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Heiden House is a designated safe zone where community
members can meet for support and social interaction without fear of discrimination or harassment. Social events, educational
activites, counseling and support groups will be available.
Heiden House will also serve as an emergency shelter
and referral for anyone needing a safe place in times of special need. (click "Jeremy's Room" for more information).
Heiden House
is scheduled to open in 2005. Until then, programs and services will be provided in temporary locations throughout the community.
Why is it called "Heiden House"?
Heiden House is named for Jeremy Heiden, a young man who was born in Marshfield on August 6, 1977. He grew up on a farm near
Abbotsford, Wisconsin. Jeremy is the founder of "Causing Change Music" and now lives in Kenosha. He has made a
number of cd's including "You're Not Alone" and "Kindred Spirit." In 1999, Jeremy published his autobiography
entitled "A Sound Vision: The Making of a Kindred Spirit." In it, Jeremy writes about his childhood, his music,
and his path to healing and self-acceptance.
"My parents were divorced when I was three and
my sister Kristie went to live with my dad and I stayed with my mom. My mother remarried to satan and I then grew up on a
dairy farm. My step-father was very abusive to the family. I was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused on an almost
daily basis. We all struggled through our lives day by day. When I was twelve, my sister Kristie was tragically killed by
a drunk driver. I was completely devastated. I went into a deep depression that lasted most of four years. I did poorly in
school and attempted suicide. Kristie and I were best friends and when she died I could prove I had nothing. Then I decided
I had enough and ran away when I was seventeen. I supported myself by working as a bag-boy and stocking shelves at a local
grocery store as well as working in a record store in Marshfield. School was impossible at that time; I needed every hour
I could spare to work, so I dropped out. During this time I moved from family member to family member, and from friend to
friend. I lived in so many places and moved so much that I just left my belongings in my 1983 Oldsmobile Delta '88."
Jeremy kept his life together and worked to acquire
a high school equivalency diploma while at the same time working at a local radio station and hosting a countdown show called
"Best of the Hit List with Jeremy Heiden." Jeremy had developed a passion for music and an interest in broadcasting and music
production. He started producing his first cd's on his own company label called Causing Change Music. He attended the Conservatory
of Music and later moved to Kenosha to attend college for broadcasting. In 1995 he made Causing Change Music official and
released his first full-length album, "Kindred Spirit," in 1998.
No doubt, this is an amazing story! Jeremy was able
to escape a horrible situation and overcome his depression to realize his own self-worth and find the inner power to make
his dreams come true. The truly amazing part of Jeremy's story is his mission to share what he has learned with others who
may be in similar situations. Most of Jeremy's music is written about his personal experiences, struggles and breakthroughs.
But the message of his story and songs is universal, and something most of us can relate to.
One of the songs on "Kindred
Spirit" was written directly to Jeremy's step-father. The song packs a powerful message of self-discovery and healing. It's
finally realizing that the power to overcome hurt and heartache comes from within. It's realizing that it's ok to let go of
the pain and the person who caused it:
"Now at last there's freedom
Now all is said is done
My past is now behind me
And destiny has won...
I
was living for a dream
Praying for a moment
I was cast away, back into your world
Then I looked into your eyes
And said "I won't hurt forever"
That life is over now
I don't need you on my side."
This uplifting song of self-acceptance is comfort
for every broken heart.
In another song, "You're Not Alone," Jeremy sings about the feeling of isolation that many
of us often feel. Yet, his message to us is that even in the darkest times of hurt and heartbreak, when we think the world
has deserted us, we are never alone. Jeremy sings, "it's hard when you have no one to relate to." However, the fact is that
everyone who ever suffered a broken heart is a kindred spirit. We are all related. Yet, the song makes it clear that the real
power of healing comes from within. As long as you remain true to yourself, you are never alone.
Through his music,
his poetry, his book, and the way he continues to live his life, Jeremy Heiden shares his story and his message of self-acceptance
and the power of love and healing. He is an inspiration to many and a personal hero to me. Because of him, I was able to accept
myself and create a better life for myself. I know I can get through anything because I know now that I am not alone. It's
a great message we all need to hear. That's
why I am honored to name the community center after Jeremy, knowing that he will continue to be an inspiration to many.
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