| Mariska Hargitay |
| The Joyful Heart Foundation is dedicated to helping survivors of sexual assault heal mind, body and spirit. Our programs are designed to nurture and enable the creative healing process for survivors and their communities. We support the larger anti-violence movement by raising awareness and funding for programs with similar missions.
JHF has three major missions and long term visions:
1) Our retreat programs give survivors the opportunity to explore alternative and empowering healing techniques. Participants sample and experience comprehensive treatments placed together for a therapeutically sound program. (See retreats for specific therapies used). Retreats are held in groups to foster healthy communities and collaboration along the healing journey, helping individuals discover the combination of strategies that work for them. We ensure that the experience is a well-rounded and meaningful one that will stay with participants along their healing journey
|
| 2) Our model for healing is focused on integrating the recovery of trauma in the mind and body. Our programs are set in inspiring and sacred spaces to ensure connection to the spirit. We create safe environments designed to hold and promote possibility and healing.
JHF retreat programs have taken place in NYC, LA and Kona, Hawaii. We look forward to expanding the retreat program to other locations as well as creating specifically themed programs such as "Healing the Healers".
Designed to be restorative, all our retreat programs focus on the healing that emerges from our ability to reclaim connection and joy.
|
|
Teen Empowerment and Education
JHF aims to encourage young women to trust their instincts and make good decisions for themselves. In conjunction with www.mariska.com, we provide resources on how to reduce the risk of harm and create a support system that works. Supplying information that helps teens live healthy, safe lives where they see the power of their own potential and believe in their possibility.
Our goal is to impart teens with prevention education, crisis intervention and how to get involved and be proactive in their communities - Joyful Heart style. JHF is in the process of developing partnerships and programs with several organizations that will focus on this demographic that is often overlooked and talked down to.
|
Resources and Coalition Building
Resources: Joyful Heart is a conduit for survivors to find the help and resources they need to heal. Our resource section is a tool that connects survivors to an extensive network of crisis centers and mental health facilities locally and nationally. We also provide information on alternative therapies and explore ways to help heal on a more immediate and daily basis.
3) Coalition Building: We link organizations that provide assistance to those in need and act as a coalition building organization to help programs nationwide connect and learn from each other. We continue to foster partnerships with appropriate crisis centers and other non-profits to run retreats and outreach programs for survivors and teen empowerment. We bridge alternative healing centers and individual healers to survivors and community-based programs. Our efforts to build these connections are to increase the dialogue on collaboratively ending violence.
The Joyful Heart Foundation continues to create ground breaking programs and partnerships that pursue our mission and vision of helping survivors of sexual assault heal and live their best lives.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
MARISKA HARGITAY
Det. Olivia Benson of Law and Order Special Victims Unit is a Street-Smart Cop.
The December 2006 Emmy Winner for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, 2005 Golden Globe Winner for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, as well as the 2004 and 2005 Emmy Nominee, and 2004 Screen Actors Guild Nominee for Lead Actress, Mariska Hargitay portrays Detective Olivia Benson in the hit drama series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Executive produced by Dick Wolf, this series is the second installment of the "Law & Order" brand.
This series chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department and the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. Hargitay is now entering her ninth season playing Detective Benson, a character whose mother was raped producing Olivia --personally prompted her career move to the unit.
"As a woman, it's gratifying to play a part that's a multi-layered challenge," said Hargitay. "Olivia is not only a competent, street-smart cop, she's an empathetic woman who can respond emotionally to victims of terrible crimes without compromising her professionalism."
Hargitay's work on "SVU" motivated her to help real-life survivors of sexual assault. Giving generously of her time and talent, she has become involved with several non-profit rape crisis programs on both the East and West coasts, including SAAVI (Sexual Assault Victims Volunteer Initiative) and her own organization, the Joyful Heart Foundation.
In 2004, Hargitay also received the Gracie Allen Award on behalf of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) for Individual Achievement for Best Female Lead Actress for her portrayal of Benson. And in "SVU's" freshman season (1999-2000), she earned Best Actress nominations from the Viewers for Quality Television, the TV Guide Awards and the International Press Academy.
 Hargitay gained recognition from her recurring role on NBC's popular series "ER" as Dr. Greene's (Anthony Edwards) sometimes naïve girlfriend, Cynthia Hooper, in the 1997-98 season. Hargitay also earned notice as a cast regular in comedy series "Can't Hurry Love," starring Nancy McKeon, as well as for her roles on the popular series "Falcon Crest" and "Prince Street." Her other television credits include starring roles in the television movies "Plain Truth," "The Advocate's Devil" and "Night Sins." Additionally, Hargitay was seen in guest-starring roles on "Seinfeld," "Ellen," "Thirtysomething," "Wiseguy" and "In the Heat of the Night."
Hargitay's feature-film credits include "Lake Placid" (starring Bill Pullman and Bridget Fonda), the critically acclaimed "Leaving Las Vegas" and Michael Rymer's "Perfume." She also fulfilled a lifelong dream of acting on the New York stage as she reprised the role of Sunny Jacobs in an off-Broadway production of "The Exonerated."
 Born and raised in Los Angeles, Hargitay is the youngest daughter of screen legend Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay. She divides her time between New York and Los Angeles. Call Leslie Sloane for speaking 212 901-3928.
 Click on Picture
|
