From Pain to Purpose: Lynn Balter’s Book Review
In her profound memoir, Lynn Balter uncovers a life marked by challenges yet defined by resilience, compassion, and purpose.
"Lynn's memoir is not just a testament to her resilience, but a beacon of light for every survivor. Through her story, she exemplifies the transformative power of compassion, purpose, and community," remarks Samantha Vrcic, founder of Path Matching.
In her profound memoir, Lynn Balter uncovers a life marked by challenges yet defined by resilience, compassion, and purpose. Born in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Lynn embarked on a journey that would test the limits of her spirit and endurance.
From her early days in real estate and her foray into the vacation rental industry, Lynn faced a series of personal and professional challenges. Childhood trauma, sexual assault, a diagnosis of autism within her family, confronting her own cancer, her husband's cancer, near bankruptcy, and navigating each chapter in her life was a lesson in resilience.
But Lynn's story isn't just about the battles she faced; it's about her triumphant spirit and her unwavering commitment to turning pain into purpose. Amidst these trials, Lynn discovered solace in service and philanthropy. Her involvement with impactful nonprofit organizations, such as the Center Against Sexual Assault (CASA), Homebase Youth Services, and the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), showcases her dedication to harnessing personal challenges for the greater good.
Her memoir stands as a beacon for those navigating their own adversities, illustrating that with the right mindset and support, it's possible to transform trauma into a life of compassion and purpose. Lynn's story imparts the lesson that as your intention shifts, growth follows suit, leading to genuine healing, harmony, and happiness.
At Path Matching, Lynn’s journey deeply resonates with our foundational ethos. Her narrative of transforming trauma into purpose parallels our mission to uplift survivors of trauma, connecting them with the resources, technology, and community they need to move forward. Lynn's tale exemplifies the essence of our work: offering a hand to those facing adversity and providing the tools they need to rebuild and thrive.
As we champion survivors and work towards a brighter future for all, we're inspired by voices like Lynn Balter's. Together, let's amplify these stories, fueling our collective drive to support, uplift, and empower.
To learn more about Lynn’s journey and how Path Matching continues to resonate with such transformative narratives, explore our resources at Path Matching.
Path Matching Accepts Every Pledge!
We are thrilled to announce that Path Matching is now accepting cryptocurrency donations to further our mission of uplifting survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.
We are thrilled to announce that Path Matching is now accepting cryptocurrency donations to further our mission of uplifting survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking through SAAM2k Walks, AI technology for survivor support matching, and vital resources. This step forward has been made possible with our partnership with Pledge.to.
Our decision to embrace cryptocurrency comes from a deep understanding of its potential and the ever-growing community that supports it. It represents a confluence of technological innovation and collective philanthropy, two elements central to our organization.
Cryptocurrency's soaring popularity, now embraced by over 300 million users globally and accounting for an astonishing 2 trillion dollars in circulation, underscores its potential as a powerful tool for change. Recognizing this, we've expanded our donation avenues to include over 130 cryptocurrencies. With immediate cash conversion, we eliminate the risk of market volatility, ensuring your contributions retain their intended impact. By doing so, you have diverse, secure options for pledging your support, and in turn, we can more effectively empower survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.
What Drives Us?
🌍 Facing Stark Realities: 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men grapple with the trauma of sexual assault.
🔗 Our Mission in Motion: Through initiatives like the SAAM2k Walks, cutting-edge AI technology facilitating survivor support matching, and providing indispensable resources.
💡 For Businesses & Individuals: Boost your social impact and benefit from tax deductions with your pledge.
🔄 Spread the Word: Reshare this post to amplify our mission and showcase your backing. Each share is a step towards a world where survivors are understood, empowered, and supported.
As we integrate this innovative approach, we are excited about the potential of reaching a broader audience and the subsequent support that could reshape countless lives. Every pledge, regardless of its form, plays a pivotal role in our ongoing endeavors.
Support Our Cause Now and contribute either via cryptocurrency or traditional means. Remember, each contribution drives us closer to a safer, more inclusive world for survivors.
To donate, text EMPOWER to 707070 or visit https://www.pledge.to/path-matching-join-our-mission-crypto-pledge
Your Voice Matters: Share Your Story of Survival with Path and Join Our Community of Support
No matter what you have been through, you are stronger than you know. As a survivor, you have already shown immense courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Remember that healing is a journey, and it's okay to take things one step at a time. You are not defined by what has happened to you - you are defined by the strength and resilience you possess. Keep pushing forward, and know that you are never alone. There is a community of survivors who have your back, and together we can support each other and create a brighter future.
At Path Matching, we believe that sharing your story is a powerful way to empower survivors and advocate for change. Our platform provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault to come together and share their experiences. It's time to break the silence and let your voice be heard.
We understand that sharing your story may be difficult, but it's important to know that you are not alone. One in three women and one in six men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. However, survivors often suffer in silence, feeling ashamed or embarrassed of what happened to them. By sharing your testimony, you have the opportunity to connect with other survivors and find a community of support.
Our team analyzes the testimonials to identify patterns and similarities, which can potentially form a strong case for survivors seeking justice. At Path Matching, we assist survivors who are considering filing a police report or legal action, providing them with resources and support during the process.
Remember, it's not your fault and it doesn't define who you are. It's important to know that you are not alone and there is help available. After submitting your testimony, our team will analyze the data and notify survivors of any potential similarities. We then offer survivors the opportunity to connect with each other and find support.
At Path Matching, we are committed to empowering survivors to reclaim their voice and advocate for change. Sexual assault is a pervasive problem and it's important we work together to create change. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding sexual assault and create a safer world for everyone.
Your voice matters, and your story could be the spark that ignites change. Join our community of survivors, advocates, and allies, and let's fight for justice and healing.
To submit your story and join our community, visit our website here.
Breaking the Silence: My Journey of Speaking Out Against Sexual Assault
My nonprofit, Path Matching, was born partially out of my personal experience with sexual assault. I turned my pain into purpose by creating a platform for survivors to share their stories and connect with others. Through Path Matching, I have seen the power of community and support in healing from trauma. It brings me joy to know that my experience has been able to help others on their own journeys towards healing and justice.
Disclaimer: Warning, this content may contain triggering or sensitive information. Please read at your own discretion. Additionally, all names have been changed to protect individual identities.
It was my junior year of high school when I moved to a new school away from my friends. My former best friend, Harriot, and I heard about a party in another district and decided to attend. Excited to see old friends and make new ones, I borrowed a white dress from my mom’s friend that was way above my budget.
As soon as we got to the party, Harriot disappeared, leaving me alone to search for people I knew. I remember taking two sips of alcohol, and then everything went blank. The next thing I knew, I couldn't walk or talk, and two guys were carrying me toward a car. I said, "I want to go back to my friends," but they didn't listen. I was in and out of reality, and the next thing I knew, I was being raped.
After that, I ran out of the car and back into the house screaming, "He raped me." Harriot and a group of people brought the rapist in to apologize and then pressured us to hug. Still crying hysterically, Harriot then sent me off to stay with random guys so she could spend the night with the owner of the house. The next day, I woke up in a random house with five guys, and they walked me back to meet Harriot. On the walk, they told me they would testify for me in court because they saw what happened that night.
At the time, I didn't understand the gravity of the situation, but I knew something was not right. Later, I realized I had been drugged because I experienced in-and-out reality and memory lapses without having any after-effects. Two sips of alcohol were not enough to cause what happened. This was my first sexual experience and has left a lifelong impact that I am still healing from today.
Healing wasn't easy, but speaking up was necessary. The police's first question was about the color of my underwear, which epitomized how my case was mishandled in the justice system. Despite the guy's apology recorded by the police, it was deemed insufficient evidence. It was disappointing to be let down by the people I trusted to protect society. Healing is not an overnight process, and it took me years to come to terms with what happened. But through therapy, supportive friends, and family, I learned that it was not my fault. I found strength in sharing my story and helping others who had gone through similar experiences. The empowerment came from realizing that I was not alone, and I could use my experience to make a difference in the world. By speaking up and sharing my story, I could help others feel heard and encourage them to come forward. Today, I am a survivor, and I use my voice to advocate for those who cannot speak up.
While this experience was undoubtedly traumatic, it has also given me a newfound sense of strength and resilience. I refuse to be a victim of my circumstances, and instead, I choose to use my story to inspire and empower others. Through therapy and support from loved ones, I have learned to heal from this experience and forgive myself for any perceived mistakes I may have made that night. I have also found solace in advocating for survivors of sexual assault and raising awareness about the importance of consent and bystander intervention.
My hope is that my story can serve as a reminder that no one is ever at fault for being assaulted and that there is always a path to healing and recovery. We must continue to have difficult conversations about consent and sexual assault, and work towards creating a safer and more supportive society for all survivors. I am proud to have turned my pain into purpose, and I will continue to use my voice to make a positive impact in the world.
*Path Matching offers a safe and supportive platform for survivors of sexual assault to share their experiences and connect with each other. By sharing your story, you can empower yourself and support others. Our team analyzes testimonies to identify patterns that can potentially form a strong case for survivors seeking justice. Remember, it's not your fault and does not define who you are. After submitting your testimony, our team will notify survivors of any potential similarities and offer them the opportunity to connect. Join our community of support and advocacy for change.
Path Matching Launches NFT Collection to Empower Survivors of Sexual Assault
Introducing a revolutionary NFT collection created by Samantha Vrcic, CEO of Path Matching, to empower survivors of sexual assault. This collection features 68 unique pieces of art, each carefully selected to celebrate the creativity and strength of survivors while spreading awareness about this critical issue. With each purchase, you are not only acquiring a stunning piece of art but also contributing to a larger cause of supporting survivors and ending this epidemic. Join us in our mission to empower survivors and build a safer, more inclusive world for all.
Path Matching, a platform that provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault to come together and share their experiences, has launched a very special NFT collection. The collection has been curated with the aim of empowering survivors of sexual assault across the globe and features 68 unique pieces of art, each priced at $68, created by a diverse range of artists using various mediums and styles.
Samantha Vrcic, CEO of Path Matching and former Chief of Staff at STEPN, a Web3-centric startup offering a blockchain-based fitness app, drew inspiration from the power of community, NFTs, and utility. The collection, exclusively available on OpenSea, launched on April 30th, coinciding with the end of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
"The NFT collection is about creating a fun, empowering community for survivors of sexual assault," shares Vrcic.
Each piece serves as a symbol of hope, healing, and resilience for survivors of sexual assault. The artwork has been carefully selected to celebrate and honor the creativity and strength of survivors, while also spreading awareness about this critical issue.
What makes this collection truly remarkable is the impact it will have on the lives of survivors. With every purchase, buyers will not only acquire a stunning piece of art but also contribute to the larger cause of supporting survivors of sexual assault and ending this epidemic. Purchases will help provide resources and support survivors, as well as fund research and advocacy to prevent sexual assault.
The NFT collection is the beginning of a new community of survivors who are committed to supporting and empowering each other. The hope is that this collection will serve as a source of inspiration and light for those who have experienced trauma, while encouraging others to join in supporting this critical cause.
By investing in this collection, buyers are standing up for survivors and helping to build a safer, more inclusive world for all.
Path Matching is dedicated to empowering survivors to reclaim their voice and advocate for change. With this NFT collection, they are taking another step toward creating a world where survivors of sexual assault can feel supported, uplifted, and celebrated.
For more information, please visit Path Matching’s website.
About Samantha Vrcic
Samantha Vrcic is the CEO of Path Matching, a platform that provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault to come together and share their experiences. She was also the former Chief of Staff at STEPN, a Web3-centric startup offering a blockchain-based fitness app. At STEPN, Samantha spearheaded the GTM plan including onboarding the next 100M+ users to Web3 resulting in an increase of daily active users to over 3M+. She also launched the content for DOOAR, a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange, managed partnerships, and worked on partnerships and business development for CLICK, an NFT-based digital rights management system clocking at over >1 million NFTs per second. Samantha has honed her experience in community building and development to curate an art collection that empowers survivors of sexual assault.
A Vibrant NFT Collection of Empowerment and Triumph for Survivors
Introducing a special NFT collection on OpenSea, featuring 68 unique pieces of art at $68 each, curated to empower survivors of sexual assault and spread awareness of this critical issue while also supporting survivors through resources, research, and advocacy, launching on April 30th and creating a new community of survivors committed to supporting and empowering each other.
“Our NFT collection is about creating a fun, empowering community for survivors of sexual assault.”
We are thrilled to introduce a very special NFT collection that has been curated with the aim of empowering survivors of sexual assault across the globe. This collection, exclusively available on OpenSea, features 68 unique pieces of art, each priced at $68, created by a diverse range of artists using various mediums and styles.
This collection is not just about the artwork itself, it's about the purpose behind it. Each piece serves as a symbol of hope, healing, and resilience for survivors of sexual assault. The artwork has been carefully selected to celebrate and honor the creativity and strength of survivors, while also spreading awareness about this critical issue.
What makes this collection truly remarkable is the impact it will have on the lives of survivors. With every purchase, you are not only acquiring a stunning piece of art, but you are also contributing to the larger cause of supporting survivors of sexual assault and ending this epidemic. Your purchase will help provide resources and support for survivors, as well as funding for research and advocacy to prevent sexual assault.
This collection is launching on April 30th, coinciding with the end of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and marks the beginning of a new community of survivors who are committed to supporting and empowering each other. We hope this collection will serve as a source of inspiration and light for those who have experienced trauma, while encouraging others to join us in supporting this critical cause.
By investing in this collection, you are not only making a statement with your art collection, but you are also standing up for survivors and helping to build a safer, more inclusive world for all. We invite you to explore this extraordinary NFT collection and join us in our mission to empower survivors of sexual assault. Together, we can make a difference.
Empowering Survivors Worldwide: A Look Into Path Matching's SAAM 2k Walks, Technology, and Resources
Learn how Path Matching is using technology, community walks, and resources to empower survivors of sexual assault across the globe. Discover how you can get involved in bringing a #SAAM2k walk to your city and support survivors as a community.
Path Matching is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual assault worldwide. Through our SAAM 2k walks, technology, and resources, we aim to create a safe and supportive community for survivors to heal and thrive. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what we do and how we're making a difference in the world.
SAAM 2k Walks: Community Members Coming Together to Raise Awareness
Our SAAM 2k walks are community-driven events that bring people together to raise awareness about sexual assault. We offer both in-person and virtual options, making it easy for people to participate from anywhere in the world. By bringing universities and communities together through technology, we're able to empower survivors across the globe.
At our walks, participants can learn about the latest resources and research on sexual assault prevention and treatment. They can connect with local organizations and service providers to access support and resources. And they can show their solidarity with survivors by walking in support of their healing journey.
Technology: Creating the Next Wave of Prevention
At Path Matching, we're using technology to create the next wave of prevention in the fight against sexual assault. We provide survivors with a safe place to submit their testimonies anonymously. Our team analyzes the information to see if any testimonies are similar based on the perpetrator's first and last name. By identifying patterns, we can alert law enforcement and survivors to potential serial offenders.
In addition, we're working on developing an AI-powered tool that can identify patterns in sexual assault cases. The tool will use machine learning to analyze large data sets and identify potential perpetrators. By identifying patterns and potential serial offenders early on, we can prevent future assaults and save lives.
Resources: Supporting Survivors as a Community
At Path Matching, we believe in supporting survivors as a community. That's why we create resources for universities and communities to help them support survivors. Our guides range from how to support survivors as family members, law enforcement agencies, and community members. We also provide resources for survivors themselves, including information on how to access support and care.
Conclusion
Path Matching is committed to empowering survivors of sexual assault worldwide. Through our SAAM 2k walks, technology, and resources, we're creating a safe and supportive community for survivors to heal and thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how you can get involved in bringing a #SAAM2k walk to your city and support survivors as a community.
Path Matching Hosts 2nd Annual SAAM Walk
Empowering survivors, one step at a time
On April 15th, Path Matching hosted the 2nd Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Walk at Kiwanis Lake, and it was a huge success! The event was designed to raise awareness about sexual assault and to provide a safe space for survivors to come together and share their stories.
The turnout was incredible, and we were thrilled to see so many people come out to support our cause. There were survivors, family members, friends, and community members who all came together to show their support and solidarity.
The event started with a few speeches from survivors who shared their stories of hope and resilience. It was an incredibly powerful moment that left many of us feeling inspired and empowered. We then walked around Kiwanis Lake to raise awareness about sexual assault and to show our support for survivors.
One of the most important aspects of the event was the safe space that we created for survivors. It was a space where they could come together and feel supported and heard. Many survivors commented on how meaningful it was to be surrounded by so many people who understand what they have been through.
We were also thrilled to have several nonprofit organizations attend the event; their presence and support helped to make the event even more impactful and meaningful.
We want to express our gratitude to everyone who attended the event, and to all of the volunteers who helped make it possible. Without your support, we would not have been able to create such a meaningful and powerful event.
We also want to take a moment to recognize the survivors who bravely shared their stories at the event. Your courage and resilience are an inspiration to us all, and we stand with you in solidarity.
Finally, we want to emphasize that the fight against sexual assault is ongoing, and we must continue to raise awareness and provide support to survivors. We hope that the event inspired everyone who attended to become more involved in this important cause, and we look forward to continuing our work to create a safer world for all survivors of sexual assault.