Rising up with the Phoenix Project

Founder of the Phoenix Project, Modderfontein’s Mary Ellen Carmody, wants to create a safe place where victims of abuse can share their stories.

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The project is aimed at all survivors of gender-based violence and abuse. She’s enlisted the help of key community role-players to help her.

As an abuse survivor herself, Mary said she doesn’t want anyone feeling as though they are facing their battles alone.

“I was abused by a family member for 10 years and it took a lot out of me as a child,” she said.

Now she hopes to share her journey and its lessons with others.

“I don’t want sympathy for my past. If I could choose to redo my life I wouldn’t take away the abuse. It has made me the strong person I am today.

“Some people feel ashamed and I want them to know that having gone through abuse is not the end of the world. Life doesn’t end there.”

Mary said that since announcing the launch of the project, she had already been approached by others who want to share their stories.

Mary explained that the idea for the project came about while she attended a recent neighbourhood watch meeting.

“While listening to what was going on in the community, I just decided that this is what I needed to do. I approached the Modderfontein Neighbourhood Watch (MNHW) committee and pitched the idea of the project,” she said.

When the committee approved her idea, Mary said he was delighted.

Her next step was to approach Night Guard Security as well as the Sebenza SAPS, who she hoped would provide tips for those attending the gatherings.

“MNHW, Night Guard Security and Sebenza SAPS are all major role-players in the Phoenix Project and each brings with them a different set of skills.

“I wanted to team up with people who could help people learn how they can get out of a dangerous situation”.

She said that when faced with a dangerous situation many people’s first instinct is to fight back.

“That’s not always the right thing to do. Our community needs to learn how they can get out of the situation and know how to do it safely,” Mary said.

She added that’s where the expertise of Night Guard Security and the Sebenza SAPS comes in.

“The group meetings are open to anyone who feels they are in an abusive situation. Men are also abused and so are members of our LGBTQ+ community.

“I want to create a safe place where victims of abuse can open up. It’s about creating a support structure for those who need help in processing their emotions,” Mary said.

“The phoenix doesn’t die, it rises from the ashes. It’s a symbol of rebirth and re-growth. I want to let others know that no matter how bad your past is you can turn it around. If I can help just one person, I will have achieved my goal.”

While she hopes to have a gathering every two months she wants to make sure victims do not feel pressured to attend.

“The project is about so much. I want to create awareness and that’s about educating those around us, men, women, girls and boys. I want to make a difference.”

The Phoenix Project held its first meeting on Saturday, February 19 at CoJo’s in Modderfontein.

Mary hopes that she’ll be able to spread the project’s wings and soon host meetings in other areas.

For more information contact Mary on 081 887 3675.

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