Sharing the good news happening in our community

While most people try to hide their scars, especially the ones

caused by trauma or self-injury, primarily because of

embarrassment, feelings of shame or fear of being judged or

social stigma, Shari Battles is working to change that mindset.

Battles said her childhood included challenges that shaped her

resilience early on, and like a lot of people, she carried emotional

wounds that weren’t always visible, but  deeply impactful.   

​“My healing journey began through faith, self-reflection, mentorship

and a willingness to confront painful truths. Purpose, accountability

and spiritual grounding played major roles in my healing,” she said.

In 2022, Battles founded Scars Of Hope LLC to provide transformational coaching, speaking and empowerment services and to meet the growing need for healing-centered personal development and identity restoration. Her vision is to see every scar become a symbol of strength, every wound transformed into wisdom and every survivor become a thriver.

The for-profit organization was born out of Battles’ personal journey because she realized that many people are silently carrying emotional scars from trauma, rejection, loss, abuse and broken identity.

                                                             “I started this organization to help people understand                                                                that scars don’t disqualify you, they can become                                                                        proof of survival, strength and purpose,” Battles said.                                                                “My goal is to help individuals move from pain to                                                                      power and from survival to significance.”

Several years ago Battles became a life coach although she never planned to. She just wanted to make a difference, but over time, it became clear that this work was not just a profession, but a calling and helping others heal, grow and walk in purpose is deeply aligned with who she is.

“People are often surprised to learn that my strength was forged through vulnerability,” she said. “The confidence they see today came from choosing healing, discipline and purpose - even when it was uncomfortable.”

Battles collaborates with facilitators, partners and volunteers depending on the program or event, and individuals interested in volunteering or collaborating can request information via email at hopeinscars@gmail.com. She receives referrals through community partnerships, word of mouth, social media, churches, schools organizations and previous clients, but individuals can also self-refer.

Like many growing organizations, Battles said the organization’s challenges include expansion capacity, funding for large-scale programs and meeting increasing demand while maintaining excellence and integrity. Her long-term goal is to become a nationally and globally recognized transformational brand  - impacting lives through coaching, curriculum, media and large-scale empowerment initiatives. 

Battles will be the lead facilitator at the Em-Power Girls Mentoring Program G.L.O.W (Girls Learning to Overcome and Win) Squad Battles Boot Camp on Saturday, February 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 N.W. 21st Ave. The Empowerment Seminar, for girls ages 8-17 years old, includes lunch. Registration is $15. To register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/battles-boot-camp-glow-squad-registration-1979332955151.

​

 “Scars of Hope represents the belief that scars tell a story, not of defeat, but of survival,” she said. “Every scar is evidence that healing is possible and that hope can rise even after pain.” 

We Provide:

• Transformational life coaching

• Empowerment workshops and seminars

• Youth and women’s empowerment programs

• Leadership development sessions

• Group coaching and mentoring experiences

• Customized curriculum and identify-building frameworks

Services are fee-based, but initial consultations, which include a needs assessment, goal clarification and discussion of the best coaching or program options for the individual or organization, are free. 

Services available for youth, teens and adults. Programs serve girls, women, boys and men depending on the offering. Some workshops are gender-specific while others are inclusive.

All services are centered around the core philosophy: Identify. Face. Overcome.

Services offered locally and virtually in Central Florida.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. by appointment and select evenings/weekends for workshops and events.

​

Connect with Scars of Hope on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Threads, or go to their website at BattlesofHope.com.

​

For more information, call (352) 275-8751 or email hopeinscars@gmail.com.