NAASCA ORG
Naasca
Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2703
Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2703
Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2703
Thursday 15th July 2021
Join us as Allen Vandever shares his journey from childhood abuse to activism through art, offering hope and healing to survivors.
90 minutes
hopeful
challenging
informative
inspiring
empathetic
About this podcast
Author:
NAASCA ORG
Overview:
Categories:
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Recovery from Trauma
Healing Relationships
Sobriety Success Stories
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
1109 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Art Against Abuse: Allen Vandever's Journey
Episode Overview
- Allen Vandever uses art to process trauma.
- Childhood Fractured initiative aids abuse prevention.
- Community coffee shop raises awareness on abuse.
- NASCA supports adult survivors with resources.
- Art and activism create paths to healing.
"Becoming an activist to end child sexual abuse is probably our main goal."
In this compelling episode of the Stop Child Abuse Now podcast, we welcome Allen Vandever, a returning member of the NAASCA family, who shares his inspiring journey from childhood trauma to becoming a beacon of hope for abuse survivors. Allen, a contemporary artist from Chicago, Illinois, has transformed his tragic experiences into a passionate advocacy against child sexual abuse. The episode kicks off with Allen recounting his early years, growing up in Mitchell, South Dakota.
He shares memories of his parents' divorce and the subsequent challenges he faced. Key moments include his father gaining custody and Allen's experiences with neighborhood babysitters, which were far from ideal. Despite these early adversities, Allen found solace in art and athletics, eventually playing college football. Allen's story is not just about overcoming personal struggles but also about turning those experiences into a force for good in society.
He co-founded Childhood Fractured, a non-profit initiative aimed at preventing child sexual abuse through humanities-based efforts. His community coffee shop, run alongside his wife Dawn, serves as a unique platform for raising awareness. Visitors receive free coffee and informative flyers, engaging in meaningful conversations about abuse prevention. The discussion highlights the broad spectrum of NASCA's work, emphasizing education, prevention, intervention, and recovery for adult survivors of child abuse.
Allen explains the therapeutic role of his artwork, which helps him piece together his story and contributes to a broader understanding of abuse. Allen also discusses adapting advocacy strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging social media to reach a wider audience. He introduces a program for businesses to support employees with PTSD, acknowledging the pervasive impact of abuse on the workforce.
Through his activism, Allen exemplifies how personal healing can extend into societal change, advocating for a future free of abuse. The episode concludes with gratitude for Allen's contributions and encouragement for listeners to explore Childhood Fractured's resources. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and potential for transformation in the face of adversity. Allen Vandever's journey underscores the importance of community, art, and activism in addressing the silent epidemic of child abuse.