experience and insight

urviving, living and telling are essential for all of us to feel valued as individuals and to have impact in our community.  At On The Rise, we recognize the strength and unique experiences and insights of women who are homeless or in crisis. They bring incredible stories of survival, tenacity and hope. Within the supportive community of our Safe Haven, women frequently share real life reflections with staff. Many women also write creatively and participate in Voices Together, a weekly writing group that takes place in the kitchen at On The Rise.

VOICES TOGETHER

Up and Up

So this is it
It's dark in the pit and cold too
My mind is spinning
My heart is beating
There's a lot of pressure on me
To see
My body wants to break free
Freedom is what I seek
From memories that refuse to
leave
I'm not a poet
I'm an artist
Shall I draw my path out of here?
Looking for the light and the colors
There's a fork in the road
Which way should I go?
It's my choice
My pen will give me a voice...