Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanise Hart
Hi Shanise, 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?
When I was 18, I enlisted in the US Air Force. After high school graduation, I was off to boot camp two weeks later. I served honorably from 2006-2014 on Active Duty. Unfortunately, during my time in service, I experienced domestic abuse and sexual assault. My experience in reporting and seeking help was not the most encouraging or supportive. I almost gave up and opted to leave the military far before the end of my enlistment due to the lack of support I experienced. Instead, I decided I wanted to help others to not experience the same things and also create programs that will help those who have been victimized. During my final deployment in Kuwait, I received my national 40-hour victim’s advocate certificate to become more informed & to learn about the cycle of violence to remove the stigma from reporting. I decided that I wanted to take things into my own hands and establish an organization that creates a community for survivors to thrive.
Although I have been left with invisible scars & a PTSD diagnosis, I thrive through my Faith in God, physical fitness and therapy to sustain personal self-care. Sharing my story is not always easy but I know it is necessary to heal and help others. I also understand that through shared stories/testimonies that others may be more likely to come forward and get the help they need. In 2020, with the help of my friend, two older sisters and favorite cousin, we formed Three Hart Connection. In the past 4 years we have assisted over 300 survivors in getting access to victims of crimes benefits, funding, shelter, therapy, hygiene kits and more. Additionally, we have facilitated our custom curriculum informing youth, military and civilians about Healthy Relationships, Domestic Abuse in the Armed Forces and Military Sexual Trauma. We have provided youth scholarships and opportunities through our workshops for more than 200 adults and approximately 200 youth in the past 4 years. We are just getting started!
I am personally moved and impacted by every survivor I meet and feel a personal responsibility to be a force in breaking the cycle of violence. God has given me a second chance at life, and I will not waste it! I trust the plans God has for my life and do not take any of it for granted. I am hopeful that through my advocacy and activism I will continue to meet other survivors and change makers!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Not long after we established Three Hart Connection in 2020, I experienced one of the hardest personal losses in my life. Enduring what remains of that loss affects me daily but I resume because I know it is the right thing to do. Professionally, we have experienced many of the same hardships as other nonprofits – people and funding. Right now, our entire staff consists of volunteers and interns who commit their personal time and gifts to making our organization successful. We are confident that so long as we are doing the work that the resources needed for sustainability, longevity and scale will follow. God will provide!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Three Hart Connection is a female veteran operated non-profit organization based in the Antelope Valley. Our mission is to break the cycle of violence. We do this by advocating for the needs of survivors of domestic violence, promoting mental well-being through programs and partnerships that build and support healthy hearts & minds. Additionally, we thrive to “leave it better than we found it” by taking from our lived experiences and educating the youth to know the difference between healthy & unhealthy relationships. We are grateful to speak & educate others on the topics of domestic abuse & military sexual trauma (MST) in the Armed Forces through workshops and panels. We are proud to have served our country and to now serve our community! Although we are fighting for a serious cause, we specialize in making it an enjoyable experience through compassion, realistic parallels and relatability.
Many people wonder how or if they can help without experience, the answer is YES! Whether you volunteer or support through donation, sponsorship or attending our annual events- it is all impactful! Pull up at one or both of our annual events; we host a 5K Walk/Run event for sexual assault awareness month every April & a Thrivers Gala for domestic violence awareness month every October. Follow us on our website www.threehartconnection.org and social medias @threehartconnection!
What matters most to you?
What matters to me the most is my obedience to what God has called for me to do & for people to know their voice matters no matter how big or small. We all deserve a life free from violence with safety, independence and joy. If you have experienced violence in a relationship, it does not have to define you. Transitioning from a life where you merely exist and survive, to a life where you THRIVE is absolutely possible!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.threehartconnection.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threehartconnection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/threehartconnection
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThreeHartConnection
