Joe Torre Safe At Home®
On April 27 when Darrell Carr and I first entered the Venice High School auditorium you could hear the rumbles from any large group of energized kids. Then the room applauded as Joe Torre, Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and former professional baseball player and manager took to the microphone. He quickly welcomed the students and he immediately started talking about why he was there. He did not speak about the glory days of playing baseball, but instead, he spoke about how as the youngest of five children, he witnessed the aftermath of routine physical beatings that his mother endured for years from her husband—his father who as a revered NYC police detective who protected his community and made everyone feel safe—except his own family. The room was silenced.
He spoke about how it took years for him to understand that it was not his fault as to why he lived with shame. He kept his family life a secret until he and his wife Ali attended a seminar where he was subsequently able to talk openly about his childhood experience with domestic violence.
On that day,
the Joe Torre Safe At Home® Foundation had a ribbon cutting ceremony at Venice H.S. for yet another Margaret’s Place—that was named in honor of his beloved Mother. This on site comprehensive program provides students a safe room in school where they can meet with a professional counselor trained in domestic violence intervention and prevention.
Joe and Dodger player Justin Turner also emphasized to the students that you are not alone, the importance of not keeping pain inside, to find the support needed, to have respect for each other and to avoid social media mishaps.
Joe’s daughter, Andrea Torre was Justin’s very good friend.
They were in choir and performing arts together. He often told us how Justin was the only kid he met who had a firm handshake and who looked at him directly in the eyes and greeted him with an affirming “ Hello, Mr. Torre.” Today, Joe told me that when the Paparazzi approach him for a comment, he often says one line: “ Justin Carr World-Peace” (http://www.justincarrwantsworldpeace.org)
He said, “You know Susan, it gives them something to think about and hopefully Justin’s message will catch on…” I took that with a smile…
Keep on doing what you are doing Joe and Ali Torre as you help hundreds of kids find their way out of a life filled with domestic violence and pain.
Let the truth be told… It frees you in so many ways !!!!
Donate to help with this worthy cause and learn more about this Safe at Home program
http://www.joetorre.org/
xoxo
