Julia Lopez is an artist, but she is also a domestic violence survivor. Her story begins like many other stories of women fleeing domestic violence, with a burning desire to start anew. While residing at a shelter a few years ago, Lopez rediscovered latent artistic abilities, which, like other skills and talents, were hidden behind fear, hopelessness, and isolation. However, today, she is proud to be a bilingual/bicultural family advocate for REACH. Lopez says, "I have a real understanding and deep insight regarding the challenges survivors face when dealing with domestic violence issues. Therefore, this is the most rewarding endeavor I have undertaken in my short life. REACH is fertile ground to plant seeds of hope, education, self-sufficiency, and self-esteem. I'm honored to participate in this event."