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ainebiz: What should people
know about Finding Our
Voices and its mission?
Mary Lou Smith: We are Maine women
survivors of domestic abuse who have
managed to cross over to the bright side
of safety and freedom, shining a light for
our sisters who are still trapped.
MB: What accomplishments with
Finding Our Voices are you most
proud of and why?
MLS: I have been privileged to be on
many 'Survivor Speaks' panel discus-
sions. ey have given me the oppor-
tunity to share my story in person to
give hope to those still living in abusive
relationships. A woman told me that
talking with me after the Scarborough
Finding Our Voices event prompted
her to leave her abusive situation. I had
tears in my eyes and joy in my soul. I
Shining
a light for
others
Mary Lou Smith helps
fellow domestic-abuse
survivors find their voice
B y R e n e e C o r d e s
P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY
VOLUNTEER LEADER
Mary Lou Smith
Finding Our Voices
In August 2005, Mary
Lou Smith left a 43-
year abusive marriage
after nearly taking
her own life. Today at
age 84, she's a tireless
advocate for fellow
survivors of domestic
abuse as a volunteer
with Finding Our
Voices. The grassroots
nonprofit organization
was founded in 2021 by
Patrisha McLean, who
nominated Smith as
the first-ever Mainebiz
Volunteer of the Year.
M
