Learn more about the ways you can donate or get involved with The Butterfly Collective to help domestic violence survivors.
Lynne Fiscelli
Founder
Lynne Fiscelli
President
The Butterfly Collective was started by Lynne Fiscelli. A survivor herself, Lynne has made it her mission to assist other women as they seek to rebuild their lives in a safe environment.
Lynne has served her community as a speaker for Turning Point of Macomb County, but she feels her mission in life is to be more than just an inspirational story of survival.
As the founder of The Butterfly Collective, Lynne takes action to assure that women in abusive relationships have access to the resources they need in order to establish their independence. As a realtor, Lynne has seen the difference that finding a home of one’s own can make in the lives of her clients, and survivors.
This has fueled her desire to help survivors find a new home, where they can start to build a new life. Lynne serves clients from all walks of life, with compassion, empathy, exceptional service, and integrity.
She lives with her husband Richard and their dog Katie in Shelby Township, Michigan, and when she isn’t busy being a realtor and advocate for survivors, she’s busy being just a bit of a (social) butterfly herself.
Ashley Sonnenfeld
President
Ashley Sonnenfeld
Director
After hearing Lynne Fiscelli’s story that grew passion for the Butterfly Collective, Ashley knew that she needed to be a part of this non-profit team. Being a woman in the hair industry, she thrives on helping to make women look and feel beautiful- while having the privilege of being their sounding board. Her job is about more than just beautifying people-it’s deeper, as it so often grows into a connection on a more personal level. Gaining intimate relationships with her clients has given her the confidence to know that she will be a strong voice for women who may be in trouble, or in need of assistance. She has been in the industry for 16 years and is continuing to learn more about signs of abuse within the household. As Ashley has always been passionate about helping others in need- her commitment to these women will mean as much to her as it does to them. Ashley is honored to have been asked by Lynne, to be a part of her Task Team, while continuing to make this non-profit an amazing resource for those in need.
Heidi McQuade
Secretary
Heidi McQuade
Secretary
After her first marriage ended, Heidi became a single mom juggling a career and two children. Her challenge was not unlike many divorced women, and she made a good life for the three of them. But, something was missing. She found and fell hard for the man of her dreams, someone who doted on her and promised to take care of her and give her a beautiful life. Until it wasn't. Heidi knows firsthand the nightmare survivors face and how important it is to have some type of support system behind you. She found The Butterfly Collective while searching for volunteer opportunities to help others that are experiencing what she did but have no support system.
Healing is a very long journey, and although Heidi may not (yet) share her story, she understands the difficulty the abused face when trying to make a change and find themselves once again. She is a compassionate, loving, caring woman who is dedicated to helping other survivors. Heidi, a Macomb County resident since birth, lives with her two children and her mini support dog Ruby in Shelby Twp., holds a full-time administrative position at a local hospital, is once again pursuing her college degree, and volunteers for everything her children are involved in, as well as The Butterfly Collective.
Jennifer Ruth Kaferle
Treasurer
Jennifer Ruth Kaferle
Treasurer
Jennifer is one of Lynne’s very first butterflies. Lynne began putting her vision into play in 2019 and as she developed her vision, Lynne became one of Jennifer’s “Earth Angels”. Jennifer, a survivor twice over of domestic violence fell prey to a local abuser in 2018 and was able to escape in 2019. A former survivor of the same man linked Jennifer with The Butterfly Collective through their very first Adopt-a-Family Christmas event.
As Lynne’s vision came forth and The Butterfly Collective was approved and officially became a 501c3 non-profit organization, Jennifer would not only receive help, but she would also become a volunteer. As Jennifer worked through her recovery, she would offer her assistance and knowledge in document preparation, project management and various federal guidelines. With over 25 years of experience in office, business and project management, five years of experience in running a tax firm, 12 years of experience volunteering for a previous 501c3 non-profit organization, in addition to various out-reach and community programs, Jennifer now serves at The Butterfly Collective’s Treasurer.
With her personal journey as a victim to survivor, she knows firsthand the need for organizations like The Butterfly Collective and has embraced the warmth and love of our local community members and organizations. As a mother of four sons, she knows the wait and worry, when so many government agencies are maxed or limited. Worry was lifted when The Butterfly Collective and its affiliates provided and allowed Jennifer’s wings to soar. Seeing the need in the community and with warm thanks and gratitude, Jennifer, a woman of God, flew right back to help others in need. She now strives to be a voice for many and an advocate against domestic violence. Her vision has only begun.
The Butterfly Collective is a great resource and support group for women experiencing domestic violence. I was able to hear other people’s stories. I met women that were going through things I had gone through in the past and women that had passed, survived, and succeeded. It was nice knowing I wasn’t alone. With their help I was able to stay strong because I knew I wasn’t alone and seeing how others made it. Thank you Lynn!
I got married when I was 18. One year into my marriage began my 20 year journey with domestic violence. During my 10 year marriage I endured psychological abuse, some physical abuse, everything I did was controlled and I was made to think that I was unattractive and not worthy of love or respect. I was cheated on repeatedly during my marriage and he even had some of the women in our home. We have three children together and I had three miscarriages after my firstborn. During my last two pregnancies he was with other women and wanted me to have abortions. I refused to do so and for that reason he made it clear that he was entitled to the tax return every year as repayment for me not having abortions. When I was 23 he told me that I had a mental illness and needed medication. So I went to a psychiatrist and was put on medication. After a year being on the medication I did not like how I felt and had to wean myself off. Nine years into our marriage I finally found a good job and was confident that I made enough money to file for a divorce and make it on my own with my children. I filed for the divorce on my own and requested joint custody because I wanted the children to be able to see their dad more than just on the weekends. About six year after our divorce he apologized for being a terrible husband.
I felt amazing after my divorce! I was on my own and did not have to walk on eggshells in my own home. My ex-husband still tries to be controlling and has tried to turn the children against me, however they are older now and can understand what he is trying to do.
I thought that divorcing my husband was the end of my abuse but I had no idea that it was about to get much worse. Even though I left him and felt great about it, I was very damaged and thought I was not worthy of respect and love. My next two relationships were extremely physical and I endured broken bones, concussions, black eyes, etc. On top of more psychological abuse and extreme jealousy.
In 2019 I decided I had enough and did not care if I was alone for the rest of my life but I desperately needed some peace in my life. I had no idea that leaving was going to be so hard. I have installed a camera outside, I am constantly checking that my windows and doors are locked, I got my ccw, I have a very hard time trusting people and for that reason I do not have close friends. I have always hid my abuse because I was embarrassed and did not want any sympathy. What little abuse my friends and family knew about was kind of swept under the rug because they thought if it was that bad I would have left.
Now 7 months after leaving I have rented my own home and have a safe place for my children and I. I was introduced to The Butterfly Collective and even though I have not attended meetings yet, I have been able to meet some amazing women. I received help for my first Christmas with my children in our new home which was amazing! It is so comforting to know that there are good people among us. I still have a very long way to go but I know that if I am strong enough to still be here today, in time I will find myself. In time I will be able to open up and be more trusting and realize that I am worthy of love and respect.
Telling my story is a huge step for me! With the help of those that love me, my children, the Butterfly Collective and the domestic violence hotline, I am proud to say that I am a SURVIVOR!!
There I was lost in a fog of what I can only describe as my own personal Hell. Left alone handicapped with my three sons, unemployed, robbed of my property, my credit, my self-esteem, declining health, missing furniture and drowning in a world of changes and uncertainties I found myself in the midst of the worst domestic situation I had ever been in. As my entire world was sinking, it took everything I had to at least appear that I was just fine. I spent hours on the phone calling for help. It was almost a full-time job, every agency was full, booked, out of funds, or had a long waiting list. I felt like everything was closing in and I was losing hope in finding help.
Reminding myself to breathe and that God will get me through this wasn’t a daily thing but became a way of survival. It was as if it was on a continuous loop, not only during my waking hours but during the nightmares. Then the loop was interrupted and God moved into my life The Butterfly Collective.
Lynne immediately went into action, through her organization, we not only received donations of a couch, recliner, towels, microwave, bed, bookcase but our family was adopted for Christmas and received a truly blessed Christmas. Lynne organized everything and placed me in contact with each sponsor. She was always there to assist, even during moments when I clearly just needed to get everything off my chest.
During my family’s rebuild, The Butterfly Collective not only placed us with sponsors to help donate items, adopted us for Christmas but they also went above and beyond and helped raise funds to stop the repossession of our family vehicle. When every call was redirected or a dead end, when every door seemed to be shutting or at times slamming in my face, there all along was The Butterfly Collective, gathering sponsors, spreading their wings and lifting me and my family back up, not only in material and monetary donations but in spirits and hope!
I thank God for The Butterfly Collective and what they stand for and bring to the community near and far. Forever, in my heart, I will hold dear to me, Lynn and The Butterfly Collective.
My name is Rosaria & I was married to a man, my husband for 23 years who was abusive throughout the entire marriage and we have 4 kids together.
It was physical and verbal (emotional) abuse. I thought that I was the only person in the world that was in an abusive marriage. I tried many times to leave with the kids & succeeded but I would always come back for many reasons.
But when I finally did leave back in Sept of 2018, without my kids, thank God they were all in school, I was so, so scared my heart was racing, leaving one afternoon with only the clothes I had on, my purse and the keys to the car, I left without looking back.
No shelters had room for only me on a Friday night. I called Macomb, Oakland and Wayne. That right there told me that I wasn’t alone. But thank God for my brother, a friend of his, who is my angel and always will be my family now, took me in her home no questions asked. I’m still with her and because of her I met Lynne Fiscelli of The Butterfly Collective at a fashion show fundraiser that the non-profit was having to increase awareness for abusive relationships and to raise funds for those survivors in need. They really opened my eyes and the models that they used were women who were abused and got through it and gave me hope that I too can get through this. With the support of family and friends and now Lynne, The Butterfly Collective I feel even more confident and truly believe that no human being should be treated that way.
I was introduced to Lynne from my angel who has helped me get there and as I was talking to Lynne, telling me her personal story, I felt a weight off my shoulders that I wasn’t alone, and there are people here to help me get back on my feet in all aspects of my life! Lynne explained to me how The Butterfly Collective helps survivors get back on their feet, the emotional aspect and stress of being on your own for the 1st time for me at least after 23years. How it is possible to be strong again and find true unconditional love and happiness and most important peace.
The group meetings The Butterfly Collective has once a month has helped me tremendously by helping me believe that none of the abuse was my fault and that sharing my story with other survivors in the group that we are not alone, each time I go to a meeting I feel better about myself, we help each other, we encourage one another, we stand taller and stronger! Yes we went through horrible times but as Lynne told me when I 1st talked to her, that we need to love ourselves 1st and this helps us grow as a woman, mother and as a human being. At these meetings we really listen to one another, we laugh, cry and we have some break through moments. We have a bond, we get out all our emotions, if we want. There is no pressure if one of us doesn’t want to talk. We are in a very safe environment where if we want to share our true feelings we have towards our abuser, there is no judgement or criticism.
Perhaps one day we will find someone who truly loves us for who we are, unconditionally. And to live life without feeling scared, safe and at peace, that is what The Butterfly Collective brings to the table. For anyone out there that just got out or trying or perhaps knows someone who needs help, once that butterfly lands on your shoulder, you will know you made it!!
Thank you to The Butterfly Collective who helped us come out of our cocoon and grow into these beautiful human beings ready to spread our wings!! God Bless to you all! Thank you Lynne for giving me the opportunity to speak!!
My experience with The Butterfly Collective has been nothing short of amazing. They have helped me in so many ways with so much kindness and care. I never experience any judgement from them, only understanding. I’m so thankful for them and the comfort they bring. When life is a struggle and you’re facing some of your hardest battles, it’s so comforting to know that you have support and someone is standing with you. You are not alone.