I was thoroughly moved by the community and bond between women yesterday as I helped a young woman through a difficult day.  The young woman reached out to me for support.  We went to a women’s clinic and were attended to by incredible and caring female staff.  The net of unconditional support that surrounded this young lady lifted me as well.  Her journey continues, but I could tell she felt empowered by the love and help she received and also the realization that she had self-advocated.  Promoting self-advocacy is key in my work with youth-at-risk.

This photo [D.J. O’Brien, Beauty Night on the Downtown Eastside, 2008] illustrates the day well: