Jamie Hilao

This year, I sent an email asking friends & family, near & far, to help support a non-profit organization for which I serve on the Board: A Window Between Worlds.

I pledged to raise $200 via the campaign I created on our newly launched fundraising tool.

At Windows, our mission is to use art as a catalyst to initiate the healing journey that transforms a victim of domestic violence into a survivor. Through a single art workshop, our participants can begin to feel empowered to reclaim their lives, breaking the cycle of abuse.

Our programs aim to:

• Make art available as a powerful resource for domestic violence survivors,
• Assist domestic violence agencies in creating vital, permanent art programs, and
• Leverage the impact of our work through collaboration.

With a budget of only $475,000, AWBW’s staff of ten supports 500 in-shelter leaders reaching 40,000 survivors. Thanks to our lean operating plan 86% of our annual budget goes directly to programs, an enviable ratio for most non-profits.

Some quotes from participants of our program:

“I feel each art group I go to is a step of progress of never getting back into a violent relationship.”
Women’s Windows Participant, Mandalas: Past, Present, and Future
Shasta County Women’s Refuge

“My scarecrow needs a lot of protection because she is being called lots of names. I will make my scarecrow stronger and she will be able to say what she feels. She will stand up for her rights.”
Children’s Windows Participant, My Scarecrow
House of Ruth

I am so grateful for all of the support I’ve received; within less than a day, I surpassed my goal, raised $365, and am hoping to raise more. Thanks so much to all of you who contributed! If you’d like to support this cause, please click here.

Personally, things are hectic but I remain optimistic. Last week, I was sick AGAIN with a fever of almost 103 degrees (thankfully, for only 24 hours), Sony layoffs were officially announced in the trades, and things with my legal shit-uation are not yet over.

On a positive note…

• My friends really came through for me when I was sick (thanks Brian, Momo & Paul!);
• I saw a few great films that raised awareness on the Zanskari Buddhist culture (Journey from Zanskar) and on the day-to-day struggles of soldiers in Iraq The Hurt Locker);
• I had a great book club meeting (Nicole Krauss’ The History of Love);
• I had my first life coaching session, which I hope will keep me on track with the goals I set this year;
• I attended a few challenging yoga classes and am slowly getting stronger every day;
• I participated in a wonderful training for non-profit leaders and helped set AWBW’s goals for the year;
• I am officially Ninang Jamie to my adorable cousin Mateo Gabriel.

And… I’m looking forward to spending the weekend with my gal pals at AWBW’s annual V-Day fundraiser.

The positive occurrences far outweigh the negative ones, and for that, I am grateful.