The Langley family at the center of a violent crime is trying to channel their hardship into helping young women.
The Cella family, a mother and her two children, were the victims of a violent assault and arson in their Langley Meadows home on April 2.
Andre Richard, Sonia Cella’s estranged husband, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder, arson, and other offenses.
Loretta Cella said her sister and niece are trying to reach out to others in the wake of the attack that sent both of them to the hospital.
Loretta is one of the founders of the Passion Foundation, a group that supports leadership development for young women.
“My niece has experienced deep trauma and continues to deal with the painful emotions associated with this event, but as a survivor of domestic violence she wants to create change for herself and others who may have had a similar experience,†Loretta said.
The Passion foundation has approved a new initiative, the Healing Our Hurting Hearts Club, named by Loretta’s niece.
“I want to do this because I have been through so much stuff and want to help other people in similar situation,†Loretta’s niece said. “I always felt like I’m alone and now I know I’m not.â€
The program will be for young women, 11-18, who have been affected by domestic violence. They will receive leadership coaching and take part in team building, skill development, and self-reflection, while working on a community project.
“This program will also give an opportunity for high school students to earn hours toward graduation,†Loretta Cella wrote.
“My niece and a group of her close peers will be creating the program details with me this summer,†she wrote. “Our hope to have the program up and running by fall.â€
A fund has been established through the Passion Foundation to support the Healing Our Hurting Hearts Club. Donations can be made at passionfoundation.org or by emailing the coordinator at info@passionfoundation.org.