Emma Center’s Mother’s Day Brunch
Women experience PTSD twice as often as men, including men returning from war. In 2004 the Emma Center started as a support group meeting on the lawn at Arcata Plaza. We have grown to 700 members in 10 years.
The Center provides long-term services in a safe, empowering environment for any woman who has experienced trauma. Our Vision is to mend the long-term effects of abuse and trauma, including PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), dissociation, and other health problems that survivors experience.
One of our success stories is a woman (we will call "Jane") who at age 16, married a man who had already begun hitting her. Jane thought the marriage was her only option for escaping her abusive family and an uncle who was molesting her. The husband immediately isolated her from any source of support and she bore her first child at age 17, and the third at 22. During their nine year marriage he convinced Jane that she was worthless, deserved her violent treatment and, that with three children and no education or work experience, she had no other choice but to stay with him.
Through the Emma Center, Jane experienced the understanding, encouragement and counseling services she needed to escape her situation and rebuild her life. She has since graduated college, is working at a meaningful job and has become a passionate supporter of women survivors.
Women in violent circumstances need to know they are not alone in their struggle to heal. They need help to start making positive loving choices for themselves and their children, and learn to
participate in healthy relationships.
The Emma Center arranges referrals to healing service providers including counselors and bodyworkers. The Center also collaborates with organizations including Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, Victim Witness, County Mental Health and Rape Crisis.
Most traumatized women can't afford the healing services they need. There is no charge for our services that include support groups, classes, a lending library or just a cup of tea and someone to talk to.
Please join us for a joyful morning of live entertainment, excellent food and a silent auction at the Emma Center's Ninth annual Mothers Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11 at the Bayside Grange from 10 am to 1 pm.
This once a year event allows us to provide our services free of charge.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for kids, and are available at the door, or in advance at Bubbles in Arcata.
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