Marilyn's Place Adds Saturday Morning Meetings

Recently opened September 4, 2018, Marilyn's Place has already hosted over 30 participants in peer-led support groups, clinician led trauma workshops, yoga and meditation retreats, and special events.

"Our new members are always so surprised when they realize we aren't located in a professional building or house of worship, but in an actual home. The setting is so warm and comfortable that it doesn't take long before our visitors become group members who take advantage of everything we offer."

Originally only offering services on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Marilyn's Place is now offering Saturday morning meetings from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Maureen Spataro and the Board Members of Marilyn's Place didn't think twice when the need for another meeting became apparent.

"We were getting calls for our workshops and retreats. Those who were calling told us they would come to meetings if they were offered on the weekend, so we hosted our first one this past Saturday to a packed room."

Marilyn's Place is a location for victims and survivors of sexual and physical trauma run solely by survivors of one or both traumas. All meetings, workshops, retreats and events are free of charge. The goal is to provide a comfortable and supportive setting for people to gather, talk, share, laugh, cry and understand they are not the only person thinking and feeling the way they do.

"It's a simple concept. Who better to ask questions and share with something you've experienced than someone who has also lived through the same experience? It's a very happy place. The women who have been coming are relieved to have a place they can speak openly about the struggles they face. We're wives, mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and professionals. We want to lead happy productive lives...we DO lead happy lives...but when certain memories are triggered we also want a place we can go to discuss it and know the people we are turning to can relate to us."

Maureen has concerns that the current climate has hindered trauma survivors from reaching out.

"There is such a misconception when it comes to sexual and physical trauma victims. We're perceived as whiny, complaining, thin-skinned, male bashing crybabies who are offended at every turn. That's not who we are. That's how certain organizations and their agendas, as well as the media who focuses on those points of view exclusively portray us, but they don't speak for the majority of the sexual trauma survivor community. At least according to the survivors who come to our place. These women are strong, determined, resilient women who want to move on in their lives with skills and tools to help them through some rough spots. And, we all want to reach out to others who need a place to go where they are understood and not vilified or shamed for some of the road blocks we all face from time to time. They simply want to heal and find happiness again. Organizations such as MeToo started with what seemed like a wonderful concept, but it has turned into something that many who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, rape and physical violence no longer support. They protest and give interviews and open wounds of victims, encouraging them all to fight and "be heard", but do they ever think about what happens to all the people they've rallied once their marches and protests have ended? Do they even care about what happens to all the people whose scars they've reopened for their cause? Do they actually ask any survivors what they need to heal? We don't protest. We don't "fight". Here at Marilyn's Place we simply say "Come in and let's talk, or laugh, or cry, or enjoy a bite to eat. Let's introduce ourselves and understand none of us is alone. Let's celebrate and let's support." If there can be an Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and any number of support organizations that proudly help their community members heal, why shouldn't there be something for sexual and physical trauma survivors?"

For more information please visit www.becausesheis.org, or contact Kelly at 732-962-3115.

As is the policy of Marilyn's Place, all meetings, workshops, retreats and events are free of charge.