Foundation coaches victims to build new lives
STANHOPE — It's everywhere but we don't talk about it. "Never Again" by Nickleback, Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You" and Suzanne Vega's "Luka", are all songs because of it. Maybe it’s easier to sing about it than talk about it. "It" is domestic abuse.
In Awe Foundation is a collaboration of volunteers, entrepreneurs, colleagues, business associates, interns, and coaches who are coaching victims of abuse to recovery and to reclaiming their lives. The Foundation is currently in the process of seeking a building or office to call their “coaching center”, yet it's very much alive and saving lives every day.
Turning over a new leaf
It all started when Meena Singh from Stanhope went through and overcame emotional and physical domestic abuse and addiction. It took the mother of two a decade to come to terms with how her life had spiraled out of control and seek help. She conquered her demons and divorced her abuser.
With her personal life under control, Singh proceeded to climb the corporate ladder finally landing at a position double in salary of where she had started. Still, Singh knew she had a purpose in life yet to be discovered.
To most, being laid off would be considered disastrous, but Singh said when it happened to her, in 2009, it ended up being a blessing, leading her to pursue what turned out to be her calling as a professional spirituality and life transitions coach. With the help of others familiar with domestic abuse and addiction, she propelled her passion to a new level and founded the In Awe Foundation, Inc. in August of 2011.
About the foundation
Those in need of help are assisted via phone, Skype and one-on-one meetings in local businesses that generously have agreed to provide office space on an as-needed basis. The foundation holds events all over the area utilizing libraries and other facilities for the general public and has found a specialty in giving corporate workshops at businesses. Statistics indicate that an increase in substance abuse is costing corporations millions of dollars. The tools and programs used by In Awe Foundation have been proven to help employees overcome such self-destructive addictions and unhealthy choices of being in abusive environments and become much more productive.
"EAPs just aren't working," Singh said. "We have the resources to instigate positive change in a much more timely and cost-effective manner."
A registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, the area in which In Awe Foundation serves encompasses Northern New Jersey and greater New York City.
"Our Recovery Coaching is for individuals who are or were affected by abuse and/or addiction seeking to go beyond what is considered conventional therapy," Singh said. "While counseling and therapy may focus on the past in order to treat abuse and addiction, coaching focuses on dealing with the present and tacking action to move forward."
To this end, In Awe Foundation has a program called "Transitions to Recovery" that allows patients to transition with ease into the recovery program of their choice. Furthermore, it helps people discover a new way of life that cultivates enthusiasm in action through coaching to energize and engage clients to take action to rebuild their lives.
When it comes to its base — coaching — Singh explains counseling allows people to talk, vent and offers therapy. However coaching includes clearly agreed upon actions and what Singh calls "home-fun” so that clients progress and grow.
The In Awe Foundation also has additional media sources, like their radio show called "Speak Up and Step Out," that continues to create awareness and educate their audiences of the impact abuse and addiction. This show is aired every Tuesday at 1 p.m. (EST) via the Hunterdon County Chamber radio. The foundation also has a bi-weekly TV show via Princeton Community TV which airs through Channel 45 (Verizon FIOS).
The In Awe Foundation's executive board includes Singh as well as Greg Stewart, of NexGen Management, and marketing consultant Gene Tick. The foundation is in need of volunteers, including someone to develop and cultivate its web site, office space and eventually a property where they will build their vision. "My vision is to collaborate with others to find their life purpose and build coaching centers worldwide for individuals affected by abuse and/or addiction," Singh said.
Recently Singh was awarded the Woman of Outstanding Leadership in Personal Development by the International Women's Leadership Association of New York in 2013. Although, she appreciates the award, at the recent re-launch of the In Awe Foundation she made it clear that though she is the founder, the In Awe Foundation is all about the team, not her.
"We work extremely well as a team and together have great ambitions for the future," she said. "We want those who we serve to not just be surviving but thriving — regardless of what the economists may declare all throughout their lives."
For further information about In Awe Foundation or to become a sponsor, volunteer, or coach call 973-440-8427, email info@inawefoundation.org or visit www.InAweFoundation.org.