Episode Details
Back to EpisodesBreaking the Cycle: Diane Speed's Mission Against Domestic Violence
Description
When Dianne Speede witnessed domestic violence affecting both her family member and two close friends, she decided to transform personal pain into purpose. As founder and CEO of Heaven's Horizons Foundation, she's now tackling America's hidden epidemic—one that affects 10 million people annually in the United States alone.
The statistics are staggering: one in four women and one in seven men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner. Young women aged 18-24 face the highest risk, while domestic violence disproportionately impacts low-income households and LGBTQ communities. Beyond physical injuries, survivors battle depression, anxiety, and sometimes turn to substance abuse to numb their pain. For children who witness abuse, the psychological damage can be profound and lasting.
Heaven's Horizons Foundation provides critical immediate support through clothing drives (essential for survivors who often flee with only the clothes on their backs), book bag giveaways, and holiday events with gifts and hot meals. But Speed's vision extends further—she dreams of creating permanent housing units for families escaping abuse, offering an alternative to shelter living which can sometimes expose vulnerable individuals to further trauma.
The foundation operates on a shoestring budget, primarily funded by Speede herself with just three team members. Despite these limitations, they've distributed hundreds of filled backpacks, served countless meals, and provided essential clothing to survivors throughout New York. Now, Speede seeks grant writing assistance and partnerships to scale her impact and realize her housing vision.
Domestic violence survivors often remain trapped in dangerous situations due to financial dependence. By providing both immediate resources and working toward long-term housing solutions, Heaven's Horizons offers something equally valuable as shelter—it offers hope. Whether you can contribute financially, volunteer your time, or share expertise in grant writing, your support helps break the cycle of domestic violence one family at a time.