Imagine the horror of being 31, shot by your husband and rendered permanently paralyzed from the chest down from a bullet that strikes your spinal cord.  Then imagine supporting other domestic violence survivors while putting the pieces of your own shattered life back together for a “new normal.”   That’s part of April Ross’s amazing story.  While she was a Spirit Award recipient in 2015 and received extra physical therapy with that stipend, we’re proud to announce that she was also a Spirit Award recipient in 2022.  With her new Bettie Brand Mothers’ Empowerment Fund stipend, April got her longed-for new bathroom with a roll-in shower and accessible sink area.   For most, a workable bathroom is something we take for granted.  For April, it’s a wish come true.

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In 2019, Governor Brian Kemp appointed April as Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence!

 

In 2023, we are proud to announce, she became a Bettie Brand Board member, actively working on our Spirit Award Committee to help select future recipients!

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In 2024, the YWCA of Atlanta inducted April into their Academy of Women Achievers because her work and philosophy exemplify their mission!

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April is the epitome of a heroine fighting with everything she has to live with independence and dignity while continuing to reach out to others and help them do the same!

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*Nominated by Donna Foland, a former Bettie Brand board member.