Self-Reclaimed

🌟 Advocate Spotlight | La Cocinita Restaurant 🌟

This April, we’re honored to highlight Rachel Angulo (she/her), Owner of La Cocinita Restaurant & Food Trucks, as part of our SAAM Campaign. 

Rachel is a fierce advocate for community care and hospitality, blending bold Latin American flavors with a deep commitment to giving back. Rachel and her partner, Chef Benoit Angulo, are the powerhouses behind La Cocinita—known for its fast-casual, made-from-scratch menu—they serve up more than delicious food; they give back. From nourishing neighbors with their flavorful arepas and tacos to serving over 4,500 meals to local heroes on the front lines during the COVID-19 crisis, their commitment to community is at the heart of everything they do.

This SAAM, La Cocinita will be donating 10% of all proceeds TODAY, Monday, April 21, to support Self-Reclaimed and our mission. 

From their signature arepas and yuca fries to their fan-favorite Cochinita Pibil tacos, every bite supports survivor-centered healing and collective action. Rachel believes that, “everyone deserves to feel safe and supported.” 

🌟 We invite our community to dine with purpose this SAAM. Grab a meal, bring a friend, and help us reclaim our stories—one plate at a time.

🌮 LA COCINITA GIVEBACK DAY
📅 WHEN: Monday, April 21 | 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
📍 LOCATION: La Cocinita Evanston – 1625 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL
🍴 DETAILS: 10% of all sales go to Self-Reclaimed
🔗 MENU: www.lacocinita.com

🌟 Advocate Spotlight | SAAM 2025 🌟

This April, we’re honored to highlight Mary Kethya Khuon (she/her), Writer & Director of Cloud & Bunny Short Film, as part of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign: From Chaos to Action: Reclaiming Our Story.

Mary is not only a gifted filmmaker and storyteller—she is a survivor, a truth-teller, and a powerful advocate for healing through art. Her creative direction invites courage, tenderness, and transformation to coexist on stage and screen. Check out her full bio on the Serendipitous link in our IG profile!

This SAAM, Mary is co-creating something special: Serendipitous: Where Standup Comedy Meets Vulnerable Storytelling, a one-of-a-kind in-person experience that blends laughter and lived truth to foster connection and catharsis. Hosted in collaboration with Self-Reclaimed, this event reminds us that joy, pain, and presence can all belong in the same room.

🌟 “I believe in empowering survivors to take up space and shine their light in the world. Self Reclaim gives survivors a safe space to feel deeply and express themselves in a way that reminds humanity we are greater than the bad things that have happened to us and are meant to live a beautiful life.” – Mary

We invite you to witness this bold, brilliant night and stand with survivors reclaiming their stories—with humor, heart, and humanity.

🎤 SERENDIPITOUS: STANDUP & STORYTELLING
📅 WHEN: Friday, April 26 | 7:00–9:30 PM; Doors Open @ 6:30 PM
📍 LOCATION: Uptown Taproom, 1265 West Wilson Avenue Chicago, IL 60640
🔗 REGISTER: via the link in our IG profile or visit our website at selfreclaimed.org/saam2025

Growth isn’t always visible, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Rest, reflection, and even stillness are part of the process. Even when I feel stuck, I trust that I am still evolving.. 🌱✨