Brenda Jackson had an idea: Fight domestic abuse one woman at a time.

She and her husband, Vern, were thrilled to learn the success they've achieved working with this philosophy has been recognized with the Northeast Tarrant County's Pat Nimmo Riddle Organization of the Year Award.

The Jackson's created the Battered Women's Foundation to aggressively fight the growing problem of domestic violence, but they knew from the beginning the work would be difficult. They would be intervening in the lives of women who, often coming from the vicious cycle of abuse themselves, marry and stay with men who believe they have the right to beat them. Afflicted with seriously low self esteem, the abused women often believe this type of love is all they can expect and very few even dare to hope for more.

Before she met and married Vern Jackson, Brenda Jackson was a victim of violent abuse that culminated in a beating so severe, the nurse in the emergency room thought she had been in a car accident.

Twenty years later, Brenda Jackson turned that experience into compassion and love and was inspired to bring fervent message of hope to others who are suffering as she had.

Vern Jackson's job is a little different. He is responsible for public relations, behind-the-scenes muscle and, most importantly, to be the new role model for women whose view of men is very skewed. His kindness, strength and perseverance help women realize that all men, are not like the men they just left, reinforcing their decision to change their lives.

The Jackson's designed the Battered Women's Foundation to do what other organizations weren't doing in a way that would compliment the work of the other groups

This approach has worked well with 85 to 90 percent of the women who seek help through the foundation able to leave their old lives for ever because they've been given the necessary tools to fight for new ones.

The goal of the Battered Women's Foundation is to accept 40 to 60 new families each month. Most families are followed for two years and will receive everything from food, shelter and clothing to financial help, college, transportation assistance and counseling.

The foundation is a non-profit and relies on the community and many volunteers to support its work.

The Jackson's have made a big difference in the lives of women and children in Northeast Tarrant County by making new beginnings possible. But the Battered Women's Foundation is not just a temporary shelter from the storm; it is a clear message to families everywhere that violence is not acceptable.

The Jackson's' goal for the foundation is to firmly establish a new trend in abuse called accountability, and they are not shy about putting the word out. They see sorrow, shame and fear every day, but they meet it head on with a plan and the means to make a positive difference. At the Battered Women's Foundation hope and bright new horizons are not only possible, they are abundant.

STARS Section
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX) Sunday, March 2, 2003
Section: Metro
Edition: NORTHEAST
Page: 1