Think of someone you love. The first person who comes to mind could be a parent, a sibling, a close friend, or yourself. Think of someone you love. Someone you love may be involved in domestic violence. Someone you love may be the victim. Someone you love may be the culprit. Think of someone you love. I care about someone you love. My name is Erica Jones and I am pleased to welcome you to The Vivian Neily Project. This is a safe space where you, or someone you love, will be educated about the disproportionate dangers of domestic violence. Our goal is to provide as much information about abuse, HIV/AIDS, and other potential plagues that harm and haunt our community.
The Vivian Neily Project was birthed in 2013 as a result of my passion for helping people who may feel lost. I have always felt the need to provide as much of myself as I can to the community. I was born and bred in Atlanta, Georgia and my involvement within the local area means the most to me. In 2010, I graduated from Martin Luther King, Jr. High School (MLK High) in Lithonia, Georgia. From there, I knew that I had an obligation to take this love to the next step.
I enrolled in the Nursing Program at RTI. Through my rigorous studies and off-campus experiences, I knew where my knowledge would benefit the most. I graduated in 2013 and immediately began working on The Vivian Neily Project. My passion wasn’t the only drive that I had; the pain of loss also pushed me forward. The year prior to my graduation, my grandfather, Vivian Phillip, and my cousin, Denise Neily, both passed due to complications from AIDS. I was devastated! If only it had been detected and treated in time, they could still be with me. I had to expand my focus. The Vivian Neily Project immediately became dedicated to being a wealth of knowledge on the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
I could not recognize the red flags in my own abusive relationships. If you do not learn the pattern, you cannot break the cycle. I have been freed from two relationships where my partner abused me mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I was broken but fortunately, I broke free. I want to help anyone who feels trapped to escape the chains of abuse. I want to help increase awareness of HIV/AIDS, emphasize safe practices, and increase frequent testing. I want to help someone you love.
When I am not fully immersed in the Vivian Neily Project, I love to spend my time volunteering and captivating audiences through public speaking. I have had the pleasure to speak at the Daniel McLaughlin Therrell High School and Rockdale High School in Georgia (2019), MLK High (2018), and the YMCA – Palm Beach County (2016). I served on the District 11 Georgia Parent Teacher Association board from 2015 until 2017.
As a practicing nurse at DeKalb Medical, I received a major opportunity to help my community. I have been a nurse for seven years and through hard work and determination, I progressed from a Certified Nursing Assistant to a Practical Nurse. I know that life can be challenging but I also know that challenges are worth overcoming. I am a passionate Gymnast and always will be. In 2017, being paralyzed was the newest challenge that I would face. No challenge is greater than my will. I will persevere and I know you will, too. Whether it’s for you or someone you love, I am so happy to welcome you to join this journey to END domestic abuse and bring awareness to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS.