Hands for Peace Women’s Trauma Relief Clinic: The Healing Touch …

In 2014, South Carolina ranked the second highest in the nation for deadly violence against women. And in 2015, the Palmetto State regrettably moved into the number one position in this category. The Department of Veterans Affairs published a report in 2013 that concluded that 1 in 4 women in the military tested screened positive for sexual assault.

The research data indicates that there is clearly an ever-growing problem, often referred to as the “silent crisis,” that is gripping our nation and the world as a whole. Yet, in many respects, evidenced by countless examples, there seems to exist either an acceptable tolerance or naïve (maybe even willful) denial that such cancerous issues plague society. Violence, subjugation, forced marriages, denial of property and education, and economic devaluation negatively impact more than half of the Earth’s population. What a staggering thought. On the outside, everything may seem great as one looks upon the “normal” life of another, while, in reality, a person’s life may be tragically coming apart.

For this reason, the Hands for Peace Women's Trauma Relief Clinic, located in Columbia, was created. It began simply as a ministry of service to support survivors of post-trauma injury—treating those dealing with such conditions as sexual assault, domestic violence, military combat, childhood abuse and catastrophic illness. In 2007, a small group of women specializing in alternative health practices formed a group determined to educate the community about the validity of such practices by offering services at a reduced rate or through donation. The guiding principle was that by helping women to heal from trauma, the communities that they live and work in would become stronger. Women that participated signed an agreement that if they could not financially contribute toward the services offered, they would commit to volunteering equal time at a nonprofit of their choice. One by one, many hurting women began to come and be transformed.

In 2015, the Richland County Discretionary Fund awarded a small grant to Columbia Resilience, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support Columbia's transition into an ecological and economical self-sustaining community. With the received grant, Columbia Resilience, in turn, provided funding for the Hands for Peace Women's Trauma Relief Clinic, whose stated philosophy is the "Community Heals." The funding supports two innovative alternative health classes offered free to women in Richland County. The first class is facilitated by Joy Connor, LMBT. She leads a group utilizing gentle yoga and energy balancing techniques. The second class is facilitated by Pamila Lorentz, MSW, RN, LMBT, who leads a group utilizing helpful treatment techniques, such as aromatherapy and sound healing (a method emphasizing proper breathing, toning and deep relaxation).

In cooperation with and in the space provided by St. Mark United Methodist Church Outreach Ministry, other “hands-on” services are offered to those in need, including aromatherapy, acupuncture, CranioSacral Therapy, gentle massage, energy balancing, sound healing, EFT/tapping for emotions, and gentle exercise. A hot, light meal is also provided.

The work of Hands for Peace Women's Trauma Relief Clinic is completely supported through donations. Volunteers are trained to be aware of the complex symptoms of post-trauma injury and to assist the professional staff as needed. Time volunteered can be applied to the First Time Bank of Columbia, which is an open community time exchange for services. Exchanged service work options include such activities as yard clean up, pet sitting, sewing lessons, editing and more. Contributions to support the clinic can be made to Columbia Resilience through the Midlands Gives campaign or by private donations, which are tax deductible.

Individuals and residents of South Carolina have an opportunity to come together to support a movement of love and care to help truly make our state a great place to live for everyone … women included!

For more information about services, volunteering or private donations, contact Pamila Lorentz, director of the Center for Health Integration, in Columbia, at 803-749-1576 or visit CenterForHealthIntegration.com