Inspired daughter helps women find a better way
By Ngina Jackson
WI Contributing Writer
Thursday, July 21, 2005

Ali-Sha Pemberton Alleman remembers her mother’s beatings.

“I can remember my mother crying a lot. She had a sense of relief when my father was not there,” said Alleman, executive director and founder of Ramona’s Way, in an interview recently. “For a chemically dependent mother of two, in the 1970s, suffering from domestic violence, there were not many alternatives as a way out.” Alleman would make a way for other women.

After studying social work at Rutgers University and The George Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, Alleman became a specialist in domestic violence and sexual assault. She has served as director of the volunteer department for My Sister’s Place, a women’s shelter in Washington, and as manager of education and programs there.

In 2001, she created Ramona’s Way, named for her mother, after discovering the need for a program for women who were not only victims of domestic violence, but chemically dependent. Ramona’s Way is a non-profit organization that assists chemically dependent women who are survivors of emotional, domestic and sexual abuse.

“The chemically dependent population of women being abused is underserved,” she said. “They need a safe place to go and get the support they need.

Since 2002, Ramona’s Way has been providing services to abused women to help them take control over their lives and the lives of their children.

Located at The Greater Southeast Hospital in Washington, Ramona’s Way provides services that include support groups, crisis intervention and case management. They also provide information on referral services to about 200 women per year, 150 of which are seeking shelter.

“It is extremely rewarding to touch so many lives, and to be a part of the healing process. There is nothing more incredible,” said Alleman.

In addition to overseeing all of the daily operations, Alleman is responsible for supervising staff persons and recruiting volunteers and interns. She also finds time educate members of the community on the services and benefits that Ramona’s Way provides.

In 2004, Ramona’s Way was honored with the Washington Area Women’s Foundation Leadership Award. This award is given to local organizations that promote the well being of women and girls in numerous areas including, safety, health, education and employment.

Alleman advises women who may be in an abusive relationship to tell someone trustworthy. She also recommended calling a National Domestic Violence hotline such as 1-800-SAFE, that will refer individuals to local programs.

Alleman says that she gets a sense of elation when hearing successful recovery experiences of past victims. “Many of the women maintain recovery,” she said. “It’s great when the women keep in touch, we want them to know that our door is always open and that they are always welcome to come back.”

For more Information on Ramona’s Way, please visit www.RamonasWay.org