child who may have been subjected to or could currently be in a position to be subjected to a traumatic experience, or someone who just needs something positive to do while home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our free online workshops are available for you, your family, and your friends.” City leaders from the U.S. House of Representatives in Congressman Steve Cohen’s office, joined forces with city and county representatives from both Mayor’s offices, Amro Music Store, Independent Bank, the Memphis Police Department, and Pound 4 Pound Motorcycle Club to make sure the events held the week of March 9th were a success. Since opening, the sexual violence crime rate in ZIP Code 38118 (where NMSF is located) has decreased by over 20% according to the Juvenile Abuse Bureau. To that end and beyond, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris presented the organization with a proclamation and certificate proclaiming March 9th, 2020, as Coping Through the Arts Day in Shelby County. “The entire week was dedicated strictly to the students of Iowa,” said Wilson who had external activities that included a visit downtown for lunch and a trip to the Memphis Cotton Exchange Museum. “Talk about an amazing time at the No More Silence Foundation!” The Coping Through the Arts Teen Workshop was created to promote coping strategies and enrichment in the arts, leadership development, safer environments, investment for the future, and an over-all sense of well-being in all communities for teens while assisting victims of abuse and otherwise to strengthen their personal self-esteem, develop better financial and literary strategies, build better relationships, and in understanding how to prevent sexual violence before it happens. Including break-out sessions for the students to be in smaller groups, the morning events included “Journal Writing in My Art,” where students were guided on exercising self-love and understanding their unique gifts, developing individual and collaborative strengths, and more; Community Outreach (C.O.P.S.) which exposed them to police officer interactions that provided life scenarios of choices and consequences; and basic violin lessons taught by Violinist Donna Wolf. The afternoon focus turned to events that included basic sewing lessons and the agencies signature Prevention, Education, and Coping (P.E.C.) program. The first day’s events concluded with a financial literacy workshop geared towards students in grades 9 through 12. Sponsored by independent bank, the financial segment, which covered savings and checking accounts and why protecting your pin number is important, was hosted by Timico Cox, NMSF volunteer board member and Independent Bank Officer/Business Development. “One in ten children experience sexual abuse before they turn 18. Over 60% of abuse is not reported. Thirty-five percent of victims are 11 years old or younger. Forty percent are abused by an older or larger child. More than 90% of rapists never spend a day in jail or prison and over half of the victims know their attacker,” says Wilson. “Support NMSF and help us to end the silence today!” PHOTO By Yvonne D. Nelson 13
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