Greetings from the Wounded Women Project,
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My name is Arleen Vance and I am the founder of the newly established
ministry, the Wounded Women Project, I embarked on the journey to find
my purpose 23 years ago. On this journey, I have had several experiences
and encounters that had me involved with engaging,encouraging, and
uplifting women. This was ironic to me because I really didn't deal with
women outside of my circle because of bad experiences with friendships.
I continued to think that I would make my encounters with women minimal
but God had another plan.
There was prophesy spoken over my life during a church service years
ago, that I would be very influential in the lives of many women that would
extend far beyond the mid-south to a national arena. God placed a magnet
on me to attract hurting, abused, and wounded women.
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He began using me to uplift and encourage women on my job, working in
a women's hospital; at my church facilitating and coordinating small groups
and events; and in the community. He has entrusted me to help and
empower women from every facet of life. I have an innate passion for the challenges and problems that women encounter and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I have used several unique platforms to reach women in that place where they are.
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God has revealed my purpose and has entrusted me to be a motivating force in the lives of women; therefore, the Wounded Women Project was established. This ministry is my heart's desire to reach broken and wounded women through a unique dramatization of personal testimonies from women who were once wounded themselves.
Enclosed you will find more information about the Wounded Women Project and how we can share this ministry with your organization.
Sincerely,
Arleen A. Vance (Wounded But Healed)
"My Testimony"
I am a survivor of several bad experiences in my life. I was raised in a Christian home where my mother was Evangelist and my father was the neighborhood child molester, pimp, manipulator and abuser. I was molested by my biological father from the age of 7 until my pre-teens. At the age of 15, I willingly had sex with a boy for the first time and later found out that I was pregnant. Not having an understanding about pregnancy, I thought I was pregnant by my father and lived in fear of my child being developmentally delayed because of incest. This fear caused me to drink poison in attempt to abort my unborn child.
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As I got older, my father begins pimping me to his friends and to the highest bidder. All of this led me to have hatred of men thus created curiosity about women. Also, I got married knowing that I was still wounded, and I became the "ABUSER." I tried to kill my husband, I attempted to run over him, I stabbed him, and I shot at him because of the hidden pain that I kept secretly inside of me. These experiences also led me to become a Madame, where I created a group of women to provide exotic entertainment, dancing, and other services, including a few family members.
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My past trauma has damaged several relationships and created bitterness until I received total divine healing and deliverance. When God gave me the vision of the Wounded Women Project, I often questioned the reason why he would want me to birth such a ministry. He provided me with a glimpse of my past to show me that my wounds were not in vain and through this ministry, several women and men will be able to relate, release, and renew their identity in Him. He showed me that the trauma of my past will become a testimony of the future that will provide deliverance to others.
Prophetess Connie Settles
"Battered and Abused"
My name is Minister Connie Settles. I am a widow with no children who has suffered years of physical, emotional, and mental abuse. I suffered years of violence and abuse at the hands of my husband. I suffered several miscarriages because of abusive hitting and language. This abuse caused several other issues in dealing with myself and others. I walked in fear until I came to know God’s love. He has delivered, protected, and covered me throughout my experiences. He has set me free and has used me in a way where I can be a walking testimony to others.
Fatondra Gardner
"Narrator"
My name is Fatondra Gardner. I’m 42 years old, married with two children. I am a woman who doubted her self-worth and dealt with issues of low self-esteem, abandonment, physical, emotional, and mental abuse growing up as child and later during relationships. These issues caused me to accept things and remain in a relationship that I knew wasn’t right for me for several years. I lost myself and who I was because I was trapped in bondage and didn’t know how to get out. However, I continued to have faith, worship, serve, and stay with God in spite of my pain. He has delivered me and continues to show me who I am and restore the way I see myself.
Marie Woods
"Scorned Little Girl"
My name is Marie Woods. I am a 43 year old mother of two. I am a survivor of sexual abuse, mental health issues, and the pain of abandonment. I grew up in the home with foster parents of another race, which forced me to adapt culturally. Though these were some harsh experiences, God has used my story to bring hope and healing to others, as well as myself. God gave me strength and courage to transform from victim to survivor. Now I’m happily married, walking in my purpose, sharing my testimony, and using my story to bring awareness, inspire, empower, and let victims know that they are not alone.
Evangelist Rhonda Thomas
"Motivational Speaker"
My name is Evangelist Rhonda Thomas. I'm a 62 year old widow, who experienced domestic violence in the home as a child. The trauma from my childhood caused me to make poor decisions as a child and an adult. I became involved in several relationships and ended up becoming a teenager mother. I was verbally, mentally and emotionally abused, abandoned with children, and even suffered the loss of a son. I have survived domestic abuse, depression, homelessness, abandonment and divorce. These life experiences have strengthened and equipped me to walk in my purpose. I am continuously walking in humility, joy, peace and love through the Holy Spirit. God has anointed me with the divine calling to preach, teach and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Belvia Milligan
"The Silent Bride" & Motivational Speaker"
My name is Pastor Belvia Milligan. I have struggled with low self-esteem, identity issues, and emotional and mental abuse. At the age of 8, I experienced childhood trauma that left me feeling confused, scared, and hurt. This event impacted my sense of self and sexuality.
I later found myself in challenging relationships, including two marriages. One of my husbands struggled with infidelity and he exhibited behaviors that subjected me to mental, emotional, and verbal abuse.
Shockingly, I discovered my marriage was invalid due to his pre-existing marriage. I endured 12 painful years of abuse in that invalid marriage. Despite these difficulties, I have found resilience and strength, which now informs my work as a pastor." I learned that "There is Treasure In Your Cry" as Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Evangelist Danielle Williams
" Rest In Peace" Triumphant Sister
April 3, 1977 - January 8, 2021
"Potential Inmate" & Motivational Speaker
Prophetess Loretta Jackson
My name is Evangelist Danielle Williams and I’m a 46 year old mother of 5. I was exposed to drugs, alcohol, and abuse my entire childhood. I was a full blown alcoholic by the age of 12 and later became addicted to cocaine. I battled these addictions for over 20 years. These addictions surfaced as a result of dealing with rape, abandonment, physical abuse, exotic dancing and other past trauma. During my addictions, I tried to commit suicide 7 times and was even diagnosed with a mental health condition. However, through all of this , God made me realize that He had a plan and purpose for my life. Everyday is a struggle but God still shields and protects me in the midst of my healing and recovery process.
He saved me so I can share my story with the world and let others know You can overcome!
My name is Prophetess Lorretta Jackson and I'm a domestic violence survivor, who had to fight for my life and freedom. In 1996, my life forever changed due to a domestic violence incident that not only would be the worst fight of my life but also landed me in jail facing First Degree Murder charges, when self-defense laws didn't exist. This caused an 18 month battle of me trying to prove my innocence and show the court that I was the victim of repeated physical, mental and emotional abuse. The horrible experience created a powerful testimony of redemption, salvation and forgiveness.
Facing 45 to 60 years, for the death of my abuser, I did not serve one day in prison. I am currently married married with 5 children and I continue to be a voice to others by sharing my testimony.
Elizabeth Melvin
Elizabeth Melvin is my name, and resilience is my story. I am a survivor of childhood trauma, including rape and molestation, struggled with relationships and became a teenage mom. From a young age, I faced unimaginable challenges, including sexual abuse and family turmoil, leading me to seek love and validation in unhealthy ways. However, I've transformed my struggles into strengths, becoming a strong, educated woman with a degree in criminal justice. My journey has included overcoming teenage motherhood, homelessness, and mental health battles, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
With the help of God, I've survived abuse, depression, and suicidal attempts by jumping into the river but I've never lost sight of my potential. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I no longer require medication or personal therapy.
I'm a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit.
But I still believe that “Broken Crayons Still Colors.”
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Bridgette Baughtman
My name is Bridgette Baughtman, and my life's journey has been marked by profound challenges. I've faced depression, suicidal thoughts, and hospitalization, and endured traumatic experiences, including being raped at 14 and 24. The latter resulted in a pregnancy with twins, but tragically, I lost one of them in a car accident.
Despite these hardships, sharing my story has brought me healing and a deeper appreciation for my surviving daughter, who brings immense purpose to my life. However, the aftermath also led to mental health struggles and self-harm. Feeling isolated, I distanced myself from my church community.
Yet, my faith remains a source of strength, and trusting in God's plan gives me the courage to face each day. By speaking out about my experiences, I've discovered my voice and purpose, transforming my pain into resilience and hope."
Bernetta Griffin
As Bernetta Griffin, I stand proudly as a survivor of abuse, shining a beacon of hope for others. My journey from darkness to light is a testament to resilience. Despite lasting scars, I've triumphed over mental health struggles, and addiction. Despite the obstacles I was diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but I refused let my circumstances define me. A relationship that began with charm devolved into mental, physical, verbally and emotional abuse, but I refused to surrender. Hitting rock bottom sparked my rebirth. Seeking help on January 8, 2024,
I began rebuilding with support from the Wounded Women Project. Now, I'm living proof that healing is within reach, empowering others to rise above their struggles, and embracing a brighter future. Through faith and God's love, I have emerged as a beacon of hope, proving that healing, growth, and empowerment are possible for all.