REBUILD| RESTORE| TRANSFORM
Empowering Programs
DreamBuilder International Entrepreneurship Program
REGISTER TODAY FOR UPCOMING COED COHORT⤵️
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DreamBuilder International Entrepreneurship Program is a free business skills training and certification program. The programs courses will teach you the basics of starting and growing a business including marketing, pricing, and management.
DreamBuilder virtual training program provides a step-by-step framework for launching or growing your own small business. Learn through engaging and interactive courses designed to be completed in one-two hours. Included in this interactive course are featured interviews with successful entrepreneurs, plus animations, exercises, and games designed to help you learn the most important business concepts.
Learn the foundation for starting a business like planning, marketing, pricing, management, accounting, managing risk, finding funding, setting goals, and more. Additionally, participants will be guided, trained, mentored, and coached by certified business and entrepreneur coaches from the USA and Ghana.
Whether you are just starting or already own a business that you are looking to grow, this program will help you hone your skills in key areas. Throughout the program, the courses and weekly sessions will guide you through the process of launching or growing your own business by completing a personalized business plan while developing a success entrepreneurial mindset that will help turn your dream into a reality.
Domestic Violence Workshops
Journey to Peace Domestic Violence Workshops
What is domestic violence? What are the dynamics of abuse? How are our perceptions about the issue shaped and then at times made rigid by the media and our personal experiences? In addition to basic definitions, this workshop explores the deeper underpinnings of intimate partner violence and our role as a community to address this epidemic.
SJTP provides educational presentations throughout the community in order to raise awareness about domestic violence in a social justice framework to help change the beliefs and practices that allow violence to happen. SJTP staff members are available to give presentations to community groups and organizations throughout the USA including businesses, schools, colleges/Universities, student groups, faith based organizations, fellowships, and social service agencies.
Moving Ahead Workshop
Survivor’s Journey to Peace In partnership with the AllState Foundation offers an online/virtual financial literacy workshop Moving Ahead. The Moving Ahead financial literacy financial workshop is designed to help domestic violence survivors achieve financial independence and rebuild their lives.
THE ART OF HEALING WORKSHOP
Art of Healing Workshop is designed for Survivors of intimate partner abuse are invited to participate in these afternoons of art-making, processing, and community. Participants will be led through art and writing activities with a focus on expression, hope, healing, and strengths. No previous art-making or writing experience is required.
DRUNK IN LOVE
Drunk in Love is an interactive workshop on love, intimacy, and healthy relationships. This workshop offers a crash course on setting your relationship up for success. We will share strategies that can be used in your partnership to increase communication and trust. Bring a partner with you or come solo!
SEEDS OF COURAGE
Seeds of courage is a financial workshop focused on sowing economical empowerment for domestic violence survivors. This financial literacy workshop offers estate planning, budgeting, wealth building, financial empowerment, credit restoration, and Will preparation.
BECAUSE I LOVE YOU
Because I Love You was created to help facilitate and foster conversations on how to talk to the people in your life about the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
CAREER COACHING
Career Coaching on one end of the spectrum is the personal development side of career coaching that helps you answer the big questions in life such "what are you passionate about?", "What do you really want to do?" and "What career legacy do you want to leave behind?"
On the other end of the career coaching spectrum are the technical job searching services such as resume writing, preparing for interviews, and developing job searching skills. Career coaching designed to get you not just a job but the career your dream career.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP COACHING
Entrepreneurship coaching will keep individuals on their toes and make sure that they are hitting the important goals they need to achieve in order to realize success. Our Entrepreneurship coaches keep entrepreneurs from stagnating and help to move the process along so individuals can see results and also provide good insights into what the future holds. Our sole job as an entrepreneur coach is to get the entrepreneur where they want and need to be.
WORKSHOPS FOR PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Our workshops will discuss the myths, realities, dynamics, and impact of domestic abuse. We will explore options and services that are available to victims/survivors. Participants will leave with concrete knowledge, tools, and resources to support those who have experienced domestic violence.
Additionally, we can include the following areas of focus to the workshop, as requested:
Impact of Domestic Violence on Youth
Learn the impact of domestic violence on youth and resiliency factors that create healing.
Safety Planning
Acquire skills and tools in developing short- and long-term safety strategies with survivors.
How to Support Survivors
Explore conversation starters and gain tools to support friends, family, or clients in an abusive relationship.
Effects of Trauma on the Brain
Learn how the brain and body react to crisis and common trauma responses of survivors.
In Their Shoes Interactive Activity
This education tool allows participants to move through the experiences of a victim/survivor.
Digital Abuse and Technology Safety
Examine digital tactics of abuse, safety planning considerations, and how technology can support survivors.
Survivor’s Journey to Peace Domestic Violence Services
Hear an overview of Survivor’s Journey to Peace Domestic Violence Services and how to refer survivors for services.
For more information about our domestic violence, trauma & resilience programs, trainings, and workshop series, and speaker engagements contact: Sandy Smith Survivorsjourneytopeac@gmail.com
CAREER|PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT|IMAGE PROGRAM
Making a Difference Through Empowerment
Through our Support Services, we have the potential to make a real and positive change in the community. This is one of our key areas of focus here at Survivor's Journey to Peace, and a source of much success for our Non-Profit Organization.
Whether you’re a veteran or a new graduate, have served time, lost your home, or simply can’t afford what you need for your job search—SJTP can help.
We know you have the desire and ability to be a valuable member of the workforce and your community. You just need the right opportunity and some professional support to help you get back on your feet.
As an Milwaukee -based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and NGO in Accra Ghana, SJTP provides career advice, skills training, image makeovers, life coaching, and other resources to those struggling to re-enter the workforce.
Since inception we’ve helped many clients like you successfully transform their lives through good, stable jobs.
WHAT’S YOUR STORY
We want to hear about your life, your challenges, and how we can help.
Based on your needs and goals, we’ll work with you and our partners to provide personalized job-seeker training, a full-service image makeover, new, stylish interview clothes, and follow-up resources and support.
Professional Development Training
We provide clients with personalized career guidance, as well as:
Technology training
Soft skills practice
Job search techniques
Life Coaching
We match each client with a Success Coach. As accountability partners, mentors, and advocates, our Success Coaches are committed to motivating and supporting their clients to find career and personal success.
Professional Image Transformation
All clients are offered a complete, head-to-toe makeover, including a private wardrobe consultation, interview-appropriate clothing and accessories, an appointment with our professional styling team or barber, and a personal take-home grooming kit.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your financial donation will give us the support we need to help our neighbors get ready, get the job, and get back on their feet.
To make an immediate and direct impact in the lives of our clients, you may choose a suggested package of support. We also welcome general donations in any amount. All donations are tax-deductible and will be used to fund the listed services offered through our programs, as well as to offset our operational and administrative costs.
The year was founded, we helped 43 people polish their professional images and skills. Since then, were committed to help individuals go from not knowing where to start, to knowing exactly how to get back into today’s competitive job market. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our neighbors and neighborhoods, today and every day.
The Total Professional Package
GIVE $500
Provides the following for one client (a $2,500 value):
Professional Development Training
Soft-skills employment training (10 two-hour sessions)
Career coaching
Image Makeover
Access to office services (computer, printer, fax, scanner, telephone, etc.)
THE CONFIDENCE CLOSET: Image & Wardrobe Packages
THE JOB OFFER PACKAGE — GIVE $175
Provides the following for one client (an $1,800 value):
Personalized coaching from a professional Wardrobe Stylist
One week’s worth of coordinated appropriate work attire
Coordinated shoes and accessories
THE INTERVIEW PACKAGE — GIVE $100
Provides the following for one client (a $1,000 value):
One private, personalized image consultation
Interview-appropriate outfits
Coordinating shoes and accessories
One session with our professional styling team
Your donation—in any amount—is truly appreciated. Thank you for your support!
We greatly appreciate donations of new and like-new items for use in our programs. Your contributions help clients go into their interviews feeling prepared, polished, professional, and ready to present themselves as the best candidates for the job.
Donations are currently needed for:
Image Transformations
WOMEN’S
Suits (Plus Size)
Suit dresses (Plus Size)
Slacks
Skirts
Blouses
Scarves
New pantyhose
Shoes
Personal grooming tools
Cosmetics
MEN’S
Suits
Dress shirts
Trousers
Sport coats
Ties / pocket squares
New socks
Shoes
Belts
Watches
Personal grooming tools
Professional Development Program
Notebooks
Portfolios
Laptop bags/messenger bags/briefcases
Pens
Zip drives
Business card cases
What we love
Quality & designer labels
Freshly dry-cleaned or laundered & ironed clothing
Items on hangers, preferably (except accessories)
Items no more than three years old
New or like-new shoes
What we cannot accept
Dirty clothing
Sleepwear
Casual, sporty, or evening attire
Undergarments
Used cosmetics, toiletries, grooming products, or pantyhose
Leather or suede clothing
Corduroy
Denim
Sneakers
Open-toe shoes
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. We rely on industry professionals to donate their time and talents as part of our transformation team, helping clients look, feel, and be more confident, capable, and successful.
We're currently seeking volunteers with the following expertise and interests. All skill levels and degrees of experience are welcome.
Make-Up Artist
Human Resources Professional
Support Staff
Translator
Hair Stylist
Barber
Wardrobe Stylist
SPONSORSHIPS
The SJTP team appreciates and celebrates our corporate sponsors!
These partnerships allow us to bring broader and better employment training services and career readiness programs to more men and women throughout greater Milwaukee and Ghana.
We welcome sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships that reward everyone involved—our sponsors, our organization and, most importantly, the clients we serve together.
SJTP is committed to providing our partners select sponsorship and branding opportunities that fit their individual needs. We tailor each relationship to achieve partners’ marketing objectives and provide valuable brand awareness, while also highlighting the mission of SJTP.
For more information on how your organization can get involved with
Survivor’s Journey to Peace, please email Survivorsjourneytopeace@gmail.com
SJTP Mission to Eradicate Domestic Violence
Anything Is Possible
Commitment, transparency, innovation. These three values have stood at the center of the Survivor's Journey to Peace mission since our founding in 2000. We wholeheartedly commit to the work we do with passion and dedication, transparently sharing it with the Milwaukee community as well as globally and inviting others to take part. On top of this, we challenge ourselves to think creatively, applying an innovative approach to all that we do. This mission drives the continued success of Survivor's Journey to Peace.
Every 9 Seconds in the US a Woman is Assaulted or Beaten
Domestic violence takes many forms and may look very different depending on the relationship. Knowing how to recognize the signs of domestic violence in a relationship is important.
Understanding Domestic Violence
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines domestic violence as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.”
Gaining power is at the heart of domestic violence. The abuser wants to maintain power and control. Domestic violence is not limited to physical violence. It takes many forms. It may involve verbal or emotional abuse. Domestic violence may include sexual or economic abuse. In some cases, the perpetrator will intentionally destroy the intended victim’s property or harm their pets. In some cases, the abuser will isolate the victim from family and friends.
Domestic violence does not discriminate. It touches people across race, age, gender and religious lines. It can occur regardless of someone’s level of education or socioeconomic status. Domestic violence occurs in both same-sex relationships and opposite-sex relationships.
When domestic violence occurs, it harms more than just the victim. It has a significant effect on friends, family members, coworkers and neighbors. Children who witness violence in the home are at particular risk. Children who are exposed to violence at home are more likely to experience problems, both physical and social. Children who are exposed to violence learn that violence is normal.
They grow up with an increased likelihood of becoming not just abusers, but victims of domestic violence.
At Survivor’s Journey to Peace, our goal is to provide a pathway that leads away from a life of chaos, abuse and fear and towards a future of safety and independence.
Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Violence
It’s hard to tell whether a partner will eventually become abusive.
Most relationships start off normally. As time goes by, however, behaviors change. A partner may become more controlling as the relationship grows. He or she may become possessive of the other person. These changes usually don’t happen overnight. They often occur gradually. Domestic violence takes many forms and may look very different depending on the relationship.
One thing that is very common in a domestic violence situation is that the abusive partner begins to exert power and control over the other partner in multiple ways. Knowing how to recognize the signs of domestic violence in a relationship is important.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is what most people envision when they think of domestic violence. Physical abuse may include punching, hitting, shoving or kicking. Some abusers will engage in biting, scratching or hair-pulling.
Psychological/Emotional Abuse
Some abusers engage in psychological abuse to control their partners. They use intimidation to cause fear and gain control. They may threaten to hurt themselves, their partner, family members, friends or pets. Some will work to isolate their partners from loved ones or prevent them from engaging in activities they enjoy.
Emotional Abuse
Abusers often try to exert power by breaking down their partner’s sense of self-worth. They may engage in name-calling or frequent criticism. Their words are meant to damage their partner’s self-esteem, making it easier for the abuser to wield power over the victim.
Sexual Abuse
Forcing sexual contact without consent is sexual abuse. Coercing a partner to engage in any sort of sexual act is abuse unless the partner willingly agrees. Making a partner engage in sex following physical violence is sexual abuse.
Financial/Economic Abuse
Financial abuse occurs when one partner limits access to financial assets in order to control the other partner. Many abusers seek to exert total control over the couple’s financial resources. An abuser may withhold money to make the partner financially dependent on him or her. In some cases, the abuser will forbid the partner to go to work and earn money. Without access to financial resources, the victim’s options are severely restricted, sometimes dangerously so.
Stalking and Cyberstalking Abuse
Stalking is another type of abuse in which one party directs harassing or threatening behavior toward the intended target. Stalkers typically engage in repeated behavior that causes fear for their victims. They may repeatedly attempt to contact their victims despite being aware that the communication is unwanted. “Cyberstalking, ” which means that the abuser is using technology to stalk his or her victim, is increasingly common.
Are You Ready to Take The First Step to a New Beginning?
Call Our 24-HOUR HOTLINE (414) 426-4728
There is Hope for Children Affected by Domestic Violence
Children are frequently victimized by domestic violence, even when they are not the targets of the abuser. When people think of domestic violence, they typically visualize adults as the target. The reality, in many cases, is that the adult is also a parent. Many are struggling to figure out how to escape the abuse while also protecting their children.
Children exposed to domestic violence are likely to develop behavioral problems, such as regressing, exhibiting out of control behavior and imitating behaviors. Children may think that violence is acceptable in an intimate relationship.
Adolescents are in jeopardy of academic failure, school drop-out, and substance abuse. Denial and aggression are their major forms of problem solving.
Teens cope with domestic violence by blaming others, encountering violence in a relationship, or by running away from home
Their behavior is often guarded and secretive about their family members and they may become embarrassed about their home situation. Adolescents generally don’t like to invite friends over and they spend their free time away from home.
At SJTP, we recognize the critical importance of providing safe solutions that will protect both the person being abused and the children whose lives are being impacted. The services provided at SJTP touch the lives of three times as many children as adults in an average year.
Domestic Violence FAQ
Anything Is Possible
What should I do if someone I know is experiencing domestic violence?
Victims of domestic violence are often embarrassed by what is happening or are in denial about their situation. If you have reason to believe that a friend, family member or neighbor is experiencing domestic violence, there are many ways you can try to help.
Start the conversation – Talk to the person and try to help her or him to open up. You may have to try several times before the person will confide in you. Be direct. Start by saying something like, “I’m worried about you because …” or “I’m concerned about your safety …”
Be a good listener and offer support – Listen. And believe what you hear. Too often, people don’t believe a victim when she or he first discloses the abuse that is occurring. Reassure the person that the abuse is not their fault. Let the person know that you are there for them. Do not judge. Focus on providing support and building self-confidence.
Connect the victim to local resources – Encourage the person to seek the help of a local domestic violence agency. Agencies can provide support, advice, services and referrals. They can help a victim with safety planning.
Be patient and stay involved – It can take a long time for a victim to recognize that she or he is experiencing domestic violence. It can take even longer before the victim is able to make safe decisions about how to get out of a domestic violence situation. Don’t tell the person to leave.
Don’t criticize her or him for staying. An abused woman faces the greatest risk at the point when she is separating from her abuser and immediately after leaving the abusive partner. Provide reassurance. Remind the victim that the abuse is not their fault. Acknowledge their strengths and remind the person frequently that she or he is coping well with a challenging and stressful situation.
What does the law say about domestic violence?
Criminal and civil law offers important protections for individuals who are experiencing domestic violence. If an assault has taken place and is reported, the police will investigate the crime. Where they have power of arrest, they will normally arrest the suspect. Where there is enough evidence, and if prosecution is in the public interest, the person who committed the assault will be prosecuted.
Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, a petition for an order of protection may be filed by a person who has been abused by a family or household member or by any person on behalf of a minor child or an adult who has been abused by a family or household member, and who, because of age, health, disability, or inaccessibility, cannot file the petition, or by any person on behalf of a high-risk adult with disabilities who has been abused, neglected or exploited by a family or household member.
However, any petition properly filed under this Act may seek protection for any additional persons protected by this Act.
Is it safe to go to a neighbor or relative’s house when deciding what to do?
The safest place for someone escaping domestic violence is one that’s not familiar to the abuser. If you make the decision to leave, it’s best to go to a location that the abuser doesn’t know about, such as a WINGS Safe House.
What if I’m NOT ready to leave my home and/or my partner? If you are experiencing domestic violence, but are not ready to leave your abuser, focus on making a safety plan. This is especially important if you are concerned that the abuse may escalate. Identify your partner’s use and level of force so that you can assess the risk of physical danger. Try to have a phone accessible at all times – and know what numbers to call for help. Know where the nearest public phone is located. If you believe your life is in danger, call 911 for police assistance.
Let trusted friends and neighbors know about your situation. Create a plan and a visual signal to let them know when you need help. Plan for your safety by making a list of what items you want to bring with you when you are ready to leave. (See below for more information about items you may want to collect before leaving a domestic violence situation.)
What help is available through WINGS if I’m ready to leave my abuser?
WINGS created two Safe Houses, which provide emergency safe haven from domestic violence for victims. A stay at a WINGS Safe House is often the first step towards a new life for those who are fleeing an abuser. In addition to providing emergency shelter, WINGS works to empower victims of domestic violence. We provide them with the tools they need to escape a dangerous situation and to move towards safety and self-sufficiency. WINGS provides a wide range of services to help our clients accomplish this. We provide crisis and mental health counseling, life skills and career training, and referrals to free community resources. WINGS also runs transitional and permanent housing programs that help victims and their children continue to move forward with rebuilding their lives after escaping a violent situation. Learn about your journey with WINGS.
What about my children? What can I say and/or do when violence occurs?
Too often, children are witnesses to domestic violence in the home. If you are a victim of domestic violence, explain to your children that violence is never right, even when someone they love is violent. Emphasize the importance of staying safe. Let children know that neither you, nor them, are at fault for the violence. Instruct children not to get involved if there is violence between you and your partner. Teach them how to get help when it’s needed. Plan a code word to signal to your children that they should summon help or get out of the house. If you are planning to leave your abuser, practice ways to get out of the home safely. Practice with your children.
I’m planning to leave my abusive partner. How do I prepare to get out?
Make a point to identify safe areas of your home that offer a means of escape. If arguments begin, try to move to those areas. Safe areas are generally areas of the home where there are no weapons. WINGS can help victims devise a safety plan and take many steps to ensure that they are able to escape safely when they are ready to leave.
What are the most important documents and items I should bring with me?
If your life is in danger, you may need to escape with nothing at all. However, if you have the opportunity to plan ahead, use the following lists to locate documents and items that can be helpful to victims who are leaving an abuser and starting a new life:
Identification
Driver’s license or state-issued ID card
Birth certificates (for you and your children, if any)
Social security card(s)
Financial information
Money and/or credit cards that are in your name
Checking, savings and other banking/financial account records
Legal Papers
Orders of protection, if any exist
Copies of housing records (e.g., leases, rental agreements, deed to your home)
Vehicle registration/vehicle insurance information
Insurance cards and records (e.g., health, life, homeowners)
Medical records (for you and your children, if any)
School records
Work permits/green card/visas
Passport(s)
Marriage license
Divorce and child custody papers
Emergency telephone numbers for:
Your local police and/or sheriff’s department
Your local domestic violence program or shelter
Friends, family members, neighbors
Your doctor’s office and local hospital
County and/or district attorney’s office
Other
Personal cell phone and/or pay-as-you-go phone
Medications
Extra set of house and car keys
Address book
Valuable jewelry
Photos and sentimental items
Several changes of clothes for you and your children
Emergency money
Red Flags & Safety Planning
There Is Hope
RED FLAGS
Below represent some red flags within relationships, which are validated by research:
Obsession with weapons
Access to/prior threats with a firearm
Whirlwind courtship/relationship
One who chooses abusive behavior is unemployed or underemployed
Stepchildren in the home
Escalated threats of suicide
Decompensation
Estrangement/separation from survivor
Prior strangulation attempts
Violation of protection orders
Stalking/monitoring
One who chooses abusive behavior is possessive of survivor
Threats to kill survivor (and/or children, threats to kill survivor's family members, friends, etc.)
Significant losses (housing, employment, custody of children, etc.)
History of drug/alcohol use/abuse
Believes/knows survivor is pregnant
History of domestic violence or non-domestic violence assaults
Pending legal actions
One who chooses abusive behavior believes or knows survivor is in a new relationship
SAFETY PLANNING
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. Safety planning involves how to cope with emotions, tell friends and family about the abuse, take legal action, and more. Here are some ways to plan for your safety:
Have important phone numbers nearby for you and your children. Numbers to have are the police, hotlines, friends, and Family Tree.
Identify friends or neighbors you could tell about the abuse. Ask them to call the police if they hear angry or violent noises. If you have children, teach them how to dial 911. Make up a code word that you can use when you need help.
Determine ways to get out of your home safely and practice ways to get out.
Find safer places in your home where there are exits and no weapons. If you feel abuse is going to happen, try to get your abuser to one of these safer places.
There is Hope
Founded in 2018, Survivor's Journey to Peace has made tremendous impact thanks to the help of members and volunteers in the Milwaukee communities. Please see our comprehensive list of domestic violence resources for the state of Wisconsin. If you are in immediate danger and your life is in danger please call 📞 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7/365 for confidential hotline support call 1-800-799-7233