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Look for Susan's & Joanne's interview in:
People Magazine
September 18, 2006 Issue - Pg. 159-164
Cover features Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter
Headline:
"In 1968, they were teenage girls, unwed and pregnant. Shunned by family and society at large, like countless women of their generation, they were...FORCED TO GIVE UP THEIR BABIES"
This 4 page article features 3 (long-story) women from the book, "The Girls Who Went Away" by Ann Fessler: Nancy Horgan, Lydia Manderson, and Susan Souza. The article focuses on surrender and reunion. Each mom is pictured along with her son or daughter.
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Susan is interviewed by Stephanie Nano of The Associated Press in regards to an article written and published in the New England Medical Journal by Jackie's physician, Dr. Lawrence Wolfe, of The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts-New England Medical Center.
How To Talk To Dying Children
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Memories of A Time Gone By
by Susan Mello Souza
I didn't sleep well last night thinking about walking those halls again. As much as I have always wanted to return, I'm scared. Of what exactly, I don't know. Can one ever really go back? Maybe I'm afraid that all I remember to be true won't be. That my memories are fantasy, not fact, and I've become comfortable with the things I remember.
e-magazine.adoption.com
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PROVIDING HOPE WHILE GIVING BACK
"THE POWER WITHIN"
"It's July 1968. Under the cover of night, Daddy places my suitcase in the trunk, not wanting the neighbors to see. After all, I'm only seventeen, and I'm being sent away to hide my unwed pregnancy. My twelve week ordeal of living at St. Mary's Home for Unwed Mothers, to relinquish my unborn child, is about to begin." -sms
Now, thirty-five-years later, Susan Mello Souza returns to St. Mary's Home, now a shelter for women and children, to give back. On Thursday, February 19, 2004, Susan, author of The Same Smile - The Triumph of A Mother's Love After Losing Two Daughters, returned to face her demons, only this time, doing something about it. Along with her, she brought her friend and colleague, Joanie Winberg, a Certified Life Coach, to address the young women participating in the Women@Work* program. Susan has certainly come full circle.
The 5-Step "HAVE IT ALL Lifestyle with Ease Workshop" combines Susan's inspirational story of hope and courage, along with Joanie's program on "how to" focus on their strengths, build self-confidence and character, and to let go of struggle, even if only for a time, to experience joy and fulfillment.
The enthusiasm displayed by the young women in attendance was very evident. Their willingness to listen and learn, as well as participate, showed just how determined these women are to move forward with their lives and pursue their dreams for their future, as well as those of their children.
The energy in the room was explosive. The girls shared openly, with an overwhelming sense of emotion and enthusiasm when Susan and Joanie stressed the importance of dreaming. One of the very first comments made was, "I realize that I do have dreams in my life and that, no matter what, I can accomplish them." Then, to hear, "I'm learning that I have always had a 'power within me' that I didn't know was there," was emotionally moving for Susan and Joanie. At that point, they were thrilled to know their presentation was having such a powerful impact.
Other ''aha" moments experienced by the entire group were, "I am my biggest doubter," said one girl. "I now know what to tell my little voices and my doubters, so I can dream a whole lot more," said another. It gave them the determination, and in one girl's words, "It made me think more about me and how nothing will stop me from pursuing my dreams."
In the spirit of giving, it was an honor and a privilege for Susan and Joanie to dedicate their time and energy to make a difference in the lives of these young, hopeful women. The tools provided through their workshop will help to prepare them to lead successful lives, while contributing to their communities.
*Women @ Work is a 16-week job readiness-training program that addresses the vocational needs of women who face multiple barriers to employment, including homelessness, lack of a GED or high school diploma, history of substance abuse or domestic violence, and difficulty obtaining or sustaining employment.
"Reaching For A Dream"
by Michael Medeiros
"For Acushnet resident Susan Mello Souza, chasing a dream was one of the most important decisions of her life. Now she wants to help others follow their own elusive goals. Together with speaking partner, Joanie Winberg, Mrs. Souza has started the "Have It All Lifestyle with Ease" program, a seminar that is aimed at providing people with the tools they need to achieve things they have only thought of doing..."
"A Trio of Brio"
Local authors take publishing into their own hands to tell their lively stories by Tony Lewis
Authors who've published books know that the toughest part of the process isn't the actual writing. The real struggle begins when the last page is completed and the search for a publisher begins...
www.southcoasttoday.com
"Family Reunion"
by Paula Kerr
Like most folks in the region, Susan Souza made the annual Christmas pilgrimage to Fall River Knitting Mills. But while they looked for a perfect cardigan, she looked for a precious child...
www.heraldnews.com
My Healing Experience After Reunion
by Susan Mello Souza
Although my "secret" is out and the stress of "not knowing" is gone, a newer, more powerful issue has emerged. A level of anger and resentment has risen within me that I don't know how to handle. I feel cheated and betrayed. My needs and instincts as a woman were completely dismissed merely because I was 17. I must finally come to terms with all I have been through. Meet my demons head on.
e-magazine.adoption.com
"Adoption is Basis for Acushnet Woman's Book"
by Michael Medeiros
In 1968, Acushnet resident Susan Mello Souza gave up her daughter for adoption. That began a journey that lasted for over 30 years, and which is chronicled in her new book, The Same Smile...
"A Promise Kept"
by Hank Seaman
"It's a harsh world when you're unmarried and pregnant at 17," Susan Mello Souza says with a look that's hard to describe.
An indefinable sadness haunts the Acushnet woman's recollections as she talks of the summer of 1968 and the situation in which she found herself as she entered a home for unwed mothers in another part of the state. Absolutely alone and mindnumbingly frightened..
www.southcoasttoday.com
"A beautiful, true story of adoption and reunion."
WBZ News Radio 1030 in Boston, MA
www.jordanrich.com
920AM on WHJJ in Providence, RI
www.readingwithrobin.com
Lite Rock 105 and 92 ProFM in Providence, RI
If you know an Amazing Woman, please contact deb.ruggiero@citcomm.com
COAST 93.3 Providence, RI
8 - 10 A.M. Every Sunday
Each week, Coast 93.3 honors women in Southern New England who are making a difference in our community. Donna discusses the challenges and rewards experienced by these special women from a variety of walks of life.
Susan and her daughters were interviewed on...
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
2 - 3 p.m. on WSAR 1480 AM
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