03/27/2025
Even after recent events, I have had "concerned" individuals express discomfort with OATL hosting a healthy relationships workshop for young ladies, specifically ages 9 to 11. Some even went as far as to say that if they were the caregivers of these attendees, they would protest.
My response? If every young lady in Toledo had the privilege of growing up in a safe, stable environment, I would be out of a job. I wouldn’t have to listen to an 11-year-old tell me she has had double-digit s*x partners. I wouldn’t have to hear a 17-year-old explain how she had to “help” her mom pay rent. Or, let’s switch it up—I wouldn’t have to sit with a 60-year-old woman realizing, for the first time in her life, that she had the right to say no to being exploited by her partner. I wouldn’t have to hold space for mothers wrestling with guilt because the person who once vowed to love them nearly succeeded in unaliving her/their children in retaliation for leaving a toxic relationship.
With all that being said—ALL FEMALES AGES 9+ ARE WELCOME at our upcoming workshop. Caregivers, aunties, big cousins, and supportive figures are encouraged to join this safe space as well.
RE-WARNING: Sensitive testimonies will be shared. But this is an environment where your voice MATTERS. There will be NO judgment—only support.
Visit our website and register today. đź’ś