(Little Rock, KATV) — In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, survivors Jajuan Archer and Heaven McKinney shared their stories of resilience and recovery. Archer, who founded the nonprofit Women’s Own Worth after surviving a near-fatal attack by her partner in 2011, emphasized the importance of support systems for victims. “It’s only by the grace of God that I lived. It’s only by the grace of God that we have these homes,” Archer said.
Her organization provides mental health services, resource connections, and safe housing for women and families. “We don’t have a 911, number or crisis line, so we bridge the gap to make sure that these families know where they can reach out immediately for immediate help, and then we try to get them out of that, out of that crisis situation, into a normal transition into their livelihoods, where they can prosper with their families,” Archer said. Right now they have a villa in Saline County with two-unit homes in it a piece, and their second villa is set to be finished in early 2026. The non-profit is also looking to place more villas in Garland County to reach more victims in need.
Women’s Own Worth also has created a map of shelters for victims, safety planning for those looking to escape, and now a scholarship for victims looking to better their lives through education. In addition to all of that, one of the most important factors of W.O.W. is the guidance and safe space for those experiencing a tough time. This was proven true for Heaven McKinney, another survivor. Mckinney was linked to the non-profit before she even knew that she herself would need help. In 2022 she was attacked by her ex-partner, almost being choked to death. Soon after the attack he proceeded to set her coffee shop on fire. Though she was first reluctant, with Archer’s backing, Mckinney testified against her abuser, resulting in a sentence of up to 20 years behind bars. “”A lot of times we don’t want to seek family and friends first, because we’re scared of the judgment factor that might come along with your testimony. And it was just glad. I was glad to have Jajuan and her organization to be able to be there for me so that I can have a judgment free zone, to be able to talk and begin my healing journey.”…