We had the good fortune of connecting with Rene’ Flagg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rene’, what inspires you?
I am inspired by encountering “hurting women.” Women who are desperately trying to be loved, accepted, and valued only to realize that what they have tried have left them debilitated. I am inspired when women begin to have hope instead of fear. When they see and understand that who they “truly” are is more than enough. This is what energizes me, keeps me focused when I grow tired and inspires me to keep moving forward.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a retired Surgical Intensive Care Nurse of nearly 40 years. I knew the importance of healing the physical body and paying attention to the alarms that our body tells us. But, I began to notice that women were “fixing” the outside, while the inside (emotionally) was so damaged and bruised. As women we function on fumes. We fill our depleted emotional tanks with temporary pleasures that fill the void and ease the pain, but oftentimes leave deep emotional scars. My heart began to notice. It began to hurt from the stories that were told. I had to do something!! To help women to truly understand how unique, gifted and truly loved they are and know their value apart from what society dictates. Hence, the name…True Identity…and then oftentimes, just like it time to be BROKEN…it takes time to heal…hence…House of Refuge. Starting a non-profit is VERY hard work!! Garnering supporters, funding etc…but I can’t stop!! I AM A WOMAN and I know about pain, It hasn’t been easy and sometimes I may stumble, but these women are so worth EVERY SINGLE MINUTE. So as long as God grants me the strength to continue… there will be a True Identity House of Refuge for women. Now all I need is a house!!!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta Botannical Gardens; Fox Theatre; Midtown eatery; CNN; Martin Luther King, Buckhead area; Civil Rights Museum; Stone Mountain Park; and Chateau Elan;

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To ALL the contributors of True Identity House of Refuge. There are so many who have been on limited incomes who have given monetarily, there are those that have come in “wheelchairs” to give of their time and then there are those who in this time of economic uncertainty have remained faithful in their dedication to give. So to ALL of our contributors….A Special Shoutout!!

Website: www.trueidentityhouse.org
Linkedin: Rene’ Flagg
Twitter: Trueid
Facebook: True Identity House of Refuge