Susan Nerenbaum – Mosaic Georgia

Much to Celebrate: 40 Years of Evolution and Emergence

by Susan Nerenbaum in Professional Insights & Experiences
September 3, 2026September 10, 2026

Much to Celebrate: 40 Years of Evolution and Emergence

By Lindsay Woon Ferreira
Executive Director at Mosaic Georgia

Every once in a while, a significant event emerges that causes you to stop for a moment amid life’s busy pace and reflect. Reflect on where you are now, where you might be headed, and the long and sometimes meandering journey it took to get there.

For me, as Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia, now is one of those times.

I am thinking about Mosaic’s 40th anniversary — and how we will be recognizing this meaningful milestone at our 6th annual Mosaic Masterpieces fundraiser this October. I am reflecting on the substantial growth of our center and its offerings. And on how that same growth is showing up in our annual event itself — from its beginnings as an intimate art auction to this year’s inaugural Sunday brunch program, featuring a renowned author, entrepreneur, advocate, and survivor as keynote speaker.

Evolution, and the expansion and growth that comes with it, happens organically when something is created with intention, then cultivated with purpose. I am filled with awe and gratitude as I reflect on the ways in which Mosaic is evolving and elevating.

A Story 40 Years in the Making
Mosaic Georgia’s journey began in 1986, with a chance encounter in a hospital emergency room between two women— a passionate volunteer and a young doctor. Together, they witnessed firsthand how little emotional and tangible support existed for victims of sexual assault in the ER — at the time, essentially none — and decided to do something about it. One of those women, Ann Smiley, went on to found the Gwinnett Rape Crisis Center.

Over the last four decades, that original endeavor became today’s Mosaic Georgia, a multi-service Sexual Assault and Children’s Advocacy Center serving 3,000 children, teens, and adults annually who are impacted by sexual violence in the metro Atlanta area. Today, our 16,000-square-foot Lawrenceville building allows us to offer — entirely free of charge — medical forensic exams, victim and family advocacy, forensic interviews, professional medical and prevention training, civil legal services, counseling, support groups, and holistic healing programming.

When I think about where Mosaic started and where we stand today, what moves me most isn’t the numbers — though growing from a small team of about 6 to 32 full-time staff in eight years is something I don’t take lightly. It’s what those numbers represent: more people served, more programs that are actually working, and a team that showed up every single day to make that possible.

That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people believe in something bigger than themselves. Growth in this work is never just organizational — it’s personal.

I have had the privilege of watching some of the most passionate, quietly fierce people I have ever known pour themselves into this work. They don’t make headlines. They make a difference — one person, one family, one community at a time. Mosaic is what it is because of them. This team doesn’t just work for Mosaic — they are Mosaic. They carry it. Through uncertainties, through hard cases, through seasons that would break most people. That kind of commitment isn’t in a job description. It’s in the character of who they are.

Celebrating our 40 years of impact is a testament to that commitment and character — one that has built our foundation and carried us to the milestone we find ourselves celebrating this 2026.

The Evolution of Masterpieces
The story of the Masterpieces event reflects a similar journey — from small and intimate beginnings to something more transformative. Today, we’re proud to help our community talk openly about a subject that too often hides in the shadows. This October, in honor of our 40th year, we’re marking that with our inaugural Mosaic Masterpieces Sunday brunch benefit.

I am so proud to welcome our keynote speaker, C. David Moody Jr. — a successful entrepreneur, the builder of some of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings, and a survivor of childhood grooming and sexual abuse.

Just as Mosaic has grown from a small crisis response into a place of comprehensive healing, David Moody’s own life is a testament to what’s possible after trauma. From surviving childhood abuse to becoming one of Atlanta’s most respected builders, his story isn’t just inspiring — it’s reminiscent of the very transformation Mosaic exists to make possible every day.

Those who have been victimized and carry the effects of trauma often feel isolated and ashamed, like their life is over. It’s important for them to see that they can come out the other side — that there is hope, and a chance to heal. I am deeply grateful to Mr. Moody for speaking so openly for this reason. Sharing a personal survivor story is an emotionally heavy lift, and we recognize the weight in his decision to share his own.

He has noted that this may be the last time he speaks publicly about his story, which makes this a truly rare opportunity to hear him. I’d love for anyone who has been moved by Mosaic’s work — or feels moved to support survivors — to be in the room for it.

Join us on Sunday, October 4th at 1pm at 550 Trackside in Lawrenceville for Mosaic Masterpieces. Tickets are available here.

During this time of reflection, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of you who have supported Mosaic Georgia in ways large and small — whether you donated, volunteered your time, attended an event, or came by to drop off blankets, clothing, or teddy bears for children’s care kits.

You have helped us grow over the years, and we would be delighted to have you join us for this special new chapter of Mosaic Masterpieces as we celebrate 40 deeply impactful years.

Is Your Cup Empty? Practical Ways for Caregivers to Recharge

by Susan Nerenbaum in Mental Health & Trauma, Support & Healing, Wellness & Self-Care
August 5, 2026August 6, 2026

Is Your Cup Empty? Practical Ways for Caregivers to Recharge

Kendall Clayton
Director of Mental Health & Wellness

Amanda Makrogianis Mickelsen
Marketing

“You can’t pour from an empty cup” is a phrase heard often.

But how often do you truly live by it?

You have a child who is healing from trauma. The needs often feel overwhelming. Some of them are beyond your scope and you don’t always know how to handle the emotions, behavior, and challenges. You’re doing your best to hold it together — until a moment catches you off guard and a thought cuts through: I’m in over my head. What if I say or do the wrong thing? I don’t know if I have it in me to keep this up. It’s tough to balance it all. You push it down and keep going, because your loved one comes first. But you’re tired. The daily grind takes all your time, energy, and attention. It feels like too much. Rinse, repeat.

How do you stop this cycle so you can still take care of yourself and provide solid support for your loved one?

The truth is, you can’t stop the cycle by pushing through harder. You stop it by turning some of that care back toward yourself. Doing so replenishes the immense emotional energy, patience, and compassion required for the care of a child who has experienced trauma. Amid supporting a child’s healing, caregivers often put their own needs last. Yet prioritizing your own well-being is not selfish, it is essential.

As a caregiver when you make time to rest, seek support, and care for your mental and physical health, you are better equipped to provide safety, stability, and connection for the children who depend on you. Taking care of yourself can help prevent burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress, allowing you to continue showing up with strength and resilience.

Emotional Care

Just like you tend to your physical health, your emotions need daily attention too. Become aware of your feelings and allow them to be channeled in a way that benefits overall wellness. You might think more about daily routines for keeping your physical body healthy but tend to forget that emotions can be managed, processed, and balanced on a daily basis as well. Here are some simple reminders for effectively maintaining an emotional balance.

Talk to someone you trust about your feelings

Join a support group or seek counseling

Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or journaling

Acknowledge that a particular moment may trigger past experiences,
memories, or emotions influencing your current response

Show yourself the same compassion you would offer a loved one

Focus on supporting your child in the present moment—a method to ground yourself

Notice your own reactions in the moment, rather than judging them

Give yourself permission to rest and process emotions

Concentrate on what is within your control rather than what you cannot change

Take an inventory each day of what is bothering you. Identify something you have learned from
that situation/feeling and where you can grow. Take that with you, then let the rest go.

Physical Care

Your body is the vessel through which you live your life. Taking care of it is essential to a healthy existence—and to having the stamina, energy, and physical wellbeing to take care of your loved ones each day. Try the following:

Prioritize sleep and rest

Focus on healthy and balanced meals that nourish your body

Stay active through walking, stretching, or exercise

Establish daily routines that create structure and stability

Take breaks throughout the day when possible

Keep up with your own medical and health needs

Social & Personal Care

What brings you joy? What makes you feel peaceful? What conjures gratitude? While keeping up with the busy pace of life it’s easy to forget to make time for these fundamentals that can keep you grounded and even help you to flourish. Make some of these a part of your routine:

Spend time with supportive friends and family

Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy

Set healthy boundaries to protect your time and energy

Ask for help when needed

Celebrate small successes and moments of joy

Foster a sense of community through extracurriculars, clubs, or groups with like-minded individuals

Cultivate spiritual or other practices like meditation to help keep you grounded

It is normal to feel overwhelmed by taking care of a child who has specific emotional needs due to past trauma. It is perfectly okay if you feel inadequate or unprepared at times. Remember that everyone is just figuring it out as they go. There is no right or wrong way. When you give yourself the care and attention you need to stay healthy physically, emotionally, and socially you will be well prepared to figure out what way works best for you.

If caregiving stems from supporting a survivor of trauma, additional support is available. Inquire here for counseling or support groups.

Need support after you or someone you love experienced sexual violence? Call Mosaic Georgia’s 24/7 Crisis Line at 866-900-6019.

Why Children Wait to Tell: Understanding Delayed Disclosure of Abuse

by Susan Nerenbaum in Awareness & Education, Child & Teen Safety
July 6, 2026July 9, 2026

Why Children Wait to Tell: Understanding Delayed Disclosure of Abuse

By Rachel Pearson
Advocacy Specialist

Throughout my almost 4 years as a family and victim advocate with Mosaic Georgia, one of the most common questions I get from caregivers is why their child did not tell them about the abuse right after it happened. Part of my role is providing psychoeducation to caregivers regarding delayed disclosures.

It is typical in our society for people to question why someone, of any age, may need time before they are ready to disclose abuse. It is important to understand that there are valid and oftentimes intricate reasons behind delayed disclosures. Staying silent is common for several reasons, and it is essential for adults to create an environment where disclosure feels safe and accepted.

The Barriers

There are several internal and external barriers that contribute to delayed disclosures. Some common internal barriers include feelings of guilt, shame, self-blame, fear, and a lack of understanding of the abuse. External barriers include the child’s relationship to the perpetrator, feelings of ambivalence, the child’s age, the severity of the abuse, the level of grooming, and the presence or lack of trusted adults in the child’s life.

Some perpetrators convince the child that the abuse is their fault or that they deserve the abuse; this is where guilt factors in. A child may not want to disclose because they feel they did something wrong and do not want to get in trouble. They may also worry that their caregiver will become upset or distressed by their disclosure. I have spoken with many children who did not want their caregiver to find out about the abuse because they did not want their caregiver to feel sad, worried or disappointed in them. This can sometimes lead a child to downplay abuse. On other occasions, a child may test the waters and only disclose part of the abuse because they want to know how a caregiver will respond and what will be done with their disclosure, even if it is only a partial disclosure.

Other times, a child may feel shame after experiencing abuse. Shame can often lead to feelings of humiliation, low self-esteem, and low self-worth which can contribute to the belief that they deserved the abuse. If a child believes it was deserved, they may feel too ashamed to disclose. Furthermore, sexual abuse, and even sexual health, are often perceived as taboo topics. This can hinder a child from feeling comfortable enough to speak about their abuse as it often reinforces their feeling of shame.

Fear also plays a vital role in delayed disclosures. I have advocated for numerous children who were terrified to disclose because of threats made by their perpetrator. Since the perpetrator is often someone the child knows, threats that are very frightening and real for the child can be easily crafted. Typically, the threats include harm to a caregiver, sibling, family members, family pet, or friends. Sometimes blackmail is utilized if any pictures or videos were taken during the abuse. These threats convince the child that the only way to keep themselves and their loved ones safe is to stay quiet. As adults, we are able to rationalize these threats as being unrealistic; however, children are often unable to intellectualize threats due to their limited worldview and lack of autonomy and power.

I believe one of the biggest barriers to disclosure, especially with younger children, is a child’s lack of understanding and knowledge. If a child has not received any body safety or safe touch versus unsafe touch education, they do not understand that what they experienced is abuse. If they do not perceive it as abuse, they are less likely to disclose. When the abuse begins early enough in their life, they are made to believe it is normal. These feelings are intensified when the perpetrator is someone they know and trust, which occurs in the majority of child abuse cases. Children are raised to trust adults, especially family members and other loved ones. This is typically when grooming takes place because the child may not be able to tell the difference between affection and abuse when a trusted adult is involved. Grooming can be difficult to identify, as it looks different for every child. The most common steps of grooming include gaining the trust of the child and caregivers, giving gifts, “love-bombing”, isolating the child from their loved ones, and testing the child’s boundaries while slowly introducing sexualized language and behaviors. Most children are unable to notice the patterns of grooming because it feels like love or friendship to them.

We must also acknowledge that sometimes the child’s perpetrator is one of their caregivers or a family member. When this is the case, a child oftentimes does not want to disclose out of fear of not being believed, breaking up the family, getting their caregiver or family member in trouble, retaliation, fear of being taken away from their home, or fear of losing their household’s primary provider. It is very common for children in this situation to ask, “Where do I go now?”, “Is my mom/dad going to be okay?”, “Do I have to leave my siblings?”. Stability is incredibly important in a child’s life, so they may not disclose out of fear of disrupting their stability, even if their “stability” is abusive.

Experiencing child abuse is a disastrous reality for many children. However, there are ways to build an environment that encourages disclosure.

Talk About It

Teach children the true, anatomical names of their body parts so there is no confusion when they disclose. For example, if a child tells an adult that someone touched their “cookie”, the adult may not realize the child means their anogenital region. These kinds of conversations normalize talking about our anatomy and help to circumvent the shameful feelings around sexuality that can lead children to hide abuse.

Inform children about safe touch versus unsafe touch, including which body parts are not okay to be touched on themselves and not okay to be touched on other people. Children who know the correct body terms have the appropriate tools to verbalize their abuse and communicate their experiences more clearly.

Talk to them about good secrets versus bad secrets as well as the difference between secrets versus surprises. Identify trusted adults in their life that are safe to talk to about secrets—including teachers, family members, their friends’ parents, coaches, etc. The more trusted adults identified, the more resources the child has access to.

Check-In

Checking in with children regularly about their feelings and emotions can help them feel more open to sharing them. Be cautious not to push a child to speak about something they do not want to or may not be ready to speak about, as that may cause them to shut down or close themselves off. If the child is experiencing a new environment (i.e. school, friends, sports, extracurricular activities, etc.), a trusted adult should check in with them to see how they are feeling and if they experienced anything that made them feel unsafe or uncomfortable. While checking in, listen actively and remain calm. This creates a safe and specific space for the child to disclose. Remember to be patient and not force the child to talk as they may not be ready to disclose if something happened to them.

It can be helpful to practice being supportive when the child shares something unrelated to abuse. This lays a foundation of trust, security, and encouragement for the child. Every child who experiences abuse has their own timeline for when they will be ready to talk about it. It is the job of caregivers, trusted adults, advocates, and other professionals to respect the child’s timeline, support them in any way needed until they are ready to talk, and be a safe space for when they are ready to disclose.

If you are a caregiver with any questions or concerns regarding your child, please call our 24/7 crisis line: 866-900-6019. There is always an advocate on the other end who can listen to concerns, answer questions, and connect you with resources.

Atlanta’s Community Efforts to Prevent Human Trafficking During the World Cup

by Susan Nerenbaum in Awareness & Education, Child & Teen Safety
June 2, 2026June 4, 2026

Atlanta’s Community Efforts to Prevent Human Trafficking During the World Cup

By Mairah Teli
Advocacy Manager & CSEC Advocate

When I tell people what I do, I usually keep it simple: I advocate for children.

But the reality is heavier than that. I work with kids who have survived things no child should ever have to understand: abuse, exploitation, trafficking. As the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) advocate at Mosaic Georgia, I’ve learned that exploitation doesn’t happen in isolation.

It follows opportunity. It follows vulnerability. And it follows demand.

That’s why, as our city prepares to welcome the FIFA World Cup this summer, I feel both excitement and concern.

Atlanta will be on a global stage. Millions of visitors will travel through our city, fill our hotels, and celebrate together. It’s fun, exciting, and a great opportunity for Atlanta, but large-scale events also create conditions that traffickers are quick to exploit.

Research and advocacy organizations have long pointed out that major sporting events can increase the risk of human trafficking, particularly when large crowds and increased anonymity make it easier for exploitation to go unnoticed. At the same time, it’s important to be honest and nuanced: not every spike is clearly measurable, and some experts caution against oversimplifying the issue (Human Trafficking Search, 2025).

But what remains constant is this: as demand rises, vulnerabilities are exposed, and those willing to exploit them inevitably step in to meet the need.

And minors are always among the most vulnerable. Human Rights Watch has warned that global sporting events like the World Cup can heighten risks for children and teens, including trafficking and sexual exploitation (Human Rights Watch, 2025). That’s not theoretical. That’s something those of us in child welfare see reflected in real lives, in real cases, long after the crowds leave.

The City Prepares

Here in Atlanta, leaders are already preparing, recognizing that more visitors also means more opportunities for traffickers to operate (U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, 2025). Community organizations, airport staff and law enforcement are increasing training and awareness ahead of the World Cup. Sexual Assault and Children’s Advocacy Centers are preparing their 24/7 crisis response teams to provide coordinated and timely support. The Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force has made an effort to educate hotel staff, rideshare drivers, airport personnel and community members on what trafficking actually looks like, not just the stereotypes we see in movies and TV shows.

What Does Trafficking Actually Look Like?

It is often very different from what people expect and rarely begins with kidnapping or physical force. CSEC often starts with relationship building and grooming. Traffickers identify vulnerabilities like insecurities, instability at home, unmet emotional needs, financial stress, or a desire for connection and belonging. Grooming can look like attention, gifts, promises of love, or opportunities that seem legitimate at first. Over time, that trust is leveraged into exploitation through coercion, threats, or psychological pressure. Many young people do not immediately identify themselves as victims because the exploitation is intertwined with relationships, or even dependence. The threats, fear, and violence become a means of controlling victims.

Understanding this reality is critical because if we only look for extreme or dramatic scenarios, we will miss the far more common situations happening in plain sight.

How We Show Up

So as Atlanta prepares to welcome the crowds, my hope is that we also strengthen the systems that protect our children and our communities. We need to continue investing in prevention, education, and survivor-centered care. I hope we choose to see exploitation for what it is and respond with urgency, empathy, and accountability.

For youth experiencing commercial sexual exploitation, events like this don’t create the problem, but they can intensify it. Because this isn’t just about a “spike” during a sporting event. It’s about a system that allows exploitation to exist in the first place.

The World Cup simply shines a brighter light on what has always been there.

When I say I advocate for children, this is what I mean. It means paying attention when it would be easier not to. It means preparing before harm happens, not just responding after.

And it means recognizing that behind every statistic is a child whose safety depends on what we choose to do next.

To report concerns or to get help, call the Georgia statewide human trafficking hotline-
1-866-ENDHTGA (1-866-363-4842). The hotline provides 24/7 confidential support, reporting options, resources for victims, and to assistance in reporting suspected human trafficking.

If you are in the metro Atlanta area and in need of confidential support and services as a result of rape, sexual assault, exploitation, or abuse please call the 24/7 Mosaic Georgia hotline at 866-900-6019.

Human Rights Watch. “World Cup 2026: FIFA Needs to Act on Human Rights.”
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/12/03/world-cup-2026-fifa-needs-to-act-on-human-rights

Human Trafficking Search. “One-Third of Trafficking Victims Overlooked in Atlanta’s World Cup Plan.”
https://humantraffickingsearch.org/one-third-of-trafficking-victims-overlooked-in-the-atlantas-world-cup-plan/

U.S. House Homeland Security Committee. “Preventing Human Trafficking Ahead of Major International Events.”
https://homeland.house.gov/2025/12/17/task-force-chairman-mccaul-delivers-opening-statement-in-hearing-on-preventing-human-trafficking-ahead-of-world-cup-olympics/

You Can’t Stop the Rain — But You Can Learn to Pitch a Tent In It

by Susan Nerenbaum in HEALTH, Mental Health & Trauma, Professional Insights & Experiences, Support & Healing, Wellness & Self-Care
May 6, 2026May 7, 2026

You Can’t Stop the Rain — But You Can Learn to Pitch a Tent In It

Kendall Clayton
Director of Mental Health and Wellness

Sarah Marin
Wholeness Collective Coordinator/Therapist

My mornings typically look like turning off my alarm and picking up my phone to swipe through my social media apps to “catch up.” Lately, that “catching up” has been filled with exposure to disturbing and emotionally heavy events. The counselor in me reminds me to limit my time on social media and time spent viewing the news; but, realistically, it’s hard to escape the current emotional climate with so many people feeling overwhelmed, tense, and exhausted. We might expect this kind of response following a direct trauma or chronic crisis — but we tend to underestimate the emotional weight that simply living in today’s world can carry. A lot of people identify with the feelings of overwhelm and being on edge, even when they have not directly experienced a recent trauma.

Frequent exposure to distressing events (news, social conflict, uncertainty) can dysregulate our nervous systems just as readily as direct trauma. In the clinical world, we often use the term vicarious trauma to describe how people can feel trauma responses without having experienced a direct traumatic event such as abuse or violence. In a world where, unless you live off-grid, you will be exposed to traumatic material, it is critical that we learn to cope with ongoing stress.

We may not be able to stop the “rain,” but we can learn how to “pitch a tent” to provide a space of refuge from the rain.

Our nervous systems are adaptive and are designed to help us survive. When our nervous system is activated by the “rain” (all the emotionally heavy things around us), the experience isn’t usually pleasant. When we experience anxiety, irritability, difficulty focusing, fatigue, sleep disruptions, mood dysregulation, etc., we may be tempted to view it as a personal failure.

Instead, we need to approach our body’s responses with curiosity and ask “what are you trying to tell me?” and “where do I need to direct my attention?”

Keeping the Tent Secure

Once we’ve decided to build our refuge, we need the right tools to keep the tent secure. Here are several trauma-informed ways to regulate your nervous system and maintain your agency when the world feels overwhelming.

Regulate the Body

When our “smoke detector”, the amygdala (the area of the brain that processes fear and anxiety) is going off, we can’t always talk ourselves out of it. But we can use our body to talk to the brain and quiet the alarm.

Breathing: Try “Box Breathing.” Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4 counts and hold for another four. This will signal to your nervous system that there is no immediate physical threat. Try repeating the cycle 4 to 5 times. 😊

Yoga: Try gentle, restorative poses like Child’s Pose or Legs-Up-the-Wall. Both help calm the nervous system and support circulation, which can cue your body to shift into a more restful, safe state. A quick online search for ‘restorative yoga for anxiety’ can offer helpful guidance. This video is a great place to start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TuRYV71Rgo

Orient to Safety

Repeat the mantra: “In this moment, in this room, I am safe enough.” This isn’t about ignoring the world; it’s about giving your body a break from the “high alert” status.

Create Boundaries Around the “Rain”

We often feel a sense of “doom-scrolling” is mandatory to stay informed, but constant input keeps the nervous system in a state of high alert.

The 20-Minute Rule: Limit news consumption to a specific window of time per day.

Digital Fasting: Try to keep the first hour of your day “input-free.” No scrolls, no headlines just you, your coffee, and your own thoughts.

Helpful tip: set limits on certain apps to help keep yourself accountable.

Name it to Tame it

When we feel a sense of dread, it’s like a fog clouding the mind. When we name it, the fog begins to lift. Instead of saying “I am a mess,” try saying, “I am noticing a feeling of heaviness in my chest.” This creates a small space between you and the emotion. You may also like to try this by journaling! Remember, you don’t have to be a professional writer, it’s the intention that matters. Jotting down some simple bullets or phrases works just as well.

Reclaim Your Agency through Action

When life feels overwhelming, it can be easy to slip into feeling stuck or disconnected. One way to shift that is by taking small, intentional actions that remind you that you still have influence in your own life.

Local Connection: Volunteer at a local animal shelter or a community garden. Spending an hour walking a dog or planting a seed reminds your brain that you are an active participant in the world, not just a passive witness to its pain. Or find somewhere to volunteer that supports another cause close to your heart. Remember, you are the good in this world. ️💚

Allow the Emotional Waves

Think of your emotions like waves at the beach. If you stiffen up and try to block a big one, it’s just going to knock you over and leave you tumbling. But if you “surf” it, or acknowledge the sadness or frustration without judging yourself for feeling it, you allow the emotion to hit its peak and naturally lose its power. You aren’t trying to stop the water; you’re just staying on the board and breathing through the intensity until the wave eventually washes back out to sea.

A Note on Seeking Help: Sometimes the rain is too heavy to manage alone. If your “tent” feels like it’s collapsing, reaching out to a counselor or a support group is a sign of strength, not a failure of your coping skills. We are social creatures; sometimes we need others to help us hold up the poles. Check out our current offerings through the Wholeness Collective!

Additional resources:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL): Call 1-800-715-4225 (available 24/7 in Georgia)
Mosaic Georgia Sexual Assault & Abuse Crisis Line: Call 866-900-6019 (available 24/7)

We will never be able to stop the rain, but we can remain present, human, and grounded— even in the rain.

The Women Who Move Us: The Mosaic Team’s Picks

by Susan Nerenbaum in Uncategorized
March 12, 2026May 15, 2026

The Women Who Move Us: The Mosaic Team’s Picks

The bold and remarkable work of women fills our history books and provides present day inspiration for people across the globe. From Maya Angelou to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jane Goodall to Simone Biles, Taylor Swift to our own grandmothers — the women who inspire our very own team at Mosaic Georgia span in spirit from quiet determination to roaring fearlessness. We invite you to read as our team members share what women move them and why.

Maya Angelou
Maya was a deep well full of wisdom. She gave life and meaning to words like no one else. I admire that despite all that she endured, she had the ability to hold space for unimaginable pain without becoming hardened by it.

Maya Angelou was a celebrated American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist best known for her powerful autobiographical work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

My Mom Lanie George
She inspires me with her strength and undying selflessness for others. She loves people in ways that they don’t know, and I in turn try my best to make sure she is loved in ways she doesn’t know. She shows up for people in ways they don’t expect. For example someone might simply express a disliking of a flavor or drink that we have in the office, with no expectation. My mom would make it a point to find out their preferred or favorite drink and go buy it herself so that they feel taken care of. She is very intentional to not leave anyone behind.

Lanie is the Executive Administrator at Mosaic Georgia. She is a human trafficking survivor, advocate, and founder of the former North Carolina nonprofit Redeeming Joy, a rescue and rehabilitation home for victims of sex trafficking. Her daughter Adrianna is the Client Experience Specialist at Mosaic.

Dr. Edith Eva Eger
I am inspired by Dr. Edith Eva Eger because she didn’t let evil win. She chose healing and pursued a career to help others. She is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Dr. Edith Eva Eger is a Holocaust survivor turned renowned psychologist and author who transformed her experiences in Auschwitz into a life’s work helping others heal from trauma.

Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huerta inspires me because of her unwavering commitment to justice and her lifelong fight for the dignity of workers and marginalized communities. As a co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she organized, advocated, and gave voice to people who were often unseen and unheard. Her famous phrase, “Sí, se puede” (“Yes, we can”), became a powerful reminder that change is possible when people come together with courage and determination. Her legacy continues to inspire those who work to protect and uplift vulnerable communities.

Taylor Swift
Is a name that pretty much everyone knows; however, when I hear it, I think of resilience, strength, grit, kindness, and fearlessness. She is vulnerable enough to share her life, experiences, and emotions in her music, yet strong enough to continuously fight for the rights of women and the LGBTQIA+ community. Taylor was sexually assaulted by a radio DJ during a meet and greet. She spoke up about what happened to her, and he sued her for defamation. She countersued him for $1 on behalf of everyone who has experienced sexual violence and has been afraid to speak up. Her assault happened to be caught on camera, but it was still a long and aggravating fight. In court, she said, “I’m not going to allow you or your client to say I am to blame.” She won the case saying, “I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this. My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard.” Taylor helped pave the way for survivors to speak out against their abusers. She will always be one of my biggest heroes.

Taylor Swift is a record-breaking American singer-songwriter who began her career in country music and evolved into a global pop icon known for her deeply personal storytelling, business savvy, and fiercely loyal fanbase.

Jane Goodall
We need more Jane Goodall’s in this world. Her fight for compassion towards animals and the ethical treatment of the Earth is inspiring. She always encouraged people to take action against climate change. She brought so much empathy, kindness, care, and love to a world that is lacking a lot of it. Her research will forever change the fields of Primatology and Anthropology.

Jane Goodall is a world-renowned British primatologist and conservationist whose groundbreaking decades-long study of chimpanzees in Tanzania revolutionized our understanding of animal behavior and sparked a lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman to ever serve in Congress and has become a prominent progressive voice on issues like economic inequality and climate change. She constantly faces harsh criticism, threats, and backlash due to her outspoken views. She never backs down and always fights for what she believes is right. She is truly an inspiration to myself and a lot of women I know to always stand up for what is right no matter who is telling you to stand down.

Ruth Bader-Ginsberg (RBG)
Trailblazer Ruth Bader-Ginsberg, known as RBG, was the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. She faced a lot of gender barriers on her climb to the top. During her time on the Supreme Court, she administered many rulings in favor of gender equality, so other women did not have to fight the same battles she did. Her appeals and dissents were foundational in paving the way for gender equality. She provided, and hopefully continues to provide, inspiration to many women as one of our fiercest advocates. She often quoted Sarah Grimke, “I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks”. I’m honored to continue the fight as an advocate for anyone whose voice has been taken from them. RGB has become a cultural icon and symbol of perseverance for generations of women.

My Grammy
My Grammy, Helen Pearson-Smith, will always come to mind when I think of inspiring women. She instilled the seed in me that the rights of women deserve to be fought for. She did a lot of fighting when she was younger and has ceremoniously passed the baton to me. She is spunky, kind-hearted, spirited, humble, wise, empathetic, caring, and compassionate. She is everything I aspire to be.

Mosaic Georgia’s Counseling Team
I’m inspired by the women who make up our counseling team here – they are deeply kind, intelligent, loving, talented, and empathetic. Our all-female team supports survivors in the depths of their pain with so much compassion, and the genuine camaraderie amongst us is uplifting every day.

The Mental Health & Wellness team is made up of an incredible team of seven dedicated and talented women – Kendall Clayton, Erica Legons, Larisa Hanger, Maria Oritz, Sarah Marin, Charmaine Hayes, and Brianna Forrester-Jack.

Harriet Tubman
When I feel afraid to do something of moral or existential consequence, I imagine the incredible strength and courage Harriet Tubman had to pull from during each and every one of her harrowing 19 trips to lead enslaved people to freedom. In the face of unfathomable danger and risk she remained brave. Relying on instinct to guide her through uncharted territory, her sense of purpose overcame her fear.

Even though she lived in the 1800’s in what seems like a distant era, Harriet Tubman is someone I hold close. For me, she is a powerful reminder of how recent the past truly is, and the responsibility we each carry to stand for equality.

My own family brings her closer still.

My grandmother (Yaya) was born in 1885 in Asia Minor (now Turkey) and lived to be 93 years old. Harriet Tubman died in 1913 when my grandmother was 28 years old – a grown woman.

I (now 51 years old) was born while my grandmother was still alive, and we lived in the same home during my infancy. She held and cared for me as a baby. She also shared 28 years on this earth with Harriet Tubman.

And just like that, Harriet’s presence and legacy don’t feel quite so far away.

Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist and freedom fighter who escaped slavery and then courageously guided dozens of others to freedom through the Underground Railroad before the Civil War.

Simone Biles
In 2020 Simone—widely considered the greatest of all time and known for her unprecedented athletic achievements and record Olympic medals—made the radical decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics gymnastcs competition to protect her mental health. A survivor by nature and by circumstance, she did not ask for permission but rather dictated her own narrative in a world where athletes, especially women and people of color, can be seen as commodities and expected to perform through pain and sacrifice themselves in service of the expectations or demands of others. She embraced her full agency, honored what was right for her own body, mind, and wellbeing, and came back to triumph on her own terms while silencing the naysayers.

Those expectations, and those who demand them, represent a powerful force in our society. To stand with courage in the face of that dominance was an act of self-sovereignty, showcasing her strength and sense of self-determination.

Her honesty, vulnerability and conviction to stay true to herself was, and remains, a source of inspiration.

Healing Isn’t Linear: What Mental Health Looks Like After Trauma

by Susan Nerenbaum in Support & Healing, Survivor Stories & Advocacy
May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

Healing Isn’t Linear: What Mental Health Looks Like After Trauma

A Reflection for Mental Health Awareness Month by survivor Jacque Riley & Sarah Marin, Wholeness Collective Coordinator

Introduction: Honoring the Realities of Healing

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: a time to honor the truth behind the word “healing.” For many survivors of trauma, healing doesn’t look like what people imagine. It’s not always progress and peace. It doesn’t follow a straight path. It stumbles. It circles back. It rests. It climbs. And still—it moves.

This piece is a collaboration between survivor Jacque and myself- written together to reflect what healing actually looks like after trauma. Not the polished, picture-perfect version people often expect, but the real, messy, powerful journey that unfolds when someone chooses to survive, again and again.

About the Healing Journey (Jacque)

When I think about my healing journey, the word that comes to mind is grateful. Not because it’s been easy, but because I’m proud of myself. I am proud I chose to ask for help, even when it scared me. That first step was terrifying, but I took it anyway.

When I picture my healing journey, I see a butterfly. I started off in caterpillar mode—rough, hidden, unsure of myself. I didn’t know what I would become. But now, I’ve blossomed into a beautiful butterfly. I still have days where I feel like I’m crawling again, but I know I’ve grown.

Healing Isn’t a Race (Jacque)

There was a time I believed I should already be over it. Since my abuse happened so long ago, I often think that I should be completely healed and further in my healing journey. But my therapist has helped me realize that it is not a race, and my healing journey does not have a timer on it. That reminder changed everything.

For so long, I felt like I was failing at healing. Like there was a deadline I had missed. I’d catch myself thinking things like, “Why am I still struggling?” or “Other people seem to move on so much faster, what’s wrong with me?” But the truth is, there is no finish line. There is no universal timeline.

Do you ever feel like people expect you to be “over it”? How do you handle those moments?
Yes, I have had my own family tell me that this trauma should not affect me 20 years later. But I remind them: I was nine years old when the abuse began. I didn’t have the tools, the words, or the support to process it then. I’m only now learning how to heal, and that’s valid. When those kinds of comments come up, I try to use them as an opportunity to educate. I remind people that everyone’s healing journey is different. No one gets to decide how long someone should hurt, or when they should be “over it.”

Why do we give ourselves a timeline? (Sarah)

This feeling is incredibly common. Many survivors believe that because time has passed, their pain should have passed too. But trauma doesn’t move on just because the calendar does.

Healing isn’t a race. There’s no gold medal for getting through it faster. In fact, rushing can lead to avoidance, disconnection, or even re-traumatization. True healing happens slowly, at the pace your nervous system, your memories, and your sense of safety allow.

Some days may feel like huge steps forward. Others may feel like you’ve taken five steps back. Both are part of the journey. And neither mean that you’re doing it wrong.

The Ups and Downs of Healing (Jacque)

I’ve had moments where I felt like I was making real progress. I was sleeping better. I was smiling more. And then, out of nowhere, the nightmares would come back. The memories. The shame. I’d shut down. I’d lash out. I’d go into survival mode like I used to. And every time, I’d think, “Why am I back here again?”

But I’ve learned to respond differently now. I breathe. I pray. I put on gospel music. I take a walk. I remind myself: I am safe now. That phrase has become my anchor.

I remember when the hard days meant putting my phone on Do Not Disturb, isolating myself, and spiraling into negative thoughts until I gave myself a migraine. I’d lie there with it all bottled up inside. Now, I picture the beach, my safe place. I talk to my therapist. I check in with my pastor. I lean on my support group sisters.

I don’t carry it all alone anymore. And that, more than anything, is what healing has taught me: I don’t have to do this by myself.

Asking for Help: A Turning Point (Jacque)

I first asked for help when I was a child, but like so many other African American survivors, I was silenced. I told my mother what had happened, and she didn’t believe me. Later, in grade school, I wrote a school assignment called The Man Sneaking Into My Bedroom, describing the worst thing I had ever experienced. My teacher read it and was brought to tears. He did what he was supposed to and reported it to the school guidance counselor and the resource officer. A caseworker from foster care came to the school and pulled me out of class. My mother was there too. I remember her looking at them and saying I had made the whole thing up, that I was delusional.

And just like that, my truth was dismissed.

I carried that silence with me for years. I repressed the memory completely until a few years ago, when the nightmares came back. It was like my body and mind were trying to force me to remember what I had tried so hard to forget. That’s when I realized I had never really dealt with it, and I needed help. Asking for help as an adult was still incredibly hard. I felt ashamed, unsure, and honestly terrified. But I had reached a point where I felt completely lost. The abuse, the trauma, the secrets, they were eating me alive. I knew that if I didn’t get help, I wasn’t going to make it. Reaching out wasn’t easy, but it saved me.

Why Is Asking for Help So Hard? (Sarah)

Asking for help can feel like one of the hardest things to do, especially for people who have experienced trauma. And there are good reasons for that.

For many survivors, silence was once a form of protection. Staying quiet may have been the only way to stay safe, be believed, or avoid further harm. Over time, this silence can become internalized, making vulnerability feel dangerous, even when it’s not anymore.

There’s also fear: fear of not being believed, fear of being judged, fear of being a burden, and fear of losing control by letting someone in. And beneath that, there’s often shame. Trauma often tells people, “this was your fault.” Or “you should be over it by now.” These messages can be reinforced by family, culture, or society, and they make it even harder to reach out. Sometimes, asking for help means admitting something is real. And for people who’ve spent years trying to function, numb, or forget, that admission can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the truth:
Survivors are not weak for needing support. They are incredibly strong for surviving in the first place. And choosing to ask for help, despite all those fears, is a powerful, courageous act.

Healing doesn’t require perfection. It just asks us to begin.

Even quietly. Even scared. Even one small step at a time.

Growth and Resilience (Jacque)

What does strength look like to you?
BEING COURAGEOUS. Not backing down to people, thoughts, or feelings. And being vocal, because I will no longer be silenced.

My friends have been such a great help by making me laugh. changing the subject and always doing mental health checks. Just knowing they’re there helps me feel less alone. Communities like Mosaic Georgia and Tamar Support Group have made a big difference. Being in spaces where people truly understand what it means to survive has helped me feel seen and supported. I also tap into my creative side and do art therapy and journal weekly.

Mental Health & Unlearning Messages (Jacque)

Sometimes I feel like I’ve done so much healing work, then something triggers me and I feel like I’m right back where I started. It’s frustrating.

But I remind myself: You are doing better.
We’re just often too hard on ourselves to see it. Healing doesn’t mean never having bad days. It means learning how to meet those days differently. I don’t spiral like I used to. And even when I struggle, I recover faster. That’s growth!

Stop Comparing. Start Allowing. (Sarah)

One of the most common things I hear from survivors is this:
“Other people had it worse. So why do I feel like this?” Let me be clear:

There is no healing hierarchy.

Pain is pain. Trauma is trauma. Your experience is valid, even if someone else’s looks different.

Comparison only keeps us quiet. It keeps us doubting ourselves, downplaying our emotions, or trying to “earn” the right to heal. But healing begins when we stop asking, “Is my pain bad enough?” and instead start asking, “What do I need right now?”

You don’t have to justify your feelings. You don’t have to measure your pain against anyone else’s. You’re not being dramatic. You’re not too sensitive. You’re having a completely human response to harm.

How to Support a Survivor: What Survivors Need Most (Sarah)

Healing is powerful, but even more so when survivors are supported by the people around them. If you are a family member, partner, or friend to someone healing from trauma, your presence matters.

Here’s how to help:

Believe them. Don’t question the timeline. Don’t ask “why now?”

Avoid giving advice. Just listen. Offer validation like, “That sounds so hard. I’m here.”

Never rush their healing. There’s no timeline for trauma recovery.

Check in consistently. Don’t only show up when they “seem okay.”

Respect their boundaries. Empowerment comes from making their own choices.

Above all: Survivors need to know they are not a burden. Being supported, without conditions, shame, or pressure, is often what makes healing possible.

Looking Ahead

A message to survivors from Jacque:

Take your time and find what works best for you, because healing journeys are like snowflakes: no two look the same. What helps someone else may not be what helps you, and that’s okay. Look for community, because I promise you, you are not alone. Give yourself grace, especially on the hard days. I’m still learning not to be so hard on myself, because none of this is our fault. And try not to overthink everything, it will only lead to breaking your own heart.

A Final Word from Sarah

As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to thank Jacque for her courage in sharing her story. Not just for herself, but for every survivor who’s still finding their voice. Her words remind us that healing doesn’t have to be perfect to be real. That setbacks don’t erase progress. And that even in the hardest moments, we are never truly alone.

To every survivor reading this: your story matters. Your healing matters. Whether you’re just beginning or years into your journey, you are worthy of support, care, and compassion.

This month, and every month, we see you. We believe you. And we are walking beside you.

You are not alone.

The Rights of Victims Matter, Too

by Susan Nerenbaum in Support & Healing
April 7, 2025April 7, 2025

The Rights of Victims Matter, Too

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

April 7–11 marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW)—a time to honor survivors, acknowledge those working in victim services, and examine how our systems respond to harm. This year’s theme, KINSHIP: Connecting and Healing, is both a reflection and a call to action. It reminds us that when people experience trauma, they don’t just need procedures—they need people. Connection. Compassion. Respect. And rights.

The System at Work
When a felony crime occurs in Georgia, it is considered a crime against the State, not just against an individual victim. So the adjudication system and rules are built to protect due process for the accused, and rightly so. But what about the crime victim? The person who was abused, assaulted, or trafficked is not a party to the charges; they become a witness—or more pointedly, a piece of evidence—in the pursuit of justice. They are essential to the case against the accused, but the system is not structured around their needs, trauma, or recovery.

That’s why the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, including the passage of Marsy’s Law in Georgia, is so important. It brought clarity and legal weight to what many already knew was necessary: that crime victims deserve to be informed, present, and heard throughout the judicial process.

Marsy’s Law affirms a crime victim’s legal right to:

Be notified of and present at court proceedings

Be heard at key moments like plea or sentencing hearings

Confer with prosecutors

Be treated with dignity and fairness

Seek restitution and protection

Be free from unreasonable delay in proceedings

File a motion if their right to be notified is not honored

These rights do not interfere with the rights of the accused—they are meant to ensure the person who was harmed is not lost in the fast pace of docket-setting and legal negotiations. This is particularly critical for victims of sexual violence, who face unique and deeply personal challenges in the aftermath of assault.

When someone is sexually violated, it’s not only their body that’s harmed—it’s their sense of self, safety and trust.

It’s the loss of agency, safety, and control. Survivors often describe feeling belittled, frightened, and powerless—not just in the moment of the assault, but long afterward. Their world is changed, and their trust in others—especially systems—is shaken.

For assault survivors who do report the crime (most do not report), they do so seeking more than legal action. They want validation that what happened to them was wrong. They want to feel safe again. And most of all, they want to prevent the person who harmed them from doing it to anyone else.

But the criminal justice system is a highly technical environment. Victims have no legal standing in the proceedings, limited voice, and little control over how or when the case progresses. And the defense will make every effort to discredit the victim and their allegations. Imagine navigating that system—while trying to work, go to school, raise children, or keep food on the table. The emotional toll is immense.

System-induced trauma occurs when systems and their processes cause compound stressors which create negative, traumatic responses; this can occur in places created to mitigate trauma.

Within this system are many deeply committed professionals—prosecutors, investigators, judges, and advocates—who work tirelessly to uphold justice and support survivors. While the structure may not always center the needs of victims, the compassion, patience, and determination of the people inside the system can make all the difference.

Clients consistently tell us that their most positive experiences came from interactions with people in the system who took time—who didn’t seem rushed or distracted, who listened, and who treated them with kindness and respect. Participation resistance increases when survivors don’t feel seen.
We are all busy and under-resourced. And yet, remembering the humanity in one another makes the work more productive, more compassionate, and more worthwhile.

Mosaic Serves Victim’s Needs
At Mosaic Georgia, we stand in that space between systems and survivors. We serve children, teens, and adults who have experienced sexual abuse, exploitation, and other interpersonal violence. Our role is to help survivors navigate the aftermath—through trauma-responsive care, legal advocacy, counseling, and community-based healing. We also collaborate with system partners to ensure victims’ rights are upheld and their needs recognized throughout the process.

Through our Wholeness Collective, we offer restorative practices that support mind, body, and community—because resilience requires more than surviving; it requires connection.

That’s why KINSHIP resonates so deeply. It reminds us that survivors are not “cases” or “evidence.” They are human beings—with names, families, fears, and futures.

As we say often:

“When a survivor comes forward, it’s not just a report—it’s a risk. A leap of faith.”

“The frontlines of prevention aren’t in courtrooms—they’re in classrooms, workplaces, homes, and communities. It starts when we call out behaviors and attitudes that allow harm to grow.”

“If you’ve ever wondered whether you should say something, you probably should.”

Every Role Matters

Ways you can support survivors and strengthen our community

If you’re a parent, teacher, or employer:

Create environments where people feel safe to speak up.

Listen without judgment. Believe them.

Learn the signs of abuse—and what resources are available.

Let people know: “You’re not alone. Help is here.”

If you’re a survivor of sexual violence:

Whether or not you’ve reported the crime, you deserve safety, dignity, and healing.

What happened to you was not your fault.

You have rights, and you are not alone.

Mosaic Georgia is here to support you—on your terms, at your pace.

If you’re a funder or donor:

Your investment in Mosaic Georgia helps survivors access trauma-informed care, legal advocacy, and holistic healing.

With your continued support, we can reach more people and build a more responsive, connected system of care.

If you work in the justice system:

Your role is critical. Survivors remember the professionals who took time, listened, and treated them with respect.

Your leadership shapes how the system functions—and how victims feel in it.

Thank you for showing up with compassion, even when resources are stretched thin.

Together, we can ensure every survivor is seen, heard, and supported.

My abuser was someone I loved, trusted, and wanted to know and be known by. He was someone I saw every single day. My family accepted him and welcomed him.

If you’ve followed my blog or read previous posts, you know the excitement I expressed for the popular television show, Who Wants to Be A Millionaire. I literally could not wait for the show to air in 1999. We only had antennas and two televisions in the trailer where I could watch the show. One television was in the living room but that is where my siblings often did their homework in the evening. The other television was in my mom and stepdad’s bedroom. When my stepdad invited me to watch the show, it seemed like the best of both worlds. Time with the person I trusted and loved AND I got to watch what I believed would be the best show ever.

It seems strange to label sexual abuse as gentle, but from a physical perspective, it was, in the beginning. I didn’t leave the room that first night in any kind of pain. But emotionally, I was filled with ambivalence.

I LOVED the show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

I ENJOYED getting the undivided attention of my stepdad.

I TRUSTED my stepdad would never do anything to harm me.

I was DISGUSTED by the evidence of the abuse on me.

I was CONFUSED by the passive threat he made before I left the room.

I FEARED someone would find out about our new secret.

At eight years old, these were strong, complex emotions that totally overwhelmed my system. I could not assess what was true, right, or healthy. As a result of the ambivalence, I had to rest on my default belief which was based on a general trust of people older than me. I needed those people to survive. If I could not trust them, how would I make it in the world?

Kids should be able to long for and love quality time with a parent. It is normal and healthy for a child to desire those things. My need for that perception of love was normal. I chose what was normal over and over- quality time with my stepdad and getting to watch my favorite show. Though it came with other hard feelings, the desire for love and acceptance won, over and over again.
So, ambivalence kept me quiet for a long time. And it keeps a lot of kids quiet.

When you hear a child disclose abuse, please know they have likely fought through the power of ambivalence. It is an incredible step of courage and bravery to go against the defaults to tell their story. Please accept that the ambivalence will not disappear overnight. Healing takes time.

Healing Together: The Vital Role of Support Groups for Women After Sexual Trauma

by Susan Nerenbaum in Support & Healing
March 10, 2025March 10, 2025

Healing Together: The Vital Role of Support Groups for Women After Sexual Trauma

By Kendall Wolz
Mental Health and Wellness Manager at Mosaic Georgia

Breaking the Silence: Why Support Matters
Sexual trauma can leave emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual wounds in its wake. Many survivors struggle with feelings of shame,

isolation, and fear, making it difficult to reach out for help. Many also question who they can turn to and where they can go for support. Individual therapy is a powerful tool for healing and is often an important part of the healing journey. However, trauma-based support groups offer something that is not readily available in the individual counseling setting—community, understanding, and shared strength.

Support groups provide a safe, confidential space for survivors to connect with others who have walked a similar path. In these spaces, women can share their stories, express emotions freely, and receive encouragement from those who are most likely to understand.

A Safe Space for Healing
A trauma-informed support group is more than just a meeting—it is a sanctuary, a sacred place where healing occurs. It is a place where survivors are met with compassion and without judgment and a place where they can give and receive support. Being surrounded by people who validate experiences can be a crucial step toward self-acceptance and healing. Too many survivors have been met with ridicule, blame, disbelief, invalidation, and hatred when they come forward to share their experiences. It is vital that spaces are cultivated where healing messages are witnessed and internalized.

Shared Experiences, Shared Strength
One of the most powerful aspects of support groups is the community they provide and the realization that one is not alone on their journey. While the factors and circumstances surrounding a sexual assault vary greatly, the experience of dehumanization is something most survivors relate to. Sexual trauma fundamentally violates a person’s autonomy and dignity, reducing them to an object rather than a human being with rights and feelings. The experience of having personal boundaries violated and one’s humanity disregarded forms a common thread that transcends the specific details of each survivor’s trauma. And being in a space where women are at different time points in their healing journey allows one to see both how far they’ve come and the future ahead of them.

The Power of Women Supporting Women: A Legacy of Collective Healing
We all have an innate need to be seen, heard, and valued by another person. Sexual trauma invalidates this need and sends the message that it is dangerous to be seen, heard, or valued by others. This can lead to withdrawal and isolation as a protective mechanism.

Throughout history, women have created powerful networks of support during times of crisis and trauma. From the consciousness-raising groups of the 1970s feminist movement to the #MeToo movement of recent years, women have consistently demonstrated that collective healing is revolutionary. These spaces draw upon a rich historical tradition where women have gathered to share wisdom, provide mutual aid, and challenge systems of oppression that enable violence against women.

In the support groups offered at Mosaic Georgia for female-identifying survivors, women participate in this historical continuum of care. Here, they have the opportunity to show up in a safe space where they can begin to rebuild authentic, caring relationships. The weekly to bi-weekly interactions with other women who simply “get it” leads to friendships that will last beyond the support group curriculum. These friendships form a vital support network that helps sustain women on their healing journey after sexual trauma.

When women come together in these spaces, they not only heal themselves but contribute to a broader societal healing. By sharing their stories and supporting one another, they help break intergenerational cycles of trauma and create new narratives of resilience and empowerment. This collective strength has been a cornerstone of women’s advancement throughout history—the understanding that when one woman heals, she creates space for others to do the same.

Kendall Wolz heads up the Mental Health and Wellness team that provides individual, family, and group therapy to those seeking care at Mosaic Georgia. As a survivor herself, she has a unique insight into the challenges of living with past trauma, how it impacts lives daily, and what the process of healing truly looks like. Her personal website, Brave Girl, Speak unpacks some of the complex issues that come along with being a survivor of sexual violence. Visit Kendall’s site to read more about her personal journey healing from trauma and peeling the layers to reclaim her true self.

Love in Action: Beyond Hearts and Roses

by Susan Nerenbaum in Awareness & Education
February 6, 2025February 6, 2025

Someone’s Gotta Say It

Love in Action: Beyond Hearts and Roses

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No, not just for some, but for everyone.” The sentiment expressed in this song by Hal David and Burt Bacharach in 1965 still holds true today. The ancient Greeks had at least six words for different types of love. Those of us in philanthropy demonstrate agape, the love for humankind.  A big part of our purpose is to hold up the ideals that make a strong and safe community for everyone, especially for children, youth, people with disabilities, and others outside the mainstream.  At Mosaic Georgia, we see the harmful effects of “love” misused to groom, manipulate, coerce, and force harm.

A Month of Love

February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and if we truly care about love and relationships, we need to have some real conversations about what love is—and what it isn’t. Love should never hurt—physically, emotionally, financially, or psychologically. Love is more than a feeling; it is a verb. It requires action, care, and intention. And like any skill, love takes practice. Yet too many young people experience dating violence before they even fully understand what a healthy relationship looks like. In addition to watching adults in their homes, they are inundated with all types of examples on TV, social media, and other apps.

According to the CDC, about 1 in 12 high school students experience physical or sexual dating violence.

Teen dating violence isn’t just about bruises or controlling behavior. It can look like manipulation, excessive jealousy, threats, and digital abuse—constant monitoring, pressure for explicit photos, or controlling someone’s social media. For some, these patterns start young and escalate over time, making it harder to recognize when something is wrong.

What It Is and What It’s Not

Love is not:

“If you love me, you would do this for me, no questions asked.”

“You’re not allowed to talk to them anymore; it’s disrespectful to me.”

“I need your passwords so I can trust you.”

“If you don’t send me that picture, I’ll find someone who will.”

“You wouldn’t leave me if you really loved me.” (“If you love me, you would…” is not love.)

We can do better.

Conversations about love and relationships need to start early—long before a young person starts dating. Parents, caregivers, and educators play a vital role in modeling and discussing what respect, boundaries, and consent look like. That means moving beyond the outdated “just say no” messages and equipping young people with real tools to navigate relationships with respect, recognize red flags, and feel empowered to set their own boundaries.

What does this love look like in action?

Talking about emotions openly and encouraging kids to express their feelings in healthy ways.

Helping young people recognize manipulation, coercion, and gaslighting.

Encouraging digital safety and privacy in relationships.

Modeling respect and consent in all relationships—not just romantic ones.

Expressing love in positive ways:

- In work: Recognizing and appreciating colleagues’ efforts, offering support during stressful times, and fostering a culture of respect and encouragement.

- In friendship: Being present, listening without judgment, celebrating each other’s successes, and standing by one another through difficult times.

- In family: Showing affection through words and actions, respecting boundaries, and prioritizing quality time together.

- In romance: Practicing open communication, demonstrating trust, supporting each other’s goals, and expressing appreciation regularly.

For those who’ve already experienced interpersonal violence, it’s never too late to get support. People are reluctant to speak up, fearing shame, disbelief, or retaliation. To create safe, judgment-free spaces for disclosure, just listen.

Don’t ask, “Why did you do that/put up with that?” Instead, say, “Thank you for trusting me with this. It must be hard to share; I know how much you care for them.” Whether it’s a trusted adult, a friend, or a professional, support matters.

Love is not about power or fear. It is an ongoing practice—something we nurture and refine over time through our actions and choices. It’s about mutual care, respect, and safety. This year, let’s commit to showing love with action every day. Because the best gift we can give our young people is the knowledge and confidence to expect and demand healthy relationships.

Author Susan Nerenbaum

Emotional Care

Physical Care

Social & Personal Care

Keeping the Tent Secure

The Women Who Move Us: The Mosaic Team’s Picks

Someone’s Gotta Say It

Love in Action: Beyond Hearts and Roses