BOOTHBAY — A Finding Our Voices presentation on domestic abuse, led by survivors, is set for 2:30-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, 105 Botanical Gardens Drive.

Hannah Marden-Johnson, a Lincoln County high school teacher, is one of six survivors of domestic abuse sharing their stories and leading a community conversation on Sept. 11 at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Photo by Patrisha McLean

The event, free and open to the public, includes free admission to the gardens. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to take in miles of wooded trails, and 48 acres of cultivated gardens that include white and lilac blue Wild Swan anemone dancing and swaying in the breeze in the Vayo Meditation Garden, according to a news release from Patrisha McLean, Finding Our Voices CEO and founder.

The survivors sharing their stories and leading a community conversation include Hannah Marden-Johnson, Lincoln County high school teacher and college access counselor; Camden business owner Christine Buckley; retired second grade teacher Mary Lou Smith from Scarborough; Rockport Harbor Hotel manager Sarah McLean; and Rickey Celentano of Camden talking from the perspective of a mother of a domestic abuse victim.

Topics discussed include emotional, financial and sexual abuse; the impact on children as well as the mother/child relationship; and what to do if one suspects or knows that a loved one or co-worker is in an unhealthy intimate partner relationship. The discussion will also include the restorative power of gardens and flowers.

Two short movies will precede the presentation, and a reception with refreshments will follow.

The Boothbay event launches the fall swing of the statewide Finding Our Voices “Let’s Talk About It” Tour. Other September stops are Westbrook Community Center on Sept. 16 and a booth in the Social Justice tent at the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity Sept. 20-22. October tour stops include the Bangor and South Portland Community Colleges, Elements Books Coffee Beer in Biddeford, and the Maine Irish Heritage Center in Portland.

The Sept. 11 event will be held in the Bosarge Education Center, located within the gardens. Attendees should visit the front desk to obtain free admission.

The buildings and central gardens are fully wheelchair and stroller accessible with varied accessibility in the remainder of the campus. Cart transportation, electric scooters and wheelchairs are available with advance notification.

For more information, email hello@findingourvoices.net or visit findingourvoices.net.

Check out other upcoming area events!