freedom4ewa

[freedom4ewa]

Please know that domestic violence organizations will never force you to do anything that you don’t want to do. They let you know what resources are available to you when you are ready. #helpishere #lgbtqia #man #woman #transgender #everyoneisworthyofhelp #victim #survivor #ally #firststep #support #resources #community https://www.instagram.com/p/CbkZdA8OuSP/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

Creating Change takes Courage #change #transformation #selfreliant #courageous #creatingchange #positiveaffirmation #thrivingnotsurviving #embracinglife #strengthlieswithin #selflove https://www.instagram.com/p/CbgaULrM1T1/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

You are deserving of acceptance. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ Accept yourself right where you are. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ #belief #speakkindlytoyourself #youmatter #youareworthy #positiveaffirmation #youaredeserving https://www.instagram.com/p/CbThEWhsPfj/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

Information copied directly from: https://safefuturesct.org/protect-our-pets/ PROTECT OUR PETS Safe Futures is the first emergency shelter in the State of Connecticut to provide safe housing for pets. The organization received a grant from Red Rover to upgrade its shelter to provide a more welcoming environment for pets. We accept pets in all of our residential programs and our emergency shelter. Abusers often use beloved pets to control their victims. Protect Our Pets is intended to offer options and solutions for pets of victims who are fleeing their home because of abuse. These include: shelter at our Genesis House emergency shelter (first option if victim is coming to shelter); shelter at pet-friendly hotels; shelter through Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation Companions in Crisis Program (in partnership with Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence); pet supplies (food, collars, etc.); access to veterinarian care; and, transportation costs for pets if victim must leave the area for safety reasons. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2mJRkXUcps https://www.instagram.com/p/CaVIJuJOw1x/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

My mini series is inspired by two mason jars that I have in my art studio. A few years ago, the kids from my Domestic Violence shelter art groups where I volunteered, surprised me with these jars. They filled the jars with notes of why they loved me and our art class! I will hold their kind words in my heart 4Ewa! Some of the notes I received say: "I like your hair" "I love art because I love Ewa" "Love Comes from the heart and also feeling" 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 🌹”I Love You”🌹 A beautiful hand sculpted rose is adhered to the lid of the jar. There is a red Swarovski heart crystal hanging from the jar. Inside of the jar, is a message in a bottle. I can write the message on your behalf to the person that is being gifted this beauty. The note can be a nice reminder of why someone matters to you and letting them know that they are truly loved♥️ This is perfect for your: 🌹Partner 🌹Friend 🌹Child 🌹Mom 🌹Dad 🌹Yourself Anyone who matters to you ♥️🌹♥️ Background art created by @amandamendozaart https://www.instagram.com/p/CZsOxrFPm9B/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

By yours truly ☕️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CZX48krMUn2/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

Eulogy for my father: Our father, Aleksander Grochowski passed away peacefully in his home on January 12th. He leaves behind his three children, my sister, Ewelina, my brother Greg and myself as well as his only granddaughter, Maja. He also leaves behind many family members in the U.S. and Poland as well as friends who cared for him throughout his life. I’ve missed my father for most of my life because he struggled with addiction for many years. The absence of love and the experience of trauma take shape in many forms and for my father it took shape in the form of an alcohol addiction. Because of the trauma that he experienced I think my father locked his heart in a vault and threw away the key because the pain was too unbearable to handle. I wish that there was a way that my siblings and everyone who cared for him could have taken his pain away, but we couldn’t because he kept it locked it up in his vault. Addiction and recovery are extremely difficult because you fight for your life, every single day. What’s important for me to remember is that my father never gave up and that ultimately, he was not alone in his fight. There were so many people that showed my father that he was worthy of love. I want to thank everyone that showed my father kindness through their acts of love: My mother, Elzbieta for providing him with food when she saw him around New Britain. My brother, Greg for providing him with shelter and checking in on him. My sister, Ewelina for cleaning his home and going grocery shopping for him. The Janowiec family providing him with love and support over the years. Carlo for helping him with AA and rehab. My dad’s neighbor, Tyler for checking in on him. I’m sure there are others that I don’t know about, thank you! All your acts of kindness were the key that unlocked his vault and allowed his heart to be filled with hope. I know that he fought as hard as he could until the very end. We will never know his full story, but the biggest part of his story was his children, and the most beautiful parts of his being will live on through us. **continued in the comments** https://www.instagram.com/p/CY-DAISsX-n/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

Our father, Aleksander G. Grochowski passed away peacefully in his home on January 12, 2022. Our dad loved to be outdoors surrounded by nature, especially on the water, fishing. One of our favorite memories was when he took us to Rocky Neck State Park on a cold day. We built a fire and heated up some kielbasa on a stick over the open flames. After we ate, we cuddled up and took a little nap right on the beach. He was also someone you called, “Złota Rączka (Golden Hand)", his passion for working with his hands was remarkable, he worked on his Volkswagen GTI, planted roses in his garden, created metal sculptures, and adorned the inside of his homes with beautiful woodwork that he crafted by hand. He was a selfless person and devoted his time to the Catholic Church. He struggled with addiction for many years, but he fought as hard as he could until the very end. We will never know his full story, but the biggest part of his story was his children, and the most beautiful parts of his being will live on through us. May you rest in peace and know that our love for you will burn brightly until we meet again. You are never alone; your home is in our hearts, and you will be loved forever. Aleksander Grochowski Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (newingtonmemorial.com) #restinpeace #addictionawareness #inourhearts #notalone #loved #freefrompain #grief #loss #father https://www.instagram.com/freedom4ewa/p/CY1y8hmLl_v/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

You are not alone ☕️ Whether it is addiction, mental illness, abuse, loneliness, family issues, identity struggles, sexuality, and everything we as living beings deal with, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. So many of us struggle but don’t speak up because we are taught that vulnerability is a weakness, it isn’t. When we open our hearts we are able to help ourselves as well as others. One day at a time, you are not alone #notalone #keepgoing #imhere #support #unconditionallove #struggling #addiction #mentalhealth #sexuality #beyou #vulnerability #ceramic #mug #cup #speakup #nevergiveup https://www.instagram.com/p/CYzu7nLlS4m/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

You are not alone ☕️ Whether it is addiction, mental illness, abuse, loneliness, family issues, identity struggles, sexuality, and everything we as living beings deal with, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. So many of us struggle but don’t speak up because we are taught that vulnerability is a weakness, it isn’t. When we open our hearts we are able to help ourselves as well as others. One day at a time, you are not alone #notalone #keepgoing #imhere #support #unconditionallove #struggling #addiction #mentalhealth #sexuality #beyou #vulnerability #ceramic #mug #cup #speakup #nevergiveup https://www.instagram.com/p/CYxUH4IFYHP/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

3rd mug by @freedom4ewa ☕️ #safe #anxiety #calming #youaresafe #iamsafe #ceramic #clay #mug #handmade #isaywhatimeanmuggin #mugsmugsmugs https://www.instagram.com/p/CYpP8JmlbEQ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

2nd mug by @freedom4ewa #survivor #breakingthrough #clay #handmademug #ceramics #ceramicmug #domesticviolence #breakingthecycle https://www.instagram.com/p/CYmM1LzFpKR/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

First mug by @freedom4ewa 💜 #ceramicmug #handmade #cyclebreakers #cyclebreaker https://www.instagram.com/p/CYkokMOFPmN/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

Am I the only one that gets overcome with so much emotion when someone thanks me for the smallest gesture of kindness? I don’t think that I am. Letting someone go in front of me at the grocery store. Acknowledging someone by saying, “hello” Offering something to an un-housed individual. Being kind to my partner and receiving kindness in return. Checking in on others. All these acts make my heart full and bring tears to my eyes. I am an extremely sensitive and empathetic person and that is why I think that these interactions have such a strong impact on my being. Negative interactions also have a huge impact on me and I feel them in my mind and body for days. I surrounded myself with as much love and positivity as I can. The world is already so hurtful, everywhere you look there is pain. I hope that you are surrounded by beings that fill your heart instead of breaking it 💜 Please remember, sensitivity and empathy are superpowers. Do not be afraid of your strength! #lovenothate #care #sensitive #empath #feelings #fullheart #withlove #sensitivesoul https://www.instagram.com/p/CYfH3LUrKVg/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

Home is a place where you are safe, loved, and able to live in peace. I am grateful to have a home where I am loved and cherished by my partner and two kitties 🐈‍⬛ 🐈‍⬛ A place where I am able to freely speak and create. Reflecting back on so many years of my life where I was a prisoner inside four walls makes me feel proud of how far I have come. We all deserve a home where we are surrounded by love and not living in fear. This year and every year, I hope that you are able to live freely in a place that you call home 🏡 #homesweethome #safe #atpeace #loved #caredfor #sanctuary #domesticviolence #domesticviolencesurvivor #living #breathing #handmadeceramics #succulentplanters #clay https://www.instagram.com/p/CYeRgRerJEC/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

Growing up, I visited my grandmother in Poland, and I remember her having so many different pieces of crystal in her wood cabinet. They were all so beautifully displayed, I loved how the sunlight bounced off every detail in the crystal. I loved challenging myself with this beautiful ceramic rose sculpture! I hand sculpted every single rose and then I attached them all together to make little rose gardens. I then adhered the roses onto this gorgeous antique crystal. Stunning and elegant. I love combining my art with something old and bringing it back to life. My hope is that my upcycled crystal art creations become keepsakes for families. #childhoodmemories❤ https://www.instagram.com/p/CXykbdarZvx/?utm_medium=tumblr

[freedom4ewa]

December 18, 2021 marked the 8th anniversary of @freedom4ewa 💜 I am so grateful to my community of supporters who have been a part of this beautiful movement. Freedom4Ewa has evolved so much over the years and I along with it! I will never forget the inception of F4E, I was sitting in a coffee shop when in a single moment all my feelings and ideas came together, on this day, I came to life. After leaving my last abuser on April 4, 2012, I knew that I no longer wanted to stay silent. I knew that I had to do something to end the cycle of abuse in my life as well as helping others do the same. I wanted to share my story with other survivors so they knew that they were not alone. You have all helped me get to an 8th year of creating change and breaking the silence on domestic violence! If it wasn’t for all of your open hearts, compassion, empathy, support, and vulnerability, I wouldn’t be where I am today. When I think back to being a victim sitting outside in my pajamas with no shoes, at night in the dead of winter because my abuser kicked me out, to now sitting in my studio and typing this… I have literally turned my life around and your love and support has helped me to keep going when I thought I couldn’t. Thank you for believing in survivors and standing with us in solidarity💜 You have changed my life! #shareyourstory #bethechange #domesticviolencesurvivor https://www.instagram.com/freedom4ewa/p/CXueWc_MeU6/?utm_medium=tumblr