OUR MISSION
Stone Stories Ministries’ mission is to offer hope, support, and the healing love of Jesus Christ to traumatize/abused women and their loved ones through intentional relationships, community referrals, and consultation with like minded programs.
The future long term vision for the women served through Stone Stories is to see them as productive members in the community realizing their full potential and purpose.
Stone Stories, formerly known as Kelly Williams Ministries, came into existence in 2015 as a result of the publication of the novel A Broken Mirror. This novel is based on Kelly’s life story. It depicts the strife of coping with her mom’s debilitating chronic illness, her traumatic experience of childhood sexual abuse, trials of substance abuse, and subsequent life struggles. It chronicles two decades of Kelly overcoming hardships and empowerment through GOD’s perfect plan. Initially, the sole purpose of Stone Stories Ministries was to share Kelly’s story among hurting women with the desired effect of stirring hope within them. However, A Broken Mirror opened many other unexpected doors for ministry.
In 2016 Kelly Williams was invited to meet with a group of women in a local county jail. As she listened to the inmates' stories Kelly found a common thread. The majority of the women in jail had a history of abuse, a lack of support, and unhealthy coping skills. This was the catalyst for other arms of ministry within Stone Stories.
In 2017 the first Stone Stories Devotional magazine was published and donated to all the women in Washington County Prison. Each edition features a “Prisoner to Princess'' story. These stories highlight women who have moved from tragedy to triumph. The magazine also includes art, sometimes poetry, and song lyrics. Women from various walks of life share their personal stories and nuggets of wisdom in these pages. Application questions and scripture are added to each entry of the magazine. The devotionals are excellent tools for reframing and cognitive behavior change. They are able to reach women in places that are not always easily accessible.The message portrayed in these writings are, “your story matters!”…”everyone’s story matters”! “If you are still here then GOD has plans and a purpose for your life”! Presently, Stone Stories donates approximately 2000 magazines a year to women’s facilities across the south.
In 2018 Stone Stories became an official 501c3 and began helping women find and gain entry to long term transitional living facilities. We also started partnering with businesses hoping to secure meaningful employment for these women as well as offering support and incentive to businesses. We implemented our first internship program in 2018.
Stone Stories also recognized the need for creative job solutions for the women we serve. Many of our ladies need extra income to pay fines and restitution without the backbreaking stress of two and three additional jobs. Our Ministry began to look at what is available that can serve as creative outlets as well as financial support and/or supplemental resources. Did you know…sewing is a natural antidepressant. When you do something pleasurable, like sewing, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine. Sewing keeps the mind healthy and active so it can stay sharper for longer. The creative thinking required during sewing encourages the growth of new brain cells. Sewing encourages self-discipline and instills pride, which boosts mental health. Sewing is a single focus task, which reduces the likelihood of negative thoughts and can help fight anxiety. With these facts in mind Stones Stories guides women through basic sewing skills. We teach women to use scrap fabrics and discarded clothing to create beautiful items for their homes or to sell at local venues and online. We also partner with a local boutique that allows one of our clients to braid fabric at home which is sewn into beautiful rugs and other products. Have you ever heard of Plant Therapy? We found many studies have been conducted to prove that plants have therapeutic effects on people. One clinical study in particular found that people who care for plants tend to be more compassionate and empathetic towards those around them. Further research reinforces that this form of therapy has a positive impact on anxiety and can improve overall mental health and wellness. In light of this Stone Stories teaches gardening skills and canning. We have instructed women in cottage laws, created logos, and sold products to local restaurants. We started a pilot program at a long term transitional facility for women in Amory Mississippi called Seeds of Purpose that will supplement their funding, provide a creative outlet, and give women tangible skills sets to take with them when they leave the program.
We are constantly on the lookout for new innovation ideas to fill in gaps. Life skills and coping skills are key in long lasting recovery but therapeutic settings can often be intimidating. In addition, many of the women we come in contact with don't identify as having gone through any sort of trauma/abuse or don’t feel the freedom to reveal it. Stone Stories offers healing and help in non traditional settings. We have partnerships with equestrians, and local farm owners. Studies show that animal-assisted therapy reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. In addition, spending time with animals lowers blood pressure. And it increases the release of oxytocin, a natural chemical that promotes feelings of positivity and connection. Interactions with animals establish bonds and responsibility as the women care for them. Art is another medium we use with our clients that has proven to be very effective. . Studies suggest that art therapy can be very valuable in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and even some phobias. It is a great way to express your emotions without words, process complex feelings and find relief. We will continue to research and implement innovative pathways to healing.
In the future Stone Stories would like to have a home base that would allow space for instruction and implementation of all of the life skills and alternative therapies we use for clients. We would like to include space that showcases their efforts and would serve as a community hub. We envision an outdoor classroom, sewing room, and art studio. We would like to include a short term crisis/emergency apartment and examination room. Our vision is to bridge the gap from street to safety. We will provide caseworkers assigned to make individualized plans for each woman in our care and serve as liaisons between women in transition and community resources. Stone Stories will carry on relationship building with long term care facilities in order to share best practices and create strong networks of care for individuals. We will continue working to facilitate “safe zones'' in the community having trained personnel and supplies that invite conversations moving towards healthy living. We are striving forward in pursuit of research and application of work based therapy models to equip our clients and their employers for a positive future together. We will foster and support women’s creative abilities while providing feedback, instruction and opportunities through local business partnerships. Stone Stories will take a holistic approach with our clients.
In closing consider the following statistics which further support the need for programs such as Stone Stories Ministries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Violence Prevention 1 in 4 women experience violence by their intimate partner during their lifetime and 1 and 3 women will experience some form of sexual violence. Further, a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows there is a link between dysfunctional families plagued by physical and sexual abuse and future criminal behavior. Once women have a criminal record their chances of obtaining and sustaining a stable career reduces dramatically. As a matter of fact research by the Prison Policy Initiative shows that among the 5 million formerly incarcerated people in the United States the unemployment rate is 27% which is higher than the total U.S. unemployment rate during any historical period, including the Great Depression.This report also affirms that formerly incarcerated women face even higher unemployment rates within the period immediately following release. Thus, a counterproductive cycle is created upon release hurting everyone involved: employers, the taxpayers, and certainly formerly incarcerated females looking to break the cycle. In Lee County Mississippi the largest gender group living in poverty are females between the ages of 18-24, the second largest group are females between the ages of 25-34. Yet, we as a collective group have the opportunity to turn the tide together.
Stone Stories Ministries’ mission is to offer hope, support, and the healing love of Jesus Christ to traumatize/abused women and their loved ones through intentional relationships, community referrals, and consultation with like minded programs.
The future long term vision for the women served through Stone Stories is to see them as productive members in the community realizing their full potential and purpose.
Stone Stories, formerly known as Kelly Williams Ministries, came into existence in 2015 as a result of the publication of the novel A Broken Mirror. This novel is based on Kelly’s life story. It depicts the strife of coping with her mom’s debilitating chronic illness, her traumatic experience of childhood sexual abuse, trials of substance abuse, and subsequent life struggles. It chronicles two decades of Kelly overcoming hardships and empowerment through GOD’s perfect plan. Initially, the sole purpose of Stone Stories Ministries was to share Kelly’s story among hurting women with the desired effect of stirring hope within them. However, A Broken Mirror opened many other unexpected doors for ministry.
In 2016 Kelly Williams was invited to meet with a group of women in a local county jail. As she listened to the inmates' stories Kelly found a common thread. The majority of the women in jail had a history of abuse, a lack of support, and unhealthy coping skills. This was the catalyst for other arms of ministry within Stone Stories.
In 2017 the first Stone Stories Devotional magazine was published and donated to all the women in Washington County Prison. Each edition features a “Prisoner to Princess'' story. These stories highlight women who have moved from tragedy to triumph. The magazine also includes art, sometimes poetry, and song lyrics. Women from various walks of life share their personal stories and nuggets of wisdom in these pages. Application questions and scripture are added to each entry of the magazine. The devotionals are excellent tools for reframing and cognitive behavior change. They are able to reach women in places that are not always easily accessible.The message portrayed in these writings are, “your story matters!”…”everyone’s story matters”! “If you are still here then GOD has plans and a purpose for your life”! Presently, Stone Stories donates approximately 2000 magazines a year to women’s facilities across the south.
In 2018 Stone Stories became an official 501c3 and began helping women find and gain entry to long term transitional living facilities. We also started partnering with businesses hoping to secure meaningful employment for these women as well as offering support and incentive to businesses. We implemented our first internship program in 2018.
Stone Stories also recognized the need for creative job solutions for the women we serve. Many of our ladies need extra income to pay fines and restitution without the backbreaking stress of two and three additional jobs. Our Ministry began to look at what is available that can serve as creative outlets as well as financial support and/or supplemental resources. Did you know…sewing is a natural antidepressant. When you do something pleasurable, like sewing, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine. Sewing keeps the mind healthy and active so it can stay sharper for longer. The creative thinking required during sewing encourages the growth of new brain cells. Sewing encourages self-discipline and instills pride, which boosts mental health. Sewing is a single focus task, which reduces the likelihood of negative thoughts and can help fight anxiety. With these facts in mind Stones Stories guides women through basic sewing skills. We teach women to use scrap fabrics and discarded clothing to create beautiful items for their homes or to sell at local venues and online. We also partner with a local boutique that allows one of our clients to braid fabric at home which is sewn into beautiful rugs and other products. Have you ever heard of Plant Therapy? We found many studies have been conducted to prove that plants have therapeutic effects on people. One clinical study in particular found that people who care for plants tend to be more compassionate and empathetic towards those around them. Further research reinforces that this form of therapy has a positive impact on anxiety and can improve overall mental health and wellness. In light of this Stone Stories teaches gardening skills and canning. We have instructed women in cottage laws, created logos, and sold products to local restaurants. We started a pilot program at a long term transitional facility for women in Amory Mississippi called Seeds of Purpose that will supplement their funding, provide a creative outlet, and give women tangible skills sets to take with them when they leave the program.
We are constantly on the lookout for new innovation ideas to fill in gaps. Life skills and coping skills are key in long lasting recovery but therapeutic settings can often be intimidating. In addition, many of the women we come in contact with don't identify as having gone through any sort of trauma/abuse or don’t feel the freedom to reveal it. Stone Stories offers healing and help in non traditional settings. We have partnerships with equestrians, and local farm owners. Studies show that animal-assisted therapy reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. In addition, spending time with animals lowers blood pressure. And it increases the release of oxytocin, a natural chemical that promotes feelings of positivity and connection. Interactions with animals establish bonds and responsibility as the women care for them. Art is another medium we use with our clients that has proven to be very effective. . Studies suggest that art therapy can be very valuable in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and even some phobias. It is a great way to express your emotions without words, process complex feelings and find relief. We will continue to research and implement innovative pathways to healing.
In the future Stone Stories would like to have a home base that would allow space for instruction and implementation of all of the life skills and alternative therapies we use for clients. We would like to include space that showcases their efforts and would serve as a community hub. We envision an outdoor classroom, sewing room, and art studio. We would like to include a short term crisis/emergency apartment and examination room. Our vision is to bridge the gap from street to safety. We will provide caseworkers assigned to make individualized plans for each woman in our care and serve as liaisons between women in transition and community resources. Stone Stories will carry on relationship building with long term care facilities in order to share best practices and create strong networks of care for individuals. We will continue working to facilitate “safe zones'' in the community having trained personnel and supplies that invite conversations moving towards healthy living. We are striving forward in pursuit of research and application of work based therapy models to equip our clients and their employers for a positive future together. We will foster and support women’s creative abilities while providing feedback, instruction and opportunities through local business partnerships. Stone Stories will take a holistic approach with our clients.
In closing consider the following statistics which further support the need for programs such as Stone Stories Ministries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Violence Prevention 1 in 4 women experience violence by their intimate partner during their lifetime and 1 and 3 women will experience some form of sexual violence. Further, a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows there is a link between dysfunctional families plagued by physical and sexual abuse and future criminal behavior. Once women have a criminal record their chances of obtaining and sustaining a stable career reduces dramatically. As a matter of fact research by the Prison Policy Initiative shows that among the 5 million formerly incarcerated people in the United States the unemployment rate is 27% which is higher than the total U.S. unemployment rate during any historical period, including the Great Depression.This report also affirms that formerly incarcerated women face even higher unemployment rates within the period immediately following release. Thus, a counterproductive cycle is created upon release hurting everyone involved: employers, the taxpayers, and certainly formerly incarcerated females looking to break the cycle. In Lee County Mississippi the largest gender group living in poverty are females between the ages of 18-24, the second largest group are females between the ages of 25-34. Yet, we as a collective group have the opportunity to turn the tide together.
Kelly WilliamsEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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