Today we’d like to introduce you to Maury Danielle.
Hi Maury, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I authored and self-published a book in 2019. The book is about my healing journey and the steps that I took to free myself from a toxic, dangerous, and abusive marriage. After it was published, I started opening up more about my experiences and the processes I went through. I saw that breaking my silence was helping others to be set free and gain awareness of what unhealthy and abusive relationships look like. Becoming a life coach was so natural for me. I have always been that wise counsel to family and friends. What I realized was needed most was an outlet for growth and healing for survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. B Free 2 Fly International for-profit organization, launched shortly after the book was published in Los Angeles, CA. The company provides coaching and consulting services dedicated to making a life-changing impact in the lives of survivors globally.
I recognized through the start of this company that there is a greater need to bring awareness and services to survivors in marginalized communities. Domestic Violence is happening every day in every community. However, those affected in our black and brown communities are sometimes less likely to reach out for help or be well-informed. This can cause a lack of firsthand knowledge or awareness of the lasting effects of trauma. While it is beautiful that crisis centers and domestic violence organizations are available to help a victim in immediate need or crisis, rarely do you see the post-recovery services that survivors truly need to rebuild, reclaim, and restore their lives. I am a survivor myself, so I know personally what it took and what it is taking to rebuild my life for myself and my children. Part of my journey was relocating back to Texas. My pain ultimately fueled my passion and purpose, and this started the conversation to bridge the gap between emergency services and post-recovery and healing services. Healing does not stop because one is freed from a traumatic situation or circumstances. Healing and recovery are just beginning. It is often through generational awareness of trauma that we start to change the trajectory of our families and bring about generational healing by stopping the dysfunctional cycles.
I discovered that “people don’t know what they don’t know.” Thus, the 501c3 organization BF2F International, Inc. (serving Harris & Fort Bend County) launched to bring awareness and healing to these communities. Awareness through prevention and intervention services, subject matter awareness events centered around mental health and domestic violence and speaking to our youth about healthy dating and healthy boundaries. Through our nonprofit organization, we can bring awareness and education to communities and schools with a more significant impact when we have the funding to do the work. Our partnerships and donations are a pivotal part of our success.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While this has been a rewarding journey, there have been challenges. Domestic Violence and Mental Health are never easy topics because of the negative stigmas surrounding these subjects. Thankfully, the walls of shame, blame, and fear are coming down because of the awareness and resources available today. Our goal is to impact as many lives as possible and bring awareness to marginalized communities and those in need. People want to know that they can trust you first, so a challenge with being a new organization in Texas is building those community partnerships and networks. It takes a village to do the work, and the village is only as strong as its allies. Other challenges are limited resources, engaging and retaining donors, and finding exemplary volunteers.
Everyone is not going to be as on fire or passionate about the cause because you must be called to this field of specialized social work. My efforts and transparency have not always been received or embraced by my peers, and sometimes being misunderstood can be a roadblock. Not everyone knows your heart or your spirit, so extra work and effort needs to be exerted toward establishing a good rapport with clients and community organizations. The scripture that I remind myself of daily is Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
To ensure that I am serving others well in this journey, I spend time on personal and professional development. While education is essential, sometimes experience is the greater teacher. I have chosen to use my life choices, pains, and experiences to help others, and that is not always easy.
It has been challenging to build an organization you hold so dear to your heart because you understand personally what it is like to have lived through and survived to be free to fly. Rebuilding my life from the ground up while advocating for other survivors has presented its own heartaches and setbacks. Still, I am honored to be on this path when I look at what I have accomplished both personally and professionally. To help and inspire others to be free and to heal holistically: mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually is worth the short-term challenges for long-term and lifetime gain. Giving voice to the silent and healing the broken-hearted is what matters.
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” ~Frederick Douglas
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a life coach, I have created an 8-step program for recovery from abusive and traumatic experiences. I work with survivors of domestic violence to help them reclaim, rebuild, and restore their lives.
As an author, I have self-published a personal memoir and continue to share my experiences and passions through writing blogs, newsletters, and working on my next book project.
As a survivor advocate, I continue to share awareness through intervention and prevention workshops. I also host and co-host awareness events centered around domestic violence and mental health topics.
I continue to attend seminars and conferences globally.
I am a member of various organizations such as the Houston Coalition Against Hate, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and a global facilitator for The Mental Wellness Society International.
I participate in focus groups, gun violence and domestic violence fatality project community awareness teams with other global coalition initiatives.
As a speaker I continue to share my story to heal, encourage, and empower others.
Any big plans?
I have big plans to save the world! Just kidding, but I will try. Seriously, I have many goals, one being to continue building community engagement through local and global partnerships. I aspire to have evidence-based programs and life coaching services within different areas of local communities and throughout the world.
Some long-term visions are to build present-day story-telling opportunities to generate awareness through creative outlets like documentary series, short films, movies, radio, and podcasting. I would also like to create safe spaces for survivors through transitional housing. I am committed to helping remove negative stigmas, by promoting healing conversations first within our own homes, and extending out into society.
As a life coach, survivor advocate, author, and speaker, it is my ultimate desire and duty to continue to share my story by participating in interviews, focus groups, panel discussions, and other speaking engagements.
I am reminded of a powerful scripture on my vision board for the organization, Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV) “Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”
My blueprint is God’s plan without fail, and I am looking forward to continuing the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bfree2flyinternational.org/bf2f-international-inc-501c3
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bf2finfo/
Image Credits
Robert Rocker
Jessica’s Exquisite Images
