“I am working on this project from my heart and gut,” says Evy. She wants to send a message of hope, both for herself and others. “Even if you’ve experienced the most horrific things—new perspectives can still emerge. And know that after that, beautiful things can still happen.”

However, she also wants people to understand that the impact of such experiences makes life as an adult far from easy. “I want people to realize that a fundamental injustice has been done to us.” Steven adds that it takes hard work on yourself to “become more than your trauma.” “It’s not easy to discover and acknowledge qualities in yourself after trauma or multiple traumas.”

“Designing beads together in the workshop creates a silent bond,” says Evy. “I don’t have to explain myself here. The others know what wounds from childhood trauma feel like.” The workshop participants can silently understand each other in this safe environment. “This also makes you feel less alone, and you can simply be yourself,” Steven agrees.

“The connection here can provide comfort,” says Steven. “And knowing that there are possibilities, that there are different paths to walk. Many people have different stories, but the strategies to deal with them are often the same. Talking about it and knowing that people can guide you to make it lighter or more bearable, through art, dance… We only have one life; let’s not give it away to someone who did you harm. This place of recognition is an ode to life.”