Building Families Inc.’s mission is to facilitate increased public awareness and educate communities about family violence and to support and assist victims/survivors of domestic violence.  Restoration of the family unit is the goal of the organization’s outreach activities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.  It is common knowledge that a strong and stable familial structure is the backbone of a strong and stable society.

Sandra Mizell Chaney is pursuing her life’s goal of providing disadvantaged communities with the opportunity to strengthen and fortify themselves by nurturing and restoring familial relationships.  By spearheading this organization, Mizell-Chaney has blessed the community with diverse outreach activities including:

v     Volunteer Training to educate individuals to assist victims and speak out against family violence;

v     Technical Assistance through  seminars, workshops, program development, conference planning, and facilitating community forums;

v     Personal Life Skills which include:. Self Improvement, Career Planning, Financial Planning, Interview and Resume Development;

v     Support Groups that focus on supporting, educating and healing victims of domestic abuse; and providing Referrals and Resources to Building Families Inc.’s  client base. 

In the true spirit of social entrepreneurship and ministry, Sandra Mizell Chaney started Building Families, Inc., in January, 2001. At that time, Prince Georges County, MD provided limited services to victims of domestic violence. Being a survivor of domestic violence, Sandra began volunteering at a battered woman’s shelter in Washington, DC and eventually became employed there.  Building on her personal experiences and those of others around her, Ms. Mizell Chaney has ministered to others by exhibiting the fortitude and tenacity of a domestic violence survivor and champion for the cause. 

Upon meeting this dynamic powerhouse and mother of two, I was immediately struck by her sincere passion for her life’s work and being given the power to facilitate change in the lives of other.  At times, one’s situation may appear impossible to overcome and often times, human beings choose to succumb to their situations.  Through the power of ministry and organizational management, Sandra Mizell Chaney has gathered a strong team of women bent on making a change in the lives of women and families worldwide.  From the outset, Building Families, Inc. has been recognized as a force for change.  Mizell Chaney recounted a story of how her first major sponsor, the Target Corporation, was proof positive that she was here to make a difference and ordained to be a blessing to others.

Hiyaah Power salutes Building Families, Inc. for its continued push in the battle against domestic and family violence.  Visit Building Families Inc. on the Web at http://www.BuildingFamiliesInc.org.