Kids in the Community Assemble “Beloved Bundles” to Bring Awareness and Support to Victims of Sexual Assault
On April 10th, 2017, 22-year-old Molly Jane Matheson was sexually assaulted and murdered in Fort Worth, Texas. After Molly’s parents learned of her death, Molly’s mother, Tracy Matheson created “Project Beloved: The Molly Jane Mission” to turn her daughter’s tragedy into change. This nonprofit organization, which was founded over two years ago, seeks to change the conversation about sexual assault and empower victims.
Sarina Fazan is joined by Melody Thomas and her mother Elayne Payne, who sought to become part of “Project Beloved” when they learned about the powerful impact this organization is making around the country.
As part of the cause, Melody and Elayne are putting together “Beloved Bundles” for victims of sexual assault with the help of young girls Lana Thomas, Olivia Vargas, Sammie Emerson, and Chloe Krawetz. The bundles, which contain clothing, undergarments, hygiene products, journals, and stress balls, are provided by “Project Beloved” and will be sent to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
“What the girls are doing is they are helping assemble these bags that will eventually be dropped off at a Domestic Violence Shelter and handed out to women and men that are victims of sexual violence,” Melody says.
Elayne, who first discovered this project through a friend, felt compelled to become a part of the change.
“I always feel good when I help people and when I saw this project I thought, well, this something that I can do for my community to share a little bit of love,” Elayne explains.
Elayne told Melody about “Project Beloved,” and she instantly became involved, along with her teenage daughter Lana.
“People need to spread awareness of this because not a lot of people know much about it,” Lana says.
Even at 13 years old, these four young girls are dedicated to making a difference.
“I thought it was going to be a really good idea, especially to get other people involved and helping,” Olivia says.
This program runs throughout the country, with dozens of citizens of making “Beloved Bundles” and sending them to a crisis center in their area.
“What happened is my mother contacted ‘Beloved’ and they actually send all these items to your home,” Melody says.
Melody hopes to connect those to this project through social media so that more people can take part in the organization’s mission.
“All of this is so important because when a victim of sexual assault goes into the hospital detectives have to take all of their items because they are part of the chain of evidence of that case,” Sarina says.
The “Beloved Bundles” seek to give solace to victims of sexual violence so they are assured that those in their community care.
“God forbid that someone does experience such a horrible thing, maybe these bundles that are being assembled today will bring them a little bit comfort and a little bit of peace, and I think that was the mission of the women that created this,” Melody says.
In fact, there is a deeper meaning behind the nonprofit's logo, which is printed on the stress balls in the "Beloved Bundles." The heart in the logo signifies the placement of Tracy Matheson's "Beloved" tattoo on her right wrist, in honor of her daughter. The nonprofit's website features an entire story on the background of the word “Beloved" and how it's an important part of Molly Jane's legacy.
Due to project’s significance, Melody and Elayne decided that these young girls should take part in assembling these bundles. They felt it was important for them to become aware of sexual violence.
“A young girl may be faced with something like this. Our girls here are quite young, 13, but tragically something could happen, and it brings them awareness that it is a possibility and also a greater understanding to somebody that they may know that goes through a tragedy,” Elayne explains.
“At their age level, for them to start if they can start now and continue on a road of community service, it’ll be really a way to make the world a better place,” Melody adds.
Now they are encouraging those all around the country to become part of “Project Beloved” to continue to bring awareness to the women and men who are victims of sexual assault.
“People like you are what makes our community so great because you didn’t even know the Matheson family and you wanted to help,” Sarina says.
Stay tuned for a Facebook Live featuring the delivery of the “Beloved Bundles” to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay where everyday dozens of services are provided to those in need.
If you are interested in becoming a part of Project Beloved: The Molly Jane Mission click here: https://www.projectbeloved.org/
For more information about the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay click here: https://www.crisiscenter.com/