Makers of Memories
Encyclopedia
History
The Makers of Memories Foundation was established in 2007 by marketing and media entrepreneur Brian F. Martin. Martin was raised in a family with chronic, serious abuse and created the Foundation to help families and children overcome the trauma of domestic violenceDomestic violence
Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence , is broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation...
they experienced and to pursue more positive possibilities in their lives. In 2007 and 2008 the Foundation hosted journeys for families which combined a restorative experience along with educational and therapeutic services. Financial author David Bach
David Bach (author)
David L. Bach is an American financial author, television personality, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and founder of . Bach, is best known for his Finish Rich Book Series and Automatic Millionaire Series of motivational financial books under the Finish Rich® Brand. He has written 12 books...
and the Central Park jogger, Trisha Mieli, participated in the intervention programs.
In 2011, the Foundation announced the launch of a national, comprehensive Action Plan with five elements: research, education, support services, intervention programs and shelter support. The Foundation continues to work with key leaders from the Department of Justice, like Mary Lou Leary, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, to ensure these challenges are faced with support from the government. The Foundation also partnered with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National coalition against domestic violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is an organization founded in 1978 in Washington, D.C. with a goal to “organize our collective power by advancing transformative work, thinking and leadership in communities and individuals who seek to end violence in our lives.” The organization not...
for the "Congressional Hearing on The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children" in October, 2011 on Capitol Hill to educate American policy makers about the problem of domestic violence on children.
Leadership
Brian F. Martin, founder, serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Martin is the Chairman and Founder of Brand Connections. The Advisory Committee includes a number of leading domestic violence experts, including Jeffrey Edleson, Professor of Psychology at the University of Minnesota, Sandra Graham –Bermann, Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan, and Renee McDonald, Associate Professor of Psychology at Southern Methodist University. The Advisory Committee also includes author and authority on leadership psychology Tony RobbinsTony Robbins
Anthony "Tony" Robbins is an American self-help author and motivational speaker. He became well known through his infomercials and self-help books, Unlimited Power: The New Science Of Personal Achievement and Awaken The Giant Within...
.
Elliot Dee was appointed Executive Director in 2010
Programs
The Foundation’s Action Plan includesinitiatives related to the effects of domestic on children and also on adults who experienced domestic violence as children; intervention programs focused on building resiliency in affected children and adults and preventing vulnerable children from experiencing domestic violence; support services for affected children and adults; educational materials to raise awareness about the problem of childhood exposure to domestic violence; and material aid and support for domestic violence sheltersWomen's shelter
A women's shelter is a place of temporary refuge and support for women escaping violent or abusive situations, such as rape, and domestic violence....
. The foundation also speaks out against public policy that damages laws protecting the victims of domestic violence.
The Makers of Memories Foundation began production on a documentary film, 43 Million Secrets
43 Million Secrets
43 Million Secrets is a documentary about domestic violence being made by the Makers of Memories Foundation.The purpose of the film is to:...
in April of 2011. The film profiles a family that has been devastated by domestic violence and includes interviews with experts in the field of domestic violence, law enforcement officials and adults and children who have experienced violence in their homes. The Foundation plans to use the film as an educational tool to inform the public about the effects of domestic violence on children, adults and society. Release of the film is scheduled for winter 2012.
The Foundation convened a summit of scholars and interventionists in April of 2010 in New York to identify the most promising existing intervention programs to help children impacted by domestic violence and to develop a new intervention program model focused on prevention. That research led to a partnership will partner with MINCAVA, of the University of Minnesota School of Social Work
University of Minnesota School of Social Work
The School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota is a top-ranked graduate school of social work. The University of Minnesota School of Social Work, established in 1917, is the oldest graduate social work program in public land grant university. In addition, the doctoral program, established...
to launch a pilot program in 2012 that uses informal family protective networks to provide assistance and support to children who have experienced domestic violence and are at risk.
Congressman John Conyers
John Conyers
John Conyers, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1965 . He is a member of the Democratic Party...
, as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, works with Makers of Memories and recently called for an oversight hearing to assess where the government is in their work on the impact of domestic violence
Domestic violence
Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence , is broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation...
on children, and what more can and should be done.