Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Stevens
Hi Rita, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Rita Stevens—Author of Unexpected Patterns of Purpose, Transformational Speaker, and Founder of Silent Voyces. My journey into advocacy and empowerment began with my youngest son’s traumatic brain injury, which resulted in cerebral palsy and visual impairments. Navigating this life-altering experience, our family faced years of uncertainty, feeling silenced and often lost as we struggled to find the resources and guidance we desperately needed.
This challenging path ignited a passion within me to help other families on similar journeys. I wanted to bridge the gap between where they are and the resources they need to move forward. From this vision, Silent Voyces was born—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering parents of children with special needs. The “Y” in Voyces symbolizes You—a reminder to every parent that they have a voice and that we are here to walk alongside them, advocating for their children and their families.
My book, Unexpected Patterns of Purpose, reflects this journey. It is both a personal memoir and a guide, showing how life’s unexpected challenges can reveal hidden paths to purpose. My hope is that it inspires others to embrace their unique patterns, unlocking doors to a life of meaning and fulfillment.
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?
This journey has been far from easy. It’s been marked by uncertainty and moments of deep isolation, testing both my faith and self-esteem. Yet, through those challenges, I’ve discovered a greater capacity for resilience, consistency, and patience. These experiences have taught me to face obstacles head-on and implement strategies to navigate them with strength and purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Silent Voyces is dedicated to providing advocacy and resources for children with special needs, from birth to age 21. Our mission is to support families by collaborating with federal, state, and local organizations to deliver advocacy, training, education, legislative development, and financial assistance.
As a parent of a child with special needs, I intimately understand the challenges families face. This shared experience drives our organization’s deep empathy and compassion in serving every family we support.
How Silent Voyces Supports Families:
1. Collaborative Events:
We partner with providers to offer free events tailored to parents and children, such as respite care days, vendor fairs, and special-needs-focused gatherings. Some events are designed specifically for moms, dads, or families as a whole.
2. Vendor Fairs:
We participate in and host vendor fairs to connect parents with services and resources that meet their unique needs.
3. Resource Connections:
Through interviews with providers—both within the United States and internationally—we connect families with critical resources, regardless of location.
4. Stories of Hope:
We share interviews with other parents, highlighting their journeys as “Stories of Hope.” These stories inspire, motivate, and encourage caregivers, reminding them they’re not alone on this path.
Silent Voyces is more than a resource—it’s a community committed to walking alongside families as they navigate the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My most valuable advice is this: Your mindset matters. Cultivating a mindset of gratitude is essential to pour into others from a place of fullness and strength. Take the time to do the inner work necessary to maintain that balance. When you identify areas in your life that need change, embrace them with intention and take proactive steps to create the transformation you seek.
I wish I had realized sooner that I was already equipped for the journey ahead. Life was weaving interconnected patterns, setting me up for success. It just required hard work, consistency, and the willingness to extend myself grace throughout the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.silentvoyces.org ; www.unexpectedpatternsofpurpose.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silentvoyces; https://www.instagram.com/unexpectedpatternsofpurpose
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556589423852&sk=about
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredvoyces/videos?app=desktop&view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2
Image Credits
Luther West Photography
