Dee Lewis, the founder of Rising From Shadows Foundation Inc., is an adult survivor of childhood abuse herself. From the age of four to fourteen, Dee endured physical, mental, and sexual abuse at the hands of her mother and stepfather. Her journey through the pain, confusion, and silence that so many survivors experience has given her a deep and personal understanding of the challenges faced by adults healing from childhood trauma. Dee’s lived experience fuels her unwavering commitment to creating safe, confidential spaces where survivors can find the support, respect, and resources they deserve.

It has been Dee’s lifelong dream to build a foundation that not only supports survivors but also advocates for systemic change. She is passionately dedicated to changing the laws that shape survivors’ legal rights and voices, believing that justice and healing must go hand in hand. Through Rising From Shadows, Dee channels her resilience and hope into action—empowering others to reclaim their stories and working tirelessly to ensure that survivors are heard, believed, and protected by the systems meant to serve them.

Carlos Pyles, co-founder of Rising From Shadows Foundation, is a survivor whose journey through childhood neglect has shaped his unwavering commitment to helping others rise above their circumstances. Growing up on the eastside of Cleveland, Carlos faced instability and hardship from an early age. With a mother struggling with alcoholism and a father who was frequently incarcerated and abusive toward women, Carlos was left to navigate a world that often felt unsafe and unpredictable. The absence of a stable, nurturing home meant that Carlos had to learn to survive by any means necessary, adapting quickly to whatever challenges each day brought.

Much of Carlos’s childhood was marked by uncertainty and displacement. He was frequently bounced from place to place, never knowing how long he would be able to stay or where his next meal would come from. There were times when he had nowhere to go and was forced to sleep in doorways, relying on his resourcefulness and inner strength to get through the night. These experiences of homelessness and neglect left deep scars but also instilled in Carlos a profound empathy for others enduring similar struggles.

Despite the pain and adversity, both Carlos & Dee’s stories are full of resilience and hope. They refused to let their past define their future, seeking out mentors, opportunities, and community wherever they could find them. Over time, Dee transformed the lessons of survival into a passion for advocacy, determined to create pathways for others who feel alone or forgotten. Her lived experience fuels her belief that every person deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to heal.

Today, Carlos channels his strength and compassion into supporting adult survivors of childhood trauma, offering understanding and guidance that only someone who has walked a similar path can provide. His journey from surviving on the streets of the eastside of Cleveland to becoming a voice for change is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community. Carlos’s story reminds us all that, no matter how difficult the beginning, healing and transformation are possible—and that no one should have to face their struggles alone.