetherWeRise #WeAreShiningALight

We thrive on building meaningful connections with our incredible community partners! This week, we had the privilege of spending time with Atria Senior Living, whose generosity is making a real difference by collecting donations for our Emergency Housing Program, providing safety and stability for survivors in crisis. We also had powerful conversations with our partners at Shaw University, exploring new ways to bring impactful programming to their students and administration. Together, we're expanding support, education, and resources to those who need it most! Want to be part of the change? Whether it's donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, YOU can help us uplift survivors and create a stronger, safer community. Join us today! Visit https://lnkd.in/dzEQYMT to get involved. #CommunityMatters #SupportSurvivors #StrongerTogether #WeAreShiningALight

Shining Light In Darkness joined NCCASA & NCCADV’s Joint Legislative Advocacy Day, where we stood alongside advocates, survivors, and allies to ensure that the voices of those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault are heard at the highest levels. We had the privilege of speaking with NC legislators like Representatives Kanika Brown, Allen Buansi, and Maria Cervania, and we attended a powerful press conference led by Representative Monika Johnson-Hostler, featuring District Attorney Seth Banks and Morrisville Chief of Police Pete Acosta. We also got a chance to catch up with Legislative Asst. Cathy Leake. Their commitment to justice and survivor support was clear, but now, we need action. Survivors can’t wait. Policies that protect and empower them must be prioritized. You can help! Contact your legislators, demand funding and stronger protections for survivors, and support organizations on the frontlines. Take Action Today: Call or email your representatives Share this message to amplify survivor voices Donate to support crisis services Together, we can create a North Carolina where every survivor is safe, supported, and heard. Will you stand with us? #FundingForSurvivors #SurvivorsDeserveAction #EndTheViolenceNC #JusticeForSurvivors #LegislatorsListen #WeAreShiningALight

We are humbled and overflowing with gratitude to Pastor Tyrus Hinton, and the incredible leadership team at World Overcomers in Durham for welcoming ED Dudley to share the heart and mission of Shining Light In Darkness. World Overcomers in Durham has been called one of the fastest-growing churches in America. ED delivered a powerful and engaging presentation on how WE SEE, WE HEAR, and WE SUPPORT survivors, igniting a room full of compassionate leaders eager to make a difference. The energy in the room was electric! The discussion was so impactful that!!! Pastor Hinton’s inspiring commitment that World Overcomers will be partnering with us to bring transformative support to bring hope and healing to survivors in our community! A special shoutout to the phenomenal and welcoming women who stepped up, ready to volunteer and be part of this movement! Your commitment means everything, and we can’t wait to see the impact we’ll create together. ??????????-?????????? ??????????????????????, ???? ???????? ??????!!!!!! Now, we’re calling on other churches and faith-based organizations! Survivors need communities of faith to rise up, take action, and be a safe haven. Will your church be next? Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are in desperate need of safe spaces, resources, and unwavering support—and the church is called to be a place of refuge. Let’s build a movement of faith-driven advocacy and support. If your church, mosque, synagogue, or faith-based organization is ready to be the hands and feet of healing, let’s connect! Message us today to explore how your faith community can stand in solidarity with survivors at [email protected]. Together, we can turn faith into action and make a lasting impact.? #FaithInAction #SupportSurvivors #WeAreShiningLight #PartnershipForChange #WeSeeYou #WeHearYou #WeSupportYou ***Legal Disclaimer: Shining Light In Darkness does not own the rights to any music used in this content. All rights to the respective music remain with the original artists and copyright holders. No copyright infringement is intended.*** Florida DeVaul-Dudley, M.Ed., CFTP, CTSS, CMLC, Ebony Dill, PhD, Rada Mills, Victor B. George, JD, Felicia Tittle, Ed.D, Whitney Gatling, M.S., LCMHCS, O'Ne D., SPHR, Jamie G., Catherine Leake, Angelyn Smith

A huge thank you to Pastor Antonio Wood Sr. and the incredible community at Evans Solid Rock Church for All People in Wake Forest for welcoming us with open arms! We were honored to join a dynamic panel of changemakers, all dedicated to uplifting community and survivors in strengthening our communities. The energy in the room was undeniable, and the commitment to healing and justice was truly inspiring. Even more exciting? We’re thrilled to partner with Healing Works, the nonprofit arm of Evans Solid Rock Church, to expand our impact and provide life-changing support to those in need. Together, we’re building a future where every survivor is seen, heard, supported, and empowered. ??????????-?????????? ??????????????????????, ???? ???????? ??????!!!!!! Churches, ministries, and faith leaders, your role in the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault is crucial. If your congregation is ready to be a beacon of hope, let’s connect! Partner with us to bring education, support, and healing to those who need it most. Stay tuned for an amazing program resulting from the partnership of Shining Light In Darkness and Healing Works!! Message us today at [email protected] to learn how your faith-based institution can make a lasting difference! #WeSeeYou #WeHearYou #WeSupportYou #FaithInAction #HealingTogether #WeAreShiningLight

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Atria Senior Living Center in Durham for welcoming us to share our mission of supporting survivors! Your kindness and engagement mean the world. A special shoutout to Ms. Dottie, your dedication and service with the Office for Victims of Crime have made a lasting impact. We honor and appreciate you! Together, we can create a world where every survivor feels seen, heard, and supported. Join us in this movement, whether through advocacy, donations, or simply spreading awareness. Every action makes a difference! Get involved today! Visit https://lnkd.in/dzEQYMT #SupportSurvivors #CommunityMatters #WeAreShiningALight

EXCITING NEWS! We are beyond excited to announce our partnership with the Diaper Bank of North Carolina! Because of their incredible work, we can now provide critical essentials, diapers, formula, and period products to the survivors and families who need them most. For so many, these are not just items. They are hope. Dignity. Relief. They mean a baby stays clean and healthy, a parent has one less worry, and a survivor regains confidence in their daily life. A massive THANK YOU to Michelle and Jannice for the warm welcome, an insightful tour of your Hillsborough facility, and an inspiring conversation about how we can work together to serve our community even better. Your passion for ensuring no one goes without is truly amazing! Want to be part of the impact? Here’s how YOU can help: Support Shining Light In Darkness (SLID) Light In Darkness - donate, volunteer, and or share our mission Support the DIAPER BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA- donate fund or host a drive. Visit the Diaper Bank at https://lnkd.in/gJmyTeBP Give your time - volunteer at either organization to make a direct impact in your community Every action matters. Together, we can ensure no survivor or family is left behind! #WeAreShiningALight #DiaperBankNC #HopeInAction #DignityForAll #CommunityLove #SupportSurvivors #NoOneGoesWithout