Social Distancing… But How Distant Are We?

By Casey Sterle In just a few short weeks our world has changed drastically. Days that would have been spent at the office––chatting with other people, sharing jokes and snacks over meetings––and nights at the crowded bar––playing pool and darts––have been replaced by this new thing we call social distancing.   If someone had asked… Continue reading Social Distancing… But How Distant Are We?

Tackling #SAAM With Grace

SAAM 2020 Today marks the 19th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and with it a plethora of opportunities to raise awareness about and demonstrate support for survivors of gender-based violence in your community. Teal ribbons, town halls, and infographics abound. Here at Survivor Strong, we’re doing #SAAM a little differently. The thing about being… Continue reading Tackling #SAAM With Grace

Feel-Good Meals: Bowties with Spinach and Tomatoes

1) Prepare the vegetables. Mince the garlic, halve the tomatoes, and roughly chop the spinach and basil leaves.  2) Cook the noodles. Cook noodles according to package, for bonus protein use a chickpea based noodle. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before straining and setting aside. 3) Cook the tomatoes While the water starts boiling, heat… Continue reading Feel-Good Meals: Bowties with Spinach and Tomatoes

Feel-Good Meals: Velvety Potato Soup

1) Prepare the vegetables  Peel and dice the potatoes (separate into one .5 lb portion and one 2.5 lb portion), celery, onion, and carrots. Peel and mince the garlic. Focus on the task at hand and find comfort in the rhythm of your chopping.  2) Sauté the vegetables First, heat the olive oil in the large pot on medium high… Continue reading Feel-Good Meals: Velvety Potato Soup

Thomashow: Two years after Larry Nassar’s sentencing, we are stronger together

Two-thousand-nineteen. It was a year. First there was the anniversary. Then, more court dates, motions to dismiss, victim testimonies, even a conviction. The year was full of constant, painful reminders, broken promises, agonizing discoveries, and at times a general feeling of soul crushing disappointment.  This last year might have actually left us with even more questions than… Continue reading Thomashow: Two years after Larry Nassar’s sentencing, we are stronger together

Success Story: LEARNing from Survivors debuts at NMC

Sociology, psychology, and law enforcement students packed Scholars Hall Tuesday for the inaugural presentation of LEARNing from Survivors, as NMC continues ongoing efforts to empower students by increasing awareness of sexual assault and campus safety.  The presentation by Morgan McCaul and Amanda Thomashow of Michigan-based Survivor Strong addressed establishing boundaries and other characteristics of healthy relationships. Their inclusive, trauma-sensitive approach is personal —… Continue reading Success Story: LEARNing from Survivors debuts at NMC

New Philly-based commission wants to learn from mishandling of cases

Former U.S Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced in 2018 to live the rest of his life in prison for multiple instances of sexual assault. Michigan State University Dean William Strampel was charged with willful neglect for knowing about the abuse, and not taking action. But survivors of Nassar’s assaults say holding individuals accountable… Continue reading New Philly-based commission wants to learn from mishandling of cases

Nationally Recognized Sister Survivors Form New Nonprofit

By Andy Walker Trinea Gonczar and Amanda Thomashow announced today that they are co-founding Survivor Strong, a new organization that will educate institutions and advocate for change to create a world where sexual assault survivors know they never have to stand alone.  Both Gonczar and Thomashow are survivors of Larry Nassar, the disgraced USA Gymnastics team doctor whose prosecution was… Continue reading Nationally Recognized Sister Survivors Form New Nonprofit

Sister Survivor, Amanda Thomashow, Receives Prestigious Justice Award at Annual Ceremony

Sinas Dramis partner and Michigan sexual assault attorney, Jim Graves, has represented numerous Sister Survivors of the disgraced MSU sports doctor, Larry Nassar, since 2016. He recently had the privilege of nominating his client, Amanda Thomashow, for the Foundation for Improvement of Justice, Inc. award.  On September 29, 2018, the Foundation for Improvement of Justice honored sexual assault “Sister Survivor,”… Continue reading Sister Survivor, Amanda Thomashow, Receives Prestigious Justice Award at Annual Ceremony