“EMPOWERING THE MOST VULNERABLE”
Thought Leader: Dr. Sharnell Myles of YouthSpark
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Photographer: Jenna Shea Photography
Designer: Monica Kraeger
DR. SHARNELL MYLES SAYS: “My experiences have guided me to empower adults and children to embrace their dignity, power and self-worth that buyers and other sexual offenders try to take away.”
ABOUT DR. SHARNELL MYLES
Dr. Sharnell Myles grew up in S. Philadelphia and experienced severe community danger. In her university, she became a trauma specialist and has worked in that capacity for the last 20 years. The work that they do here in Atlanta at YouthSpark is with the most vulnerable… children who have been victims of Child Sex Trafficking or any other sexual abuse, and their families. Last January, they raised the money and opened the first youth center in a Juvenile Court Building in the Southeast. They see at least 250 families coming through the doors every year.
Dr. Myles clarifies YouthSpark’s mission, “My experiences have guided me to empower adults and children to embrace their dignity, power and self-worth that buyers and other sexual offenders try to take away. No matter how many times someone has been disrespected, they are still potentially powerful and dignified and worthy of a wonderful life. We help them choose to raise their heads, walk high and not consider themselves as victims. In addition, hearing the stories of trauma, abuse and sex trafficking, the staff has to be grounded. This is God’s calling for us at YouthSpark… to teach the children to make healthy choices in life.”
This work was made using the storytelling methods created by The Lexicon of Sustainability www.thelexicon.org