Beyond the Dais - The Stories of El Paso County
Rising from the Ashes: The Comprehensive Healing Approach of Kingdom Builders
El Paso County, Colorado, is home to an empowering organization called Kingdom Builders, dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. In a heartfelt episode of "Beyond the Dais," Scott Anderson sits down with Lisa Jenkins, the valiant founder and CEO of Kingdom Builders, to dive into her organization's life-changing programs and the transformative journey of rising from personal trauma to creating a pillar of sanctuary and growth for those in need.
A Foundation of Comprehensive Care: Kingdom Builders doesn't just offer a roof over heads; it provides a fully rounded, twelve-week program to equip individuals with the skills and mindset required to restart their lives. With a stipend and a curriculum that includes lessons on trauma, domestic abuse, and the delicate equilibrium between work and personal life, Lisa and her team have crafted a foundation for renewal that measures success in tangible turnarounds in the lives of program participants.
Building Skills and Employment Opportunities: The quest for employment is a significant aspect of self-sufficiency. Kingdom Builders works diligently to match individuals with jobs that align with their skills and interests while forging partnerships with local businesses to create a network of opportunity. Lisa emphasizes the importance of these partnerships, as employment plays a crucial role in preventing individuals from returning to abusive situations.
Investing in the Future: Youth Programs: Kingdom Builders extends its care to the youth of El Paso and Taylor counties with insightful programs that provide mentoring, educational support, and legal assistance. The impact of such initiatives is monumental, guiding young lives away from the precipice of violence and towards a path of stability and responsibility.
The Journey Behind Kingdom Builders: Lisa Jenkins's story is one of survival and inspiration, having started the organization with a deep understanding of the struggles faced by her clients. In this episode, listeners will hear about her escape from an abusive marriage and how she transformed her challenges into a beacon of hope for hundreds through Kingdom Builders.
Utilizing Community and Financial Support: With the assistance of the local community and strategic funding, including a notable $150,000 grant from El Paso County's allocation of ARPA funds, Kingdom Builders has enhanced its capabilities to assist individuals in crisis. From securing a second safe house to offering 24/7 support via their crisis line, the organization has fortified its resources to extend its helping hand even further.
Call to Action: How to Help: Lisa Jenkins reveals the myriad ways volunteers can get involved with Kingdom Builders, from providing on-call phone support to helping organize community outreach events. The organization also encourages support through donations, illustrating the power each one of us holds in shaping better outcomes for those in trauma.
The Unseen Load: Dealing with Secondary Trauma: A light is shined on the crucial topic of managing the emotional and mental toll of working with individuals overcoming deeply rooted trauma. Lisa attributes her resilience to her faith and her intrinsic motivation to aid others in their battles against abuse, depicting a picture of enduring strength and hopeful perseverance.
Spreading Awareness and Education: Continuing its outreach, Kingdom Builders hosts events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month and is planning a two-day Domestic Violence Conference. Lisa Jenkins stresses the significance of these events in empowering and informing the community to confront and reduce incidents of domestic violence.
Accessing Services at Kingdom Builders: The conversation with Lisa ends on a practical note, detailing how people can reach out for help through Kingdom Builders. Whether through the organization's website, social media, crisis link, or walk-in services, help is always within reach for those who seek it.
"Beyond the Dais" not only sheds light on the services provided by Kingdom Builders but also calls upon each listener to recognize their capacity to contribute. Lisa Jenkins and her team at Kingdom Builders have shown that hope can be restored and lives can be rebuilt, emboldening us all to play our part in nurturing the garden of humanity.
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