History of Cheryl’s Voice:
Cheryl’s Voice was originally founded in 2013 by LaTasha Jackson-McDougle, who was a child who witnessed the murder of her mother and the su***de of her father. Growing up, LaTasha was determined to succeed despite the odds against her; overcoming medical and emotional challenges, she was determined to show her grandparents who raised her she was a survivor. She later b
egin to realize that her life was spent seeking answers to lifelong questions about why she didn’t have her parents. She inquired what lead up to it and how it was impacting her life. She conducted a full investigation of the murder of her mother and su***de of her father and all reported cases linked to her and them. The findings of this investigation is now published in her graduate school thesis. This also led her to discover her mother was her hero she did everything she could to protect her. Therefore she established Cheryl’s Voice which focuses exclusively on helping others like her in Tarrant County who experienced childhood domestic violence. Overview:
LaTasha Jackson-McDougle was a child left behind at the age of 1 ½ years old, In 1984 their father stalked their mother ultimately taking the life of their mother Cheryl Williams-Saddler; along with his own; leaving her for dead. LaTasha was placed under guardianship care of their Maternal parents.
37 years later LaTasha is dedicated to being an advocate; She has dedicated her life and education to learn more about Domestic Violence and is motivated to share her story and be an active role in Domestic Violence Awareness. LaTasha Jackson-McDougle is highly motivated to encourage children who survived and witnessed domestic violence in their homes. She actively promotes Domestic Violence Awareness in the communities letting Cheryl's Voice be heard. LaTasha has educationally committed her life to strategically positioning herself to serve others earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, a Master’s in Criminology & Criminal Justice, and Honor’s Masters's in Social Work; all at the University of Arlington. While working on both of her master's degrees, LaTasha decided to write a thesis that involved research surrounding the domestic violence case that claimed both of her parents’ lives and left her and her younger sibling devastated. During the course of her research she discovered critical information that the prosecutors and police department could have possibly utilized to intervene sooner and save her mother's life. LaTasha’s Thesis has been published and is titled “The Prosecutor's Role in Helping Domestic Violence Victims”. Through the research, LaTasha also discovered her mother utilized resources of Women’s Haven (now safe haven) along with the women’s center. LaTasha actively volunteers and participates in events; LaTasha realizes that not everyone is blessed with immediate or extended family that has the ability to step in and care for the children who are left behind; therefore Cheryl’s Voice was created.
