Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Nixon-Bowles.
Hi Debra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up as a little girl, I came from a dysfunctional household. Dysfunctional is a term we hear often and has many interpretations, but my father was very abusive. For me, it was hard to call out a parent on this issue. It took years for me to even acknowledge and be open about it. Seeing my mother get beat down, parents fighting, cussing, screaming at one another, me and my siblings waking up throughout the night, just wasn’t a healthy experience as a child.
When my father abandoned us at a young age, it caused us all to go in different directions. We have dealt with depression, drugs, anger, obesity, you name it! Feeling at fault as a kid you may wonder if you were the problem. My father walked away without making sure his kids were okay. As you get older the hurt turns into anger. Watching my mother work and work, all the time and continue to take the abuse was so difficult. You don’t know who you are angry at, but you know the pain is rooted deep inside. Even in relationships when it comes to true love and commitment, parents don’t realize how they affect their kids’ lives at such a young age.
I can truly say, my mother did her best with us. She always gave us the best and constantly tried to do her best! Sometimes I think about how she had to deal with the depression going through the mistreatment and then taking care of us, making ends meet to only survive. My mother always made me feel like I had to be the one to take care of my siblings. The encouragement and support she instilled, allowed me to be able to inspire others throughout my own life. Why was I the one chosen to take care of everyone? A scripture that comes to mind, “For many are called, but few are chosen,” Matthew 22:14.
Our trials and experiences are based on the purpose chosen for our lives. When God gave me, Women Called Moses, I knew it would be impactful. I used to dream about Harriet Tubman, going underground, and slavery. I spoke with my godmother who confirmed the fact that I was about to give birth to a ministry. A seed was planted, and the nonprofit was born. Women Called Moses was created to be an underground railroad for survivors of domestic violence. We seek to prevent and end the cycles of domestic violence through education, research, resources, and advocacy programs which are provided to individuals, families, communities, corporations, and coalition nonprofit agencies throughout the United States.
As Founder and CEO of Women Called Moses, I know my journey was chosen by God. A lot of us have been called, but when you are chosen, you have to step up and take it seriously. It’s a heavy load to do what you were called to do. So, I felt the call to help and inspire women by being a part of their lives. I wanted to be a woman to give back. Talking to people and going to church, I was blessed to be able to connect and network with the right individuals. I’ve been in the trenches helping women over 22 years.
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?
Many nonprofits and for-profits have recently faced challenges. Women Called Moses has experienced some struggles along the way so, it has not always been a smooth road. We have encountered a lack of funding and also have been hit hard within our staffing when COVID came on board. It is very difficult to run operations without staff because I am wearing many hats. Even being a black woman as the face of this nonprofit agency can sometimes be one of the biggest challenges. Racism still exists. People don’t always have the funds to give to support charities and their operations. Most larger corporations will benefit before the smaller ones because the minor ones are expected to not make it.
There was a lot of stress that followed the pandemic, and it almost wiped us out, but we pushed hard behind the cause to keep our doors open. More and more women are becoming homeless as result of domestic violence, and it is more dangerous now than ever. Domestic Violence alone is a widespread concern, but this era has put survivors on another level. Now they are at home with the perpetrator all day and more.
We’ve been impressed with Women Called Moses, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am very grateful we are able to talk about Women Called Moses in this article. This organization has always been my heart and passion. Women Called Moses was the first shelter in the southern sector of Dallas, Texas. With resources and networking connections Women Called Moses continues to provide services to the underserved communities. It was such a major blessing to have a shelter home donated to accommodate our qualified clients, and I thank God for those who sowed seeds to make the organization what it is today.
From community partnerships and relationships to companies, platforms, and corporate America, when it comes to these resources, financial contributions have been beneficial and the reason, we are able to keep going. I’ve learned to “Know the need and tell people what the need is.” I hope whoever reads this article knows that there are great needs such as funding to keep hope alive for our women and children in the southern sector. It has been so tough trying to get many to see this, especially since the pandemic.
Money here and there for the most part is not enough to cover payroll, operations, and programs. I know that I have done and will continue to do my best. To those that have given to Women Called Moses and supported the vision, they have done the best of the best!
What matters most to you?
I want to let any domestic violence victim out there know, not to base their safety on money. Get with someone that can help you with a safety plan. Never feel that you have to stay in an abusive relationship.
How you can help Women Called Moses is to visit us at www.wcmcares.org. Our nonprofit is seeking donations, community partnerships, and volunteers. We need a staff like we had before the pandemic hit, program assistance, and more resources! #1000 SAFE NIGHTS is a program where we place women and children in hotels fleeing during emergency crisis. People have lost jobs and we have lost donors. Women Called Moses is still here knocking on doors for support. No donation, in-kind or monetary is too small. Any amount is highly appreciated from the clients to the nonprofit organization. From the heart of the Founder and CEO of Women Called Moses to yours, I appreciate all the love, support, and prayers. I give God all the praise and honor!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wcmcares.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wcmcares/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCMcares/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wcmcares
