Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 35 M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 AWARD B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R keep my bookmarks [featuring portraits and quotes from Maine survivors] in my purse, and hand them out whenever I think it is appropriate. MB: In the wake of so much adversity in your life, what keeps you going? MLS: Imagine the surprise when, after I left my abuser, I was told by my thera- pist I was a victim of domestic abuse and suffered from PTSD. It took time and hard work to begin to unravel the charade of the 'perfect Catholic family' and 43 years of abuse. I began by being honest with myself and the therapist about my abuse, as in years of therapy that is something I had never discussed. I had an inner strength and faith that had been buried deep inside me most of my life by abuse by my mother, my religion and a narcissistic spouse. e day I left I was crying, depressed and confused. I pulled out of my garage and as the garage doors closed and I left my hell on earth on the other side. I knew it was my chance to leave and never look back … and I never did. From that moment on, I was in charge of what was going to happen to me. Now, I can do whatever I want, when I want to do it, or not do it at all. MB: How did Finding Our Voices help you find your voice? MLS: Finding Our Voices is a safe, judgment-free and supportive group of women who listen and are not shocked when we share our stories of abuse. It is in this safe environment where so much can be accomplished. We respect and love each other just the way we are. MB: Who is your heroine and why? MLS: My heroine is myself. I have never flaunted what I am doing. I share my horrific story and encourage other women to be their own heroines, too. My message comes from my heart and soul. My children and I lived in fear of my abuser's power and control. Leaving a 43-year abusive marriage at the age of 65 was a difficult, and coura- geous, decision. I almost took my own life to escape my abuser. When I told my abuser I wanted to kill myself, he went and got a gun and said, 'I will show you how to put a gun to your head and be successful committing sui- cide.' I didn't leave him until the next day. (e insanity of domestic abuse.) I was an empty shell when I left. Today, I stand tall beside all my Sister Survivors of Finding Our Voices and accept this honor from Mainebiz for all of us. I pray that my courage and determina- tion will give other victims hope and support. ey are not alone. Renee Cordes, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at rcordes @ mainebiz.biz For Eligible Businesses DIRECT CASH GRANTS Funding Amounts: $5k-$49k Grant funding available to eligible businesses in Kennebec and Somerset Counties Central Maine Growth Council | 10 Water Street, Waterville | centralmaine.org HERE FOR MAINE'S CURRENT & FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS TOWARD A MORE VIBRANT ECONOMY You have big ideas. Our business experts and lenders have advice and capital to help you succeed. Together, we can build a brighter future, one business at a time. 207.504.5900 ceimaine.org Finding Our Voices findingourvoices.net / P.O. Box 943, Camden What it does: Grassroots nonprofit that aims to break the silence of domestic abuse through peer support to Maine women survivors of domes- tic abuse, and to their children. Programs include the Get Out Stay Out Fund for short-term emergency shelter as well as car, legal, home and food costs; dignified pro bono dental care through Finding Our Smiles; online support groups; and survivor-powered educational campaigns. Founded: 2021 Volunteers: 50 I pray that my courage and determination will give other victims hope and support. They are not alone.

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