Hope Transformation Healing
Gustavia Pearls Women's Outreach
Be part of the solution by working together to end all forms of abuse
OUR STORY
Dwantrina Russell founded Gustavia Pearls Women's Outreach on April 21, 2013. She was inspired to name the organization after her mother, Pastor Margie 'Gustavia' Russell, who had a unique ministry that extended beyond the pulpit. She offered a safe home for battered women with children, a rehabilitation center to help former inmates reintegrate into society, and countless home-cooked meals to needy families. Pastor Russell was a beacon of hope, a guiding light, and a safe haven for many in the community until her death in 2012.
Dwantrina began her journey of healing and helping others in 2013 when she became a domestic violence and mental health advocate, recounting her real-life story of surviving severe acts of domestic violence, overcoming a rapid mental and emotional deterioration, battling depression and grief following the deaths of both of her parents in 2012. She tells her story of being hurt, barely able to function on daily tasks, and losing faith in God until she sought counseling and self-help sessions, where she learned how trauma could change her life for the better and brought her to a place of renewed faith in God and life!
Dwantrina now works for her organization, where thousands of individuals are served, primarily in underserved areas, through long-term programs that satisfy people's urgent needs while also creating more equal communities. Dwantrina's story has been featured on ABC13 News, KPRC2 News, The Voyage Houston, The Houston Chronicle, The Wall Street Journal, NBC7 San Diego News, and the Points of Light Inspiration Honor Wall throughout the world.
Dwantrina has received numerous honors, including the President's Lifetime Achievement Award, Certificates of Recognition for Community STEM Day and Recognition for the 'Light the Night Purple' Domestic Violence Awareness Event, City of Houston Proclamation, Texas Resolution, d-mars Top 50 Professionals Entrepreneurs of Texas Award, and the Kairos iChange Nations Urban Strategies & Solutions Award. She is a member of the North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Girls Collaborative Project Champions Board, and the UT Physician - Jensen Clinic Community Advisory Board.
Dwantrina enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren, and family reunions, as well as fellowship and worship at her church. She also enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, meeting new people, and simply enjoying life!
