Dr. Darrah Westrup

From Dr. Darrah Westrup:

“Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow” - -Alice Mackenzie Swaim

People often ask me, “How can you do the work you do?” How can you listen to terrible stories all day and not become depressed?”  Though I’ve heard it often, the question still surprises me.  The work we do here is sonot about that!  Yes, I hear about painful and frightening traumatic experiences, and I do believe in allowing myself to feel sorrow, or anger, or whatever natural reactions I may have in response.   And yet, that is notwhat defines this work.  Rather, I have the privilege to spend my days witnessing what is most miraculous about human nature; the unexplainable desire to heal, the courage to face one’s fears, the willingness to learn. Our team knows that the opportunity to participate in that process is an honor, and feel we are the better for it.

Our program then, is about facilitating that miraculous drive to recover.  We help women who have survived traumatic experiences learn how to live fulfilling lives despite carrying heavy burdens.  It is all about helping women reclaim their sense of self-worth and personal power.  

I am moved repeatedly by the gratitude the women we serve express for our program. It is telling how surprised they are to realize that we genuinely care. They tell me how extraordinary it is to be heard, to have their medical and mental health needs attended to, and what a welcome relief it is to be understood and appreciated.    

Our team knows that progress is being made when the women we see come to understand that it is we who are fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to their lives.

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” -  Carl Bard