December Newsletter
A Message From Our CEO
Dear ElevateHer Community,
I am thrilled to introduce our new newsletter distribution! This platform is designed to keep you informed about exciting new programs and activities we are launching to empower women around the world. As we continue to expand our reach and services, this newsletter will serve as your go-to source for updates and insights.
In the ElevateHer Newsletter, you will find valuable information about our initiatives, opportunities for engagement, and ways you can participate meaningfully in our mission. We encourage you to read it regularly, take notes on what resonates with you, and find ways to get involved. There truly is something in this newsletter for everyone.
We also want to hear from you! If you have questions, ideas, or ways you’d like to partner with us, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable as we strive to serve the diverse needs of women globally.
As you embark on this journey with us, I want to leave you with some words of encouragement: Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back from pursuing the new things that God has placed in your heart. You may not yet see how it will all unfold, but remember that God can use your willingness and faithfulness in ways you cannot imagine. Take that step forward, and trust in the journey ahead.
Thank you for being a vital part of the ElevateHer community in 2024. Together, in 2025 we will create impact that will cause ripples for years to come.
With gratitude and excitement,
Dieula Previlon
CEO, ElevateHer
PrayHer
Our monthly prayer calls offer a unique opportunity for women to come together virtually, to pray for ElevateHer and for women worldwide who are facing trauma. These calls provide a space for spiritual support, connection, and collective healing, allowing participants to lift up one another in prayer. We pray monthly on the last Wednesday of the month. Please send us your prayer requests and a message for the zoom link.
Our next PrayHer meeting will be on: January 29th at 8am EST.
TeacHer
TeacHer is a monthly online gathering where women come together to learn, grow, and become more trauma-informed. This virtual space provides valuable education on trauma, the challenges women face globally, and practical ways to foster healing through faith and actionable steps. We gather on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. All are welcome.
Last month we gathered with Sharifa Stevens going through Ruth Chapter 1 looking at how Ruth and Naomi managed the multiple layers of trauma they experienced. Our next TeacHer meeting will be on January 8th at 8pm EST. Join us.
Monthly Meeting with Haiti Women
Monthly, ElevateHer creates space to meet with leaders globally online for continued trauma informed development. Dieula has been meeting with the leaders of Haiti on Zoom and Whatsapp to further expand their learning about women, trauma and how God shows up through biblical principles and study. Pray for us as we continue to make trauma healing accessible globally.
Haiti in January 2025
We are heading to Haiti in January to work with women leaders who are continuing to help women in their communities heal, grow and thrive. Registration for this trip is closed. But we desperately need your prayers and support. Please pray for peace in Haiti. And Pray for no interruptions to our trip.
Kenya News
We’ve recently returned from Kenya, and as we embrace this season of advent where we anticipate the hope through God in the flesh, I want to take a moment to share an encouraging update of the work done in Mombasa, Kenya.
Asante Sana--a phrase we heard often in Mombasa last week from the women-means thank you very much. They were overjoyed that their sisters from America came to support them on their healing journeys. We, too, are deeply grateful for the partnership and encouragement through people like you. Asante Sana.
Your prayers, financial gifts, and the thoughtful scarves you provided made this trip not only possible but also profoundly impactful. Because of your generosity and support, we were able to touch lives in ways we could only have hoped for.
While I’m eager to share more details about what we taught, what we learned, and the incredible experiences we had, I wanted to leave you with this heartfelt message from one of the attendees:
"Thank you very much, Betty and Dieula, for taking your opportunity to empower us. We have really learned a lot, especially through stress and trauma, and also Gender-Based Violence. Thank you again for the work of our almighty father you're doing. I wish you could come back again to empower us. May our almighty father bless you abundantly."
This message is a testament to the difference the support of average folks has made. Together, we’ve been part of something truly special, and I cannot thank you enough for partnering with us on this journey.
Updated Website
When was the last time you perused our website? We heard the feedback of many and we’ve cleaned some things up, clarified our message and layed out our programs to make it easier for you to navigate and for women to find the resources they need to heal. In the upcoming months, we will be adding more resources and ways for you to get involved. Check it out and let us know if you have any questions or comments.
Meet Our Trauma Informed Professionals
On the new website is a section under “meet our team” for our Trauma-Informed Professionals. These are therapists, teachers and facilitators who have been trained and vetted to carry out our training on the field or virtually. Get to know them and follow their work.
This month we want to highlight Betty Jean. She was on our most recent trip. In fact, Betty is one of the original members of the ElevateHer Team, she’s a global trauma therapist, a visionary, a gospel singer, a creative and all around a solid woman of God who wants to see the children of God flourish. Learn more about Betty from our website.
Update Your Contact Info
Please help us capture your contact info to stay better connected.
We’d love to have your full name; first and last. Your address and birthday.
We would love to be able to send you a birthday message on your birthday.
You can update your information in one of two ways.
1) When you receive your next newsletter, scroll to the bottom and click on “update your preferences” and follow the instructions which will lead you to a box where you can update your contact information.
2) You can follow this link (https://elevateherinternational.org/contact) to our contact tab from our website and in the message box add your first and last name, address, phone number and birthdate.
Thanks in advance.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the Gala on March 8th! Early bird tickets are on sale through December 31st, so be sure to grab your ticket.
Self-Care Tip
To conclude each of our newsletters, we will leave you with a Self-care tip/practice.
A simple but powerful self-care tip is to practice mindful breathing. When there’s stress and you’re constantly on the go, you can easily find yourself breathing shallowly. Though that kind of breathing serves the basic purpose of keeping you surviving, breathing deeply can do more for you than just surviving.
The purpose of deep breathing, particularly mindful or diaphragmatic breathing, is to activate the body's relaxation response. This happens because deep breathing engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the "fight or flight" response from stress. Here are a few key benefits of deep breathing:
Reduces stress and anxiety: Deep breathing helps lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), promoting a sense of calm.
Improves focus and clarity: By increasing oxygen flow to the brain, it helps you think more clearly and stay focused.
Regulates heart rate and blood pressure: Slow, deep breaths can reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure, which can be beneficial in moments of stress or tension.
Enhances emotional regulation: Deep breathing encourages mindfulness, helping you respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively to emotional triggers.
Promotes physical relaxation: It reduces tension in muscles and can help relieve feelings of tightness or discomfort, promoting overall physical relaxation.
Practice Deep Breathing
Set aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, hold for four, and then exhale for four. This helps calm your nervous system, reduces stress, and brings you back to the present moment, especially during busy or overwhelming times. It's a small practice with big mental health benefits!
Deep breathing is a simple, effective tool for managing stress and improving both mental and physical well-being.