Kaity's Way

On January 28, 2008 a young Lady named Kaitlyn Marie Sudberry never made it home from school. Tragically, she was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend just one house away from her own loving home. Kaitlyn, also known as Kaity, was an intelligent, beautiful young lady. She was a senior in High School and accepted to Northern Arizona University. Kaity was one of five children for the Sudberry’s. She had two brothers and two sisters. Even though, police reports were filed, an Injunction Against Harassment had been prepared to serve upon her ex-boyfriend and the support of her family, Kaity, her family and the community fell victim to this heinous crime.

In the wake of this terrible tragedy and after realizing how prevelant teen dating violence is Kaity’s family decided to form a non profit 501(c)(3) approved tax exempt corporation, in Kaity’s name and spirit, known as Kaity’s Way. Kaity’s heart went out to all less fortunate than herself, like the 20% of children involved in violent or potentially violent relationships.

Kaity’s way was P.E.A.C.E. (Patience, Empathy, Acceptance, Caring and Equality). Kaity was a gentle loving person, who innately possessed and lived by all of these qualities. She had a zest for life and wanted only the best for all those she came to know. She was so much to so many.

After further research it was found that 81% of adults admit that they did not realize that teen dating violence was an issue. In the year 2011 Kaity's Way independantly surveyed nearly 2000 Arizona middle and high school students and found:

• 44% of them admitted knowing someone in a violent relationship
• 96% believe adults should be educated about teen dating violence.
• 98% stated that it benefits teenagers to hear Kaity's Story
• 99% believe they would be able to identify the warning signs of a violent relationship after hearing Kaity's Story.

 

The mere fact that so many of our children have identified knowing someone in a violent relationship is absolutely staggering and for this we have taken on a mission to promote understanding and educate the community to lessen the instances of violence among or against children through P.E.A.C.E. (Patience, Empathy, Acceptance, Caring and Equality).

Our Vision is such that the Awareness and Education we provide will bring about the Prevention of violence and therefore a societal shift providing a generation of healthy respectful relationships to be followed by many others.

In an effort to accomplish our mission we provide the following services for the community at their request.

• Share Kaity’s Story a True, impactful and compelling story that brings to light the warning signs of Teen Dating Violence (TDV) and what lessons can be learned to prevent such a tragedy for others. In addition we provide current data in an effort to promote Healthy Relationships.    
• Provide Education regarding Kaity’s Law A Law that was enacted in the state of Arizona September 2009 to provide those in Dating Relationships protection under the law
• Hold various Workshops at Conferences Topics range from TDV to How to Make a Difference in Your Community
• Set up Exhibit Tables at various events To distribute important brochures and literature to the community to bring awareness to violence among and against our children.
• Maintain a useful and concise website www.kaitysway.org which contains all the information found in the brochure as well as a summary of Kaity’s Story, information on how to Get Help and Give Help, Current Events and a Blog page for open discussions and additional information to distribute.
• Send out an electronic monthly newsletter, Kaity’s Korner which provides information about what Kaity’s Way has done, what is up and coming and significant statistical data.
• Utilize social media such as Facebook and Twitter to send out messages with regards to Healthy Relationships.      

 

Our funding comes from public donations, fundraising and honorariums. Please help us help society make the shift to healthy relationships!