About G.R.O.W.
Our Vision
To end domestic violence by empowering and educating our communities with advocacy, outreach and prevention initiatives.
G.R.O.W. Foundation (Girls Recognizing Our Worth) ® is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Chesapeake, Virginia. Our mission is to connect individuals and families affected by domestic violence with the resources needed to lead a safe and productive life free from abuse. These resources are, but not limited to emergency shelter, transitional housing, food/clothing, crisis intervention and advocacy services, as well as survivor support groups. Recognizing that domestic violence affects us all, we are dedicated to helping survivors from all walks of life, regardless of gender, gender identity, race, sexuality, religion, or economic background. At G.R.O.W Foundation, we have embraced the commitment of advocacy through education, collaboration, and the empowerment of our community and beyond.
About The Founder
Neisha Christine Himes is an award winning and nationally recognized activist and motivational speaker. After leaving a 5 year long abusive and toxic relationship, Neisha decided to use her harrowing experience to help other domestic violence survivors. She began telling her story through her gift of spoken word poetry– performing at open mics and various events where she met and bonded with other survivors.
She also volunteered at a local domestic violence shelter where she created a journaling group to encourage self-expression and healing through writing. She later became certified as a Human Trafficking Victim Advocate with the Virginia Beach Justice Initiative (n/k/a Freekind). Then in 2016, Neisha founded G.R.O.W. Foundation to assist survivors with rebuilding their lives after abuse. The organization has since helped countless survivors get back on their feet and provided them hope in their journey towards restoration.
To learn more about victims’ rights and how to assist survivors with navigating through the legal system, Neisha served as a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate for the Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and a Domestic Violence Paralegal for the Chesapeake Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. She later joined forces with the Newport News Police Department as their Domestic Violence Outreach Liaison, playing a vital role in the inspiration and creation of the agency’s first Domestic Violence Unit.
Since G.R.O.W’s inception, Neisha has received numerous local and national accolades for her advocacy work and relentless activism. In 2016, she was honored by Investigation Discovery (in collaboration with People magazine) as their “Inspire A Difference: Hero of the Month”, and in 2017, her survivor story was showcased on PBS channel’s “Virginia Currents.” In 2019, she was the recipient of YWCA’s “Woman of Distinction Award”, as well as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence “Voices in Action-Survivor Activist Award’. Additionally, in 2020, Neisha was featured in Essence magazine, and also had the privilege of being named the 2021 “Survivor of the Year” by the national agency, DomesticShelters.Org. More recently, she was presented with the 2022 “Everyday Hero Humanitarian Nominee Award” by WTKR News 3.
Neisha continues to bring awareness by speaking out against domestic violence on social media, as well as lending her voice for educational workshops, empowerment conferences, and community awareness forums. As a member of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and an Advisory Board Member of VictimsVoice, Neisha also works to stay abreast of changes and trends in legislative policies impacting survivors. To enact change on a larger scale, she founded Neisha Christine Consulting, LLC (dba Neisha’s Voice), specializing in individualized domestic violence education training, violence prevention program development consulting, and a host of additional services.
Neisha’s unwavering dedication to ending domestic violence and her passion for helping others is the driving force behind G.R.O.W.’s mission. She will stop at nothing to help survivors recognize their worth, one voice at a time.