Nonprofit Spotlight: Shattered Canvas, Inc. Shattered Canvas is a Maryland-based nonprofit organization aimed at supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse and promoting education We're delighted to feature this article about NAASCA family member JoAnn Kerschner from Baltimore, a child abuse survivor who's developed an impressive advocacy as a big part of her healing. JoAnn is the Executive Director of 'Shattered Canvas,' which offers survivors classes that combine education, community experts, and a support group option. Family members, friends of survivors, or any individual desiring education can attend these classes in a safe and comfortable setting.

Maryland

Nonprofit Spotlight: Shattered Canvas, Inc.

Shattered Canvas is a Maryland-based nonprofit organization aimed at supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse and promoting education

by Liana Messina

Everyone needs a voice.

Shattered Canvas, Inc., based in Havre de Grace, is a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse and promoting education and awareness.

Patch recently talked to JoAnn Kerschner, executive director of Shattered Canvas and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

About the organization

Shattered Canvas is dedicated to the prevention of childhood sexual abuse and erasing the stigma of mental health by supporting survivors and promoting community education and awareness. Kerschner, a professional nurse with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, decided to devote her life to the mission of Shattered Canvas in October of 2014.

How is the organization making a difference?

Shattered Canvas provides survivors with access to support and education in a safe environment. The organization hosts numerous programs, including support groups, education seminars, counseling and art therapy sessions to support survivors.

Based on reports, it is believed that in today's society 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually molested before they are 18 years old.

Kerschner is still battling the trauma of childhood sexual abuse, calling it “a continuous vicious cycle.”

As a survivor, she still suffers with depression­­­­, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, insurance coverage, medications, and the overall stigma of mental health in our society. She hopes Shattered Canvas will act as a safe haven for the many others who are battling similar issues, but have yet to seek help.

“Everyone knows someone,” she said. “It could be their child, their next door neighbor, someone in their family.”

The power of the voice

Kerschner works closely with survivors from nearby and across the country. Many have reached out to Kerschner for help after hearing about the organization or listening to her radio podcasts associated with the National Association Adult Survivors of Child Abuse or NAASCA. She hopes more people will learn to feel comfortable to reach out and look for help if they need it.

“People can't see the pain. We teach people how to find a voice.”

The organization is working on forming their first survivors' group, a very personal experience for her, referring to the members as “like family.” Kerschner also hopes to hold journal drives throughout the community to collect journals that will be given to survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

“The journal is great”, she said, explaining how a journal acts as an open canvas for survivors to release their private feelings through words or drawings.

How can the community get involved?

•  Donate: Donations can be made online and will go to providing education, supporting survivors and funding materials.

•  Events: Upcoming events will be listed online and include fundraisers, support groups and educational sessions.

•  Materials: Art supplies and journals are always appreciated and will be used to help survivors.

•  Spread the word: Share the organization's mission. You never know who is looking for help.

Learn more

Follow JoAnn on Facebook or get in touch via email at info@shatteredcanvas.org for more on how to get involved.