We had the good fortune of connecting with Estrella Fitch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Estrella, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had worked over 25 years in social work and 10 1/2 years as a victim advocate. I noticed the limited resources we had for victims of abuse once the court proceedings were done. I knew I had to open a safe place for victims’ could heal from their abuse. This is what drove me to open up The Healing Journey a 501-C-3 non profit organization.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Healing Journey was founded in 2011. In the beginning, it was a very small agency with only volunteers. As we grew, we knew we had something different. Non-profits always are in need of funding. What I have found that the community of Yuma is very giving. There were times I felt that I would not make it. That is when you need to believe in your work and not let obstacles stand in your way. This is when you tell yourself, all will work out and connect to the right people. Being a non-profit always has challenges’. but I take them as a part of learning and moving forward. I am proud of the work we do here. I love to see a person who has gone though our therapy, and trauma counseling, come back to tell us they have moved forward and have healed. I want the world to know that healing is possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my family has come to visit Yuma AZ, they find it very interesting. Recently my little brother came to visited with her children and wife from Sacramento CA. He found the food wonderful and authentic. He had really Mexican tacos. I also took him to Yuma Territorial prison. They really enjoyed seeing the history of our town.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who helped me achieve my goal in opening this agency. I truly knew, I could not do this alone. My prior boss, The County Attorney Jon Smith was one of my biggest supporters. The day I spoke to him that I was leaving to open my agency, he responded how can I help. The other person is my husband. He knew my passion for helping others and didn’t hesitate in telling me that he would support me. There is a list of many others that played a part in my growth. Today when I walk through the doors of the agency, I see dedication and drive from the staff that work there. They all share the same vision I have of being a part of healing in a person who has suffered trauma. Maribel Sanez.  She began as a volunteer and ended up being a paid employee who really cared about he agency.  I will always be grateful to her.

Website: www.thjaz.org

Facebook: The Healing Journey of Yuma

Image Credits
They were taken on my cell phone I am the owner of the Photos Estrella Fitch

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