Today we’d like to introduce you to Lara Purnell.
Hi Lara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My sister and I founded Layers of Dignity together.
As a Pediatric Emergency Nurse, Hayley (my sister) has seen the trauma caused by sexual assault far too many times. I have experience in Labor & Delivery, Pediatrics, and SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nursing.
Founded in 2018, Layers of Dignity is a nonprofit organization that partners with hospitals and advocacy centers across North Carolina to care for sexual assault survivors.
After Survivors tell their story to law enforcement and undergo an invasive forensic exam, many leave the hospital feeling numb, detached, angry, or hopeless. Survivors may need to submit their clothing as evidence and leave the hospital in used clothing or a flimsy paper gown.
Layers of Dignity provides a tote bag of new clothing and toiletries to survivors leaving the hospital. Each tote includes a hand-written letter from a fellow survivor and a next-step guide for restoring their hope and dignity. Instead of leaving in paper clothing, sexual assault survivors take the first steps to healing in brand-new clothes, and armed with resources .
Layers of Dignity hopes to put a tote in the hands of as many survivors as possible. Each tote represents a survivor met in the darkness. We know assault and abuse are far too common. As long as victims are hurting, we will be there to remind them there is healing and restoration.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As nurses, we have really been learning on the job. We have thankfully had many experts come alongside us to assist in our organizational development. But we are still learning something new about being a nonprofit and growing every day. We are small but mighty. We deliver to 19 locations but only have three individuals making the day to day happen. We also only have one paid part time employee, so we rely heavily on volunteers! We are 100% funded through private donors so continuing to find the funding each year is a challenge as well.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think I’m most proud of being able to provide brand new clothes to each survivor. Having something that is solely provided for them allows there to be a feeling of intentionality with each tote. The survivor’s wellbeing is not an afterthought.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel A. Van Der Kolk, MD is one that I have always looked to in remaining trauma-informed.
Pricing:
- It costs about $75 to fully stock a survivors tote
- The Dignity Dinner is our annual fundraiser on Saturday April 25th from 6-9pm. Tickets are $100.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Layersofdignity.com
- Instagram: @layersofdignity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HufXuw1Bj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
