From Saving Others to Saving Myself

Sheila Rivest is the founder of the Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation. Her passion for helping others began with the loss of her sister, Carol, who was murdered as a result of domestic violence in 1982.

For more than four decades, Sheila and her family have continued to heal from the loss of Carol while finding ways to honor her life and help others. Sheila chose to turn her own experience into a mission of education, awareness, and empowerment—sharing Carol’s story in the hope that it may help others recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships, seek help, and make choices that can change the course of their lives.

Sheila shares her family’s story with others to educate individuals about healthy relationships, domestic violence awareness, mental health, resilience, and personal growth. She believes that talking openly about these subjects can help people recognize the signs of abuse, understand their own worth, and feel comfortable reaching out for help when they need it.

Through her speaking engagements, Sheila encourages people to love themselves, have self-respect, and surround themselves with healthy relationships. She especially believes in teaching young people that they are loved and deserve relationships built on respect, kindness, and trust.

Sheila does not share Carol’s story simply to talk about the past. She shares it because she believes Carol’s story can help others today.

Her message isn’t simply about tragedy. It’s about what we can do with what happens to us.

Through the Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation, Sheila has been able to turn her family’s loss into something that helps others. Since its founding, the Foundation has raised more than $150,000 to support victims of domestic violence and their families, provide opportunities for children who have experienced domestic violence, and fund programs that promote education, awareness, empowerment, and healthier relationships.

Sheila is proud of the work the Foundation has accomplished, but she believes there is always more that can be done. Her hope is to continue growing the Foundation and reaching more people with a message of awareness, empowerment, and hope.

“From saving myself to saving others.”

That is the heart of Sheila’s work—and the legacy she continues to build in Carol’s memory.