Today we’d like to introduce you to The Kristine Meza Foundation. Them and their team share their story with us below:
This is Kristine’s story, TOLD BY HER YOUNGER SISTER, JESSICA MEZA
On February 11, 2011, I woke up to an event that would change my life forever. An event that would force my family and me to face one of life’s most painful experiences and deal with a kind of pain that causes a profound change in a person.
That cold February morning as my sister was on her way to work, she was ambushed and shot to death by her ex-boyfriend. The event left a deep wound within my family and me.
Kristine’s death at the hands of domestic violence completely captured the hearts of everyone who knew her and who could relate to her story. It was not easy to accept that my sister had been taken so brutally. She was only 25 years old, with so many dreams and plans for her future. In just a matter of a few moments, this future we had seen for ourselves and our family was altered.
As time went on, my family and close friends of Kristine quickly began to realize that the event could not just end with a tragedy and loss. Kristine was such a bright light of fun, happiness, and optimism. She was a beautiful person with a gift for listening to others without bias, and people gravitated toward that quality of hers. She had a very empathetic heart and wanted to inspire others with faith. A humanitarian, she aspired to travel to Africa and help the helpless.
The Kristine Meza Foundation was created by Kristine’s family and closest friends in response to the tragic event that took place on February 11, 2011. Our anger and search for answers fueled our movement to stand against domestic violence in our city, in a county that currently has the highest rate of domestic violence in the state.
Her spirit of faith and courage inspired us to become a voice for others. A voice for those who are silenced by fear and abuse. Domestic violence was the indiscriminate monster that took my sister’s life and has claimed too many precious lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since Kristine‘s death, the road has had its ups and downs. From the pain of missing her to the hope and encouragement of seeing others escape and overcome a domestic violence relationship.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When our world stopped on February 11, 2011, with the loss of Kristine, we were so heartbroken, her family and friends knew we had to do something. We wanted to share her story so that her legacy could live on. In an apartment clubhouse, the Kristine Meza Foundation was formed by family and friends who Kristine kept very dear to her heart.
Family and friends who do all the work on volunteer hours; while still working full time, being a mom, a wife, coach, businesses owner, Healthcare Hero and so much more. We volunteer so effortlessly because of who Kristine was to us; fueled with so many emotions, we wanted to share her story in hopes of making a difference and raising awareness on the impact and issues of domestic violence.
In the 10 years, we’ve helped strengthen victims, supported survivors, and have mourned alongside those who have also lost a loved one. We have partnered with The Battered Women & Children’s Shelter and host our Annual 5k Purple Run every October. We’ve donated $23, 000 to the Alamo Colleges which has awarded over 30 students with The Kristine Meza Scholarship.
We’ve hosted holiday lunches and events for our local shelters, The Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, St. Jude’s Ranch, and Family Tapestry. We’ve been the hope for families who feel broken and lost. It’s bittersweet but nonetheless an honor because we get to be the hands and feet of Kristine’s legacy and heart.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.thekristinemezafoundation.org/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/TheKristineMezaFoundation
