SJM_ImpactDept_0321_REG3 . qxp_Dept 3 / 10 / 21 1 : 51 PM Page 3 S J M | I M P A C T behind , ” Ripoli says . “ We did a fundraiser with a DJ who lives in Hoboken and went to Monmouth with us . It was a virtual fundraiser on Instagram Live and raised $ 1,500 . ” Since starting Angel Energy , Ripoli has met many other people who have dealt with domestic vio - lence and who , like Ripoli , were afraid to tell their story or didn’t feel like they had an outlet . Part of her goal is to let people know they are not alone , to help them feel as com - fortable as possible and let them know her website is an open forum . “ It feels so good talking about it now because there are so many people that can relate . I always get messages from other people who were children of domestic violence or someone that has experienced it firsthand . It starts conversations with people from all over , ” she says . “ I hope Angel Energy inspires other people to not be scared to tell their stories and let them know they aren’t alone , and anyone can share their story anonymously , whatever you feel comfortable with . Storytelling is so powerful . “ It definitely feels good to not only spread awareness , but to have people feel comfortable to talk to me about something . When you share your story , it makes people feel con - nected in a sense . It’s sad hearing these stories and it can be over - whelming , but it’s good for other people to get it out . I feel happy when someone reaches out to me . They needed to get it off their chest and I can be that person for them . ” It’s easy to say Ripoli has created a movement that is only growing by the day and impacting hundreds , if not thousands of lives . She says she’s had some help along the way , guiding her and putting her on this path to making good out of a tragedy . “ I think my mom is obviously proud , but I feel like we’ve been working together on this . I feel her with me , guiding me and sending me signs , ” Ripoli says . “ It makes me feel like this wasn’t for no reason and something good could come out of it . ” For more information on Angel n Energy , visit ShopAngelEnergy.com . SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE VOLUME 17 ISSUE 12 SouthJerseyMagazine.com | 50