A Symbol of Hope: Purple Spaces Continues to Bring Healing to Turkey

Months after Turkey’s February 2023 earthquake, Adiyaman bears the scars of devastation. Rubble and dust are still scattered as lingering signs of the earthquake’s impact, but against this backdrop, Purple Spaces is a bright splash of color symbolizing hope, healing and recovery.

This haven, born from a collaboration with Turkish Philanthropy Funds, opened in September 2023 and has been fundamental in beginning to rebuild the Adiyaman community. It is one of 10 container houses, each located in a different city impacted by the earthquake. The implementation on-site is being carried out by Turkiye Kadin Dernekeleri Federasyonu, a Turkish organization dedicated to the advancement of women.

Originally envisioned to aid 100 women and children impacted by the earthquake in one year, the Rex Maughan Forever Giving Foundation’s Purple Space has far exceeded its initial projections. Between individual therapy, services, trainings, education, and activities provided to children, the Purple Space has reached over 200 women and children.

Until recently, these families were still living in tents but have been relocated to container houses, with the Purple Space being centrally located for their use. In fact, the Purple Space has become a regular and central function of the community, with people gathering there in the evening to socialize.

So far, more than 50 women, adolescents and children have received individual therapy sessions about topics such as violence, violence reporting, grief, and trauma. Additionally, there have been 30 household visits for disabled individuals, educational programs for women, and music courses and trauma-informed activities for children. Hairdressers have also volunteered to help women with self-care. 

Services and trainings are being provided by a midwife, including providing support to 12 pregnancies as well as health and educational training for approximately 85 individuals. Topics include women’s health during adolescence, breastfeeding education, family planning, and postpartum counseling as well as training for breast self-examination, birth preparation, newborn care, and maternal care.

The Purple Space also offers three daily sessions tailored for different age groups, engaging an average of 180 children per week. Through activities focusing on hygiene, health, life skills, and recreation, the Purple Space has become a nurturing place for the community's youth.

Additionally, Forever Living Products Japan extended a helping hand through a charity walk, donating more funds to the Purple Space. The organizers of the walk echo a shared experience, noting their gratitude for help from Turkey and Syria during Japan’s 2011 earthquake.

Forever Living Products Japan’s charity walk

In the evolving narrative of Adiyaman, the Purple Space stands as a testament to the determined spirit of a community rebuilding from the ruins. The story continues to unfold, and with each passing day, the Purple Space has become a greater refuge for those thriving amidst adversity.

“The Rex Maughan Forever Giving Foundation is committed to aiding women, children and communities affected by natural disasters such as Turkey’s horrific earthquake,” says Forever Giving President Gregg Maughan. “We are extremely encouraged to hear that the Purple Space project has helped, and continues to help, so many women and children on their journey toward recovery.”