Author speaks to Allendale students about abuse
Submitted by Lekas and Levine Public Relations
Angelica Harris, author of "Living with Rage: A Quest for Solace," recently spoke to Allendale students about how she overcame her abusive childhood.
Harris has received acclaim from abuse survivors and experts for her healing memoir. Growing up, Harris endured sexual abuse at the hands of her uncle and beatings from her mother, who was mentally ill. She embarked on a journey to successfully conquer her debilitating past and now shares her story to help others.
"Whether I'm talking to five women or 1,000, they are just like me," Harris said. "Many have been molested by a loved one or neighbor. They knew their abusers. Our hearts connect."
Her presentation was geared to Allendale's female students, many who share similar pasts. She discussed how to recognize abusive relationships and develop the tools needed to form healthy ones.
"If you have faith in yourself and whatever God you worship, you will find a way out," Harris said. "But you must raise your voice, tell someone, and write it down."
The Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park and the Eileen Fisher Community Foundation provided a grant to support this event, which took place at the Allendale Bradley Counseling Center, 600 West Grand, Lake Villa.
Founded in 1897, the Allendale Association is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to excellence and innovation in care, treatment, education and advocacy for troubled youth and their families.
Today's continuum of care includes residential and day treatment services that include specialized education and counseling services, outpatient counseling and foster care. Programs and services reach children with a broad range of moderate to profound emotional, behavioral, and learning difficulties and challenges with a continuum of care.
Currently, the Allendale Association serves more than 1,400 children, adolescents, young adults and families annually.
For more information, visit www.allendale4kids.org or call (847) 356-2351.
• To submit Your news with one photo, go to dailyherald.com/share. To submit Your news with multiple photos, send it to nbrcalender@dailyherald.com.