People in the world are feeling a sense of Hopelessness. It seems to be permeating our existence with only 23 days away,  On November 2, LIGHTFEST wants to infuse the message that #HopeHasNotBeenCancelled while giving #HopeAgiftOfEmpowerment.

Hearts Break when Hope is Lost

If you think about the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz and what he said, “Now I know I’ve got a heart because it’s breaking.”   Giving HOPE is one way to #HelpHurtingHeartsHeal.

We are fighting to save the health of our country

Beginning with its core – Our Children – a generation of Hope

you + youTH = Today’sHope

When you Light the World with Hope! 

“It ups their self-esteem; it gives them the opportunity to learn something about 

the artistic part of sports and activities.”  ~~Sharon Cecil WDRB-TV Louisville, KY

Join us for a LIGHTFESTival  –   experiencing sports, crafts and other art experiences.

Official Global Sponsor – NULOU – Healthcare, Data, Logistics and Software Solutions

On Saturday, November 2, from 2-4pm, We Survive and Talented Minds will present the 2024 LIGHTFEST, deLIGHTful event. including Basketball deLIGHT and other activities that generate a Light of Hope as we Light the World With Hope.

The event is being hosted by The Delta Foundation located at 2508 Portland Ave, Louisville, KY

LIGHTFEST kicks off Hunger Homeless Awareness Month; Through creative, interactive, entertaining activities participants will be provided. 

·         Education on the importance of civic/social engagement in our communities.   

·        Resources regarding the susceptibility to poverty, hunger andhomelessness in communities.

·        Information regarding the importance of mental health to overall wellbeing.

In 2024, we will be expanding our efforts and creative activities across the globe.

You can help us organize and mobilize by letting everyone you know about LIGHTFEST 2024

Join in and be part of the LIGHTFEST Movement!!!

In 2024 |  will there be more

Let’s go back to 2014 when it was looking as if it had the potential to be We Survive’s last year with Sharon and Moody Cecil at the helm.  With the 20th Anniversary celebration,  it was time to revitalize the organization or conclude the year with a huge finale.

Sharon and Moody Connection

When Sharon moved to Louisville in 1969, I thought it was a temporary situation but Louisville has been my home ever since.  At that time, I also didn’t know that Girl Scouts would become an important part of my life and an organization that influenced who I have become; where I learned about the gift of working with youth and found opportunities to mentoring future leaders.

Moody’s Amazing Vision offered a Guiding Light for many.  He believed that when you give, you are given an opportunity to change lives.  His interests were geared towards being a naturalist.  Moody became a Master Gardener, was the Arbor Day Poster Contest Coordinator for the State of Kentucky and a Forest Stewart.

As cancer survivors, Moody and I combined our talents along with our years of experience in healthcare and volunteering for various organizations throughout the community that lead to the creation of We Survive.

Moody was a fierce champion for both the young and old. With his extraordinary love of nature, it was decided Moody and I would create an organization that would offer health and wellness programming that provided “nurturance in nature.”

We Survive LIGHTFEST Connection  – Youth-driven programming

In 1994, WE SURVIVE, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide education to the community, break stereotypes, inspire strong youth leaders, and bring hope a gift of empowerment to those they reach. 

In 1997 – LIGHTFEST – held at Churchill Downs – was born from the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay.  Several of the girls who helped create the original LIGHTFEST are still involved with programming to this day. 

The following was written by ~Brittany Zinsious Kinder  when she was 15 years old. Her Girl Scout Troop began working with We Survive when they were 11 years old.  

“I promised myself I would push away their past and accept them for who they made themselves to be.  I promised myself to always try to recognize the sense of innocence from which may only be seen from within.” 

I believe what Brittany wrote is something we all learned working with each other and especially working with Moody Cecil. 

2023 Concluded with A two year 25^th Anniversary Celebration of LIGHTFEST

The focus for this celebration was to Showcase Youth.

VolunteerMatch sent an introduction from Alyssa V, a young woman wanting to join the LIGHTFEST team to Light the World with Hope.  He enthusiasm and skills were just what was needed.   

Alyssa’s main goal was to have a project that would help her apply to college and solidify her interest in the field of psychology.  Her strength was in writing but was open to producing art.  She let me know that she was good at making slideshows and marketing flyers that might be helpful in designing educational materials.

Alyssa designed a creative invitation that conveyed the message with graphics and wording that was perfect for the Kick-off event held in July of 2023. 

Basketball deLIGHT

We Survive concluded the 25th Anniversary activities for LIGHTFEST on November 4, 2023,  with a basketball activity coordinated by Phillip Morrison Pro Basketball Skills Trainer  and  Hoops for Christ.

Graphics Created by Mississippi Student Alyssa V.

KINDNESS KAMPAIGN – Illuminating a Better Tomorrow

This project will be a collaborative effort of Sharon Cecil and Alyssa V. along with an advisory board whose members come from a variety of educational backgrounds with a passion for the health and wellness of the community.  

There are those who hold degrees and certifications in  Nursing, Psychology, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Grief Management, Medicine, Business and Education.  

Jenniffer Truitt, MSOT

Jenniffer Truitt attended the first WOW program in 1996, at age 11. Jenniffer has been very active with WOW. As the Community Outreach Coordinator she has made presentations throughout the community. Jenniffer has also created and produced educational materials. She is a member of We Survive’s Board of Directors.

Jenniffer completed her Masters Degree of Science in Occupation Therapy. Jenniffer connects easily with children and has spent years working with children and adult programming, structuring activities to be fun and engaging allowing for Creative Expression.

As a Certified Personal Trainer, Jenniffer combines her expertise to motivate, set goals and provide feedback and accountability to participants while providing fitness assessments.

Jenniffers’s Interest in WOW from its Beginning

“My interest in this program was peaked easily and I am now enthusiastically looking forward to its advancement. Let me explain why I think this is a vital program in the tweens, teen and twenties arena.

My childhood was somewhat unsettled due to frequent moves; as a result we ended up in Wayside Christian Mission. I was probably about six when first introduced to the Mission. We, my siblings and I, were later taken in by other families, but my Mother continued to frequent Wayside. On one of my return visits when I was about 10 or 11, I remember being entertained by young clowns. This has become one of my most secure and happy memories of the Mission. cbd products believe this group of clowns was the first group of WOW Girlz when WOW was first presented to Wayside. The clown’s mission: make the young girls feel more secure, adapt to Wayside, and provide healthful information – mission accomplished.

After attending nursing school I realized again how important it is to me that young girls know there are people that truly care about them and their concerns. The clowns were a small thing that made a huge impact on the way I felt and reacted that day. That is why I have become part of the WOW team.”

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Marlene Will, Ed.D.

Wellness the Write Way Coordinator

Dr. Marlene Will is an educator and author who has taught at Spalding University since 1978 in the Department of Mathematics and Science.

Besides presenting workshops on problem solving skills and using humor in the workplace, Marlene has published numerous professional articles.

Marlene was part of the organizing of We Survive from the very beginning.  There was a lot of research that needed to be done and plans to be made.  In order to get We Survive recognized within the community, Marlene fulfilled speaking engagements at community businesses and organizations, appeared on TV and did radio interviews.

When WOW was created in 1996, Marlene began working on coordinating intergenerational programs and projects.  Many of these projects included writing and working with media.

In 2002, Marlene became the Wellness the Write Way Coordinator.  This program introduced journaling as a wellness and productivity tool.  Participants were encouraged to do purposeful personal writing to help improve their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well being through reflection.  This was a cost-effective tool that can be added to a person healthful toolbox.

In 2003, Marlene created WOW Daughterz.  Having had breast cancer and the mother of two daughters, Marlene wanted there to be a forum for young women to share their thoughts and feelings.  The objective was that no young women ever feel alone after their mother, grandmother, aunt or friend is diagnosed with breast cancer.  These meetings were held monthly at the WOW Resource Center housed within the Jefferson Community College Women’s Center for Growth and Leadership.

Together, Marlene and Sharon Cecil have published numerous workbooks that help people to get in touch with thoughts and feelings while tapping into their inner most energy releasing their own creative expression. Marlene combines her expertise to motivate, set goals and provide feedback and accountability to participants while providing creative ways to express grief.

Marlene has conducted research on learning styles, and has published numerous professional articles.  She has been a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist since 2002.

Sharon Cecil

Co-founder We Survive
Current Executive Director

Sharon Cecil is a registered nurse with a degree in art. Since 1994, she’s put her combined education to work co-founding and creating intergenerational wellness presentations and events as the Executive Director of We Survive, Inc., a non-profit organization.

With over 40 years in healthcare, Sharon is dedicated to creating motivational and inspirational programming focusing on health and wellness.

As a breast cancer survivor and registered nurse (with a specialty in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing), Sharon knows we all face adversity. In 1996, Sharon started the WOW Program, dedicated to providing educational programming through intergenerational mentoring and creative expression.

Rising from the ashes of a “dysfunctional family,” Sharon focuses on providing information that heightens awareness, educates, and advocates. Her motivational and inspirational talks, seminars and workshops encourage people to laugh and “lighten up.” They share a common theme: maintain a positive attitude when faced with adversity.

As a 1996 Olympic Torchbearer, Sharon carries the “Power of the Dream…deep within her heart” each and every day.

Since carrying the Olympic Torch, in 1996, Sharon has had a passionate goal of helping youth realize “The Power of the Dream,”.—the theme song from the 1996 Olympics.

Through life experiences, Sharon and Marlene Will realized the importance of nutrition, physical health, and a positive mental outlook—the Mind, Body, Spirit connection.  These are areas addressed by the WOW and Creative Expression programs. Both programs advocate the position that the more a person knows about him or her self, the better prepared he/she will be to face any problems that may develop in his/her life.  Combining art and writing, Sharon believes that expressing yourself creatively offers good health and healing.

Beside being an educator, writer and consultant, Sharon has been a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist since 2002.

Moody Cecil
Visionary
Co-Founder, We Survive

Moody Cecil has been dedicated to working with youth and the vision of creating “a legacy for future generations.”

Sharon and Moody Cecil co-founded We Survive in 1994. Moody dedicated his homestead to be a Stewardship Forest. The homestead is now known as Haven of Hope (We Survive’s corporate headquarters) and is a Certified Stewardship Forest—a designation given by the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

Moody has been a fierce champion for both the young and old. He has an extraordinary love of nature.

One example of his gift of giving began in the fall of 1999, Moody completed a Master Gardening Course through the Jefferson County Extension Office in order to learn more about plants and garden design. Moody needed volunteer hours as part of the Mast Gardening curriculum. Someone mentioned the National Arbor Day Poster Contest. It seemed only natural for him to explore the Arbor Day information. He became the first Kentucky State Coordinator and began planning the 2000 Arbor Day National Poster Contest in September, 1999. He was the State Coordinator for five years. After he resigned, they did not find a new coordinator for quite some time. It is felt that Moody’s shoes must have been hard to fill.

As time passes, Moody’s memory is fading. He is losing many of the memories that he held so dear. But his desire to be around people of all ages and his love of nature still shines bright as he continues to make new memories for those of us who love his company.

What is most admired about Moody is that he continues to be a champion for causes in which he believes. This allows those of us around him to Celebrate Life.
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This is a journey of 3 Wise Women and 1 Wise Guy (the Visionary) and an Envisioner

Everyone has dreams. Some dreams are forgotten, others are never forgotten but never are followed through.

You are about to go on a journey that involves:

A Celebration of Life

During this journey, you will get to know Sharon Cecil, Marlene Will, Jenniffer Truitt, Moody Cecil and Melissa Black. A group of people brought together through extraordinary circumstances, overcoming multiple adversities while believing in the power of a dream.

By stepping out of a comfort zone, a craft class began in 1974, where Sharon Cecil met Marlene Will. Two young mothers were seeking an opportunity to be creative while meeting new people. The class became a social network. Participants further developed their creative abilities—the sharing of ideas and making all sort of artistic craft items.

There were a few that were able to sell items through consignment. Others enjoyed the single items made during class, taking that knowledge home and creating gifts for family and friends.

The class began to include short walking trips, visiting shops along a corridor in the heart of the Highland community in Louisville. These short trips soon included lunch along with innovative conversation. The talents of each participant shared.

It was amazing the creative energy generated from a class that continued until 1988.

In 1994, Sharon and Moody Cecil co-founded We Survive. Sharon, Moody and Marlene began coordinating programming.

Jenniffer Truitt was introduced to programming created by Sharon, Marlene and Girl Scout Troop 1472 in 1996. Jenniffer was an 11-year old homeless child who just happened to be at the shelter during the first WOW Program.

As a middle school student, Melissa Black entered the picture in 2004. Melissa’s writing abilities awarded her the opportunity to be published in a magazine that was started by We Survive’s WOW team in 2000.
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Expressing yourself creatively offers good health and healing.

There are so many different approaches to mental and physical healing. Writing and the arts offer many choices for you to express yourself.  By releasing your emotions through some form of medium, you can improve your health.

Our team created a Creative Expression program that has been done in many settings over the years. Creative expression offers participants creative, innovative learning providing the opportunity to express feelings and learn new techniques to stimulate intellectual responses through art, writing and movement.  This affords the opportunity to enrich lives through learned techniques.

James Pennebaker, Ph D., is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.

He has earned honors and received grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health. Dr. Pennebaker has been a wonderful resource for our writing programming.

We have referred his book “Writing to Heal: A guided journal for recovering from trauma & emotional upheaval” during programs and workshops.  This book offers an introduction to writing, health and healing along with some exercises that are applicable to a general audience.

In a Psychology Today article http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/write-yourself-well/201208/expressive-writing  Expressive Writing Published on August 15, 2012 by John F. Evans, Ed.D, it is stated that Expressive Writing is the cornerstone of wellness and writing connections. Under the “ Become Your Own Researcher” section, you can view “The Pennebaker Writing Prompt.” We are able to continue with this thanks to the cheap broadband we have, please go to the link for more information.

Marlene Will and Sharon Cecil are available to consult with you regarding the Creative Expression programming.

We Survive’s Creative Expression uses artistic methods, especially writing.  This can lead to lower healthcare costs and increase productivity.  It helps you find yourself as an individual and connects you to the bigger picture.  Writing provides insights, brings things together, shows relationships and wholeness instead of separations.

Contact  Marlene or Sharon and schedule a consultation to see how We Survive’s Creative Expression can help you heal.

Sharon Cecil
sharon@wesurvive.org

Marlene Will

marlene@wesurvive.org

 

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