COLUMBIA, S.C. — Donations for Midlands Gives, a region-wide initiative aimed at aiding local nonprofits, are set to commence in a few hours. The initiative, known for its substantial impact on the community, provides a platform for various organizations to raise funds.
In anticipation of the donation kickoff at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, News19 visited the Hush No More nonprofit, listed on the Midlands Gives website, to delve into their mission's efforts. Dr. Vanessa Guyton, Executive Director of Hush No More, shed light on the significance of their cause.
"Sometimes people don't come forward because there is so much shame associated with our different traumas. So I wanted to have an organization where people can say, 'I'm going to go there and today I'm going to Hush No More,'" Dr. Guyton explained.
The beginning of Hush No More dates back to 2019 when Dr. Guyton and her daughter, Teaira Mack, envisioned a haven in the Midlands for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and other traumas to find solace and healing, drawing from their own personal experiences.
"I felt like my voice was silenced. I didn't feel like I could come forward and say what happened to me. So, I don't want to be that person anymore. I want to be able to speak up, speak up for other people and advocate as well," Dr. Guyton shared.
Advocacy for healing is at the core of the mother-daughter duo's nonprofit, where survivors are encouraged to share their stories and reclaim their voices. Teaira emphasized the importance of self-work and community support in the healing process.
"It always starts with yourself, it always starts with us. So as I worked on myself, I worked on my family, and then the community," Teaira stated.
Creating an environment for healing, whether through music, nature, or other meditative practices, is crucial in empowering survivors to share their narratives, Dr. Guyton stressed.
"Getting survivors together through retreats is part of how the nonprofit aids those healing," she added.
While Hush No More continues its efforts, including organizing retreats, the absence of a shelter remains a challenge.
"We don't always have a safe space for them because we don't have a shelter. So that is one of the things we are working on, to have a shelter and a retreat space," Dr. Guyton acknowledged.
Amid ongoing endeavors, donations and volunteers remain vital for sustaining the nonprofit's operations.
"We actually use the money that comes in. I don't get a dollar from the organization, I give back," Dr. Guyton affirmed.
For those looking to contribute to Hush No More or any other nonprofit listed on the Midlands Gives website, donations are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday evening. Donors are encouraged to support these causes to foster a stronger, more resilient community.