DOLORES: FROM FRIEND TO ADVOCATE

I was made a victim of rabbinic sexual misconduct in 1999. Today, I am a survivor and an advocate. My trauma has been transformed into a blessing for the countless victims I support, educate and empower through my advocacy mission. I am a survivor and advocate today because of the people in my life who worked with me to help me heal. Each advocate I worked with has had an enormous impact on my recovery. I would not be where I am today without their caring, compassion and wisdom.

The abuse I suffered had a huge impact on my life and the people who cared about me. My experience ultimately made me a stronger and wiser person. It also transformed one of my closest friends into my strongest advocate. Dolores doesn't think of herself as an advocate. Being there for me, supporting me and fighting for me during the worst of times is simply what she calls friendship. What Dolores has done for me goes way beyond the bonds of friendship. Throughout the many crises in her own life, she always made time to be there for me and listen when I needed to talk. Dolores was my life line and the guardian of my sanity in the midst of the sick, dysfunctional situation that had been forced on me by my rabbi. Hers was the voice of reason, logic and clarity that pulled me through the craziest times. Dolores was my strength and courage when I had none. She was with me every step of the way and I want to officially recognize her as a top advocate for rabbinic sexual misconduct.

Dolores had no formal training, experience has been her teacher. She is one of those people who is a natural advocate and champion of those who have no voice. She is fiercely protective of the ones she cares about and this is her greatest strength. Dolores possesses a talent for reading people and situations with insight and clarity. At times, she knows me better than I know myself. We have had many crazy, funny adventures together, earning us the nicknames of "Lucy and Ethel" amongst our family members. We've had so much fun together over the past fifteen years that it's difficult to remember a time when we didn't know each other. When I was made a victim and my life started to unravel, Dolores was right there to face it with me and help me to pick up the pieces and move forward. She has been my most valuable ally and advocate. Dolores is a blessing in my life and I am deeply thankful that we will always be friends.