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      flip the script

      Flip The Script is a story sharing community where everyday people share raw, unfiltered, inspiring stories.

      We flip the narrative on our adversities and share our life messages that inspire others to transform their lives.

       

      Proceeds from events support our program 'From the Streets to the Stage" for men who have criminal and addiction histories, where they uncover their transformative life message and share from the stage through spoken word or music.

    • What We Stand For

      Much of the division in humanity stems from the refusal to understand each other’s differences.

       

      However, when we make time to hear about someone’s journey- the ups, the downs- we start to understand why they made the choices they did and how they ended up where they are in life.

       

      We are souls on our own unique journeys. No one is broken.

       

      Flip the Script is about seeing our experiences from a new perspective and using the power of words to create our lives consciously.

       

      It’s about acceptance of self and others.

       

      It’s about reconnecting to the truth of WHAT we are, which is Love.

       

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      Flip the Script is on a mission to serve men with criminal and addiction histories by giving them a platform to share their stories and uncover the gift in their pain so they can reconnect to purpose.

      We bridge humanity through the power of story sharing.

       

      Everyone deserves to be heard.

       

      Flip The Script’s vision: A world where those who don't matter, matter.

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      Why is our story sharing community unique?

      Really, this is a space to come as you are. It's intimate, safe, and fun.

      This is about releasing the walls you put up in society. Come as you are. There's no one to impress.

      We are a tribe of mostly non-professional speakers who have a message to get across.


       

      Stories have the power not only to help bridge the humanity in us, but also the Divinity in us.

      We are all One.


      This is not a story sharing space for people who are bitter or resentful. We each have the ability to tell a story that empowers us and those around us. No matter how rock bottom we've been or how dark the situations we've experienced, there's a gift in all of it. Our deep traumas and adversities are merely experiences, ones that allow us to grow, learn and transcend- only if we choose to.

       

       

      THIS IS ABOUT FLIPPING THE NARRATIVE OF YOUR STORY AND SEEING THINGS FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE. THERE IS A GIFT IN YOUR PAIN.
       

      How It Started

      Jessica Santonato started Flip The Script after she found forgiveness in her own traumatic story. She recognized the need for people to discover, heal and share the gift in their pain.

       

      At the young age of 15, she began associating with gang members in Edmonton, Alberta. At age 16 she was gang-raped by thirteen males. Continuing to associate with the negative crowd, she fell in love with a gang leader and got married to him in a federal penitentiary at age 18. The marriage became abusive before and while being a mom to their three children. Too afraid to leave her marriage, Jessica faced a horrific night when her husband attempted to kill her as their children slept upstairs. She was punched in the face, choked unconscious twice and stabbed multiple times in her head and hand.

       

      Jessica managed to escape with her children and found the courage to start the next chapter of her life as a single mom. She was determined to give back to others after realizing, “I didn’t get beaten and stabbed for nothing. There’s a reason why I’m still standing here.” Jessica decided to “flip the script’ on her own story. Not returning to the marriage, she found forgiveness with her husband for the attack and made peace with him before he passed away in 2014. The day before his funeral, she also verbally expressed forgiveness to the man who instigated the gang rape and another man who held her at gunpoint for not having sex with him years earlier.

       

      Jessica believes every story has a purpose and an inspirational message. She is devoted to helping other troubled men acknowledge their story and flip the script on their message to begin healing and inspiring others with purpose. She now lives with a loving, supportive husband and her 3 children in Vaughan, ON.

      You can watch her TEDx talk on forgiveness here.

       

      Even though she left the marriage, she vowed to continue sharing her story publicly. People soon expressed their desires to tell their own stories as well. These weren't polished speakers but everyday men and women who had a powerful story to tell, yet lacked the courage or resources to do so. Responding to this need, Jessica launched Flip The Script on February 13th, 2019 in Vaughan, Canada as a grassroots community initiative to support raw, inspirational story sharing. It more than doubled in size within three weeks.

       

      As a giveback, Jessica believed it was time to have more platforms for men's self-expression, as much as she applauded women's empowerment. She wanted to support those overlooked and shunned by society, specifically, men who've been (or are currently) incarcerated. "I believe that where there is the most darkness, there is the most potential for light; these guys have much light to reveal for themselves and have a huge gift to give mass consciousness."

    • 'From the Streets to The Stage'

      Giving those with criminal histories a platform to speak their truth. Through stories, we connect.

      3 WAYS WE SUPPORT THESE MEN:

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      Program

      For participants to speak their truth and help others transform.

      Through darkness there is light. We help participants uncover their life message and give them tools to powerfully impact from the stage so that they can help others transform their lives. As a pre-requisite, men MUST have a desire to transform if they are to be a part of our program, as well as want to help make a difference for others. Our programs currently serve inside correctional facilities and rehab centres.

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      Sober Socials

      For grads of our program to maintain positive social support in their lives.

      Each month we hold a sober event at the group's chosen place. Providing a positive support system after release is key to maintaining sobriety and reducing recidivism rates.

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      Partnerships

      We go further together.

      Our partnerships with other organizations who are aligned with a similar mission allow us to expand the impact we make with these men.

       

      For example, Archangel provides mindset and consciousness books to graduates. Feed It Forward offers free culinary training, meals and groceries to support with re-entry and transition.

    • Our Core Values

      FREEDOM. FUN. EXPRESSION. COMMUNITY. TRANSFORMATION. FORGIVENESS. EMPATHY.

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    • Our Team

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      Jessica Santonato

      Founder, Director of Operations, Program Developer & Facilitator

      Based in Toronto, Canada, Jessica Santonato is a TEDx Speaker and inspirational speaker who shares the message of forgiveness and finding the gift in painful experiences. She is an award-winning author and in her latest memoir “FlipThe Script” (late 2019 release), she shares her journey of living a criminal lifestyle, gang rape, attempted suicide and domestic violence before the age of 30, to her rise in conscious leadership and humanitarian work by the age of 35. Recognized for her leadership abilities, she was one of three people chosen by an American personal development company to help more than a thousand entrepreneurs from across all continents achieve success through the power of vivid story sharing and communication.

       

      She has been featured in media such as Cosmopolitan Magazine, Rogers TV and various podcasts, and has given talks at Humber College, Mississauga City Hall, inner-city schools and at an event for international peace activist/conscious hip-hop artist, Emmanuel Jal.


      She makes regular date nights with her second husband Michael, and family time with their three children, a non-negotiable.

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      Brian Saund

      Program Developer & Facilitator

      Currently residing in Toronto Canada and originally from Leicester, U.K., Brian is on a personal mission to plant seeds of positivity within the minds of anyone that is struggling with life.

       

      Brian’s own personal stories of triumph over some very prolific adverse situations resonate with the vision of Flip The Script and the community it brings together. Formerly incarcerated as a young male, he was able to transform his life and create a career and lifestyle that he dreamed of.

       

      Brian continues to lead an exceptionally successful sales career that has spanned over 20 years working with brands like Audi, Expedia, and Santander. Currently heading up the sales division in Canada for a global branding agency, his professional endeavours have earned him the opportunities to travel all over the world whilst winning numerous awards and accolades along the way. His achievements are accredited to his strength of purpose, positive energy and ability to embrace change.

       

      On an ongoing journey of personal development and transformation, Brian is an expert in cultivating a positive mind set to create whatever you desire in life and an advocate of helping to raise the consciousness of the collective. An inspiring speaker at the beginning of his journey to help to shift the mind set of others that are challenged by life’s complexities and experiences, Brian brings great insights and perspectives to the Flip The Script community.

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      Angela Dacey

      Program Developer & Facilitator

      Angela Dacey’s mission is to help you “Detox Your Thoughts™ and Live Life Colourfully™ both personally and professionally.

       

      After 20+ years, Angela’s background in retail, marketing and personal development has led her to be a sought after professional speaker, trainer, marketing consultant and life advisor. She has been interviewed around the world in all forms of media for her knowledge and insight.

       

      Honoured to have spoken and taught in many different industries such as healthcare, public schools, marketing research firms, holistic wellness and more, Angela's personal and professional experience has made her a fun, inspirational and knowledgable speaker and trainer.

       

      You can purchase her colourful product lines and understand more about your own personal development at www.livelifecolourfully.com

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      David Miguez

      Program Developer & Facilitator

      David Miguez, Founder and CEO of Triple Element is an Ontario Licensed Acupuncturist and herbalist of Traditional Chinese Medicine. David believes everyone should be able to live the life they love and is dedicated to help you live yours. He provides a holistic approach to your wellness journey with passion and his expertise in Chinese Medicine, guided meditations and wellness coaching.

      He joined the “Flip the Script” team after he was overwhelmed by how supportive everyone was of each other. He could see this was a great group of people opening up and being vulnerable in order to heal and support each other.

       

      “I am excited to be here and learn from this group and at the same time share what I know in order for all of us to grow and heal. I look forward to the many laughs and tears we will all share together.”

    • Testimonials

      From a FTS program participant

      "If I had to choose a single word to describe the Flip The Script workshop it would be "inspirational". I am a recovering addict. Coming from a life of crime, violence, abuse, and trauma it is both difficult and crucial to find people to look up to, that convey a message, and who can tell a story that relates to you. I've been in recovery for 8 months and the workshop evoked an emotional response in me that I have not felt in a very long time. I left feeling empowered with a new positive outlook on my future. Since the workshop, I have taken steps to become more involved in the community and develop my public speaking skills so I can share my story to help others avoid making the same mistakes I did. The world needs this workshop."

       

      - Derek P.

      From a FTS program participant

      "I was a drug dealer in the past and this workshop inspired me to want to give back to the community instead of ruining and ripping apart neighborhoods. I hope one day I can use my knowledge of drugs and crimes to better teens and their lives so they don't have to go through the same stuff I did."

       

      - Dmitry V.

      From a FTS program participant

      “Flip The Script was the first time I felt alive in my adult life."

       

      - Meshach E.

      From a FTS program participant

      “Flip the Script has helped my grow as a person to feel alive again. I never thought I would be able to speak up in front of anyone. But I did it and got to overcome my fears.”

       

      - Paulo D.

      From a FTS story sharer

      "This platform was an opportunity for me to share vulnerably about intimate details of my life that I have not shared with anyone else, even my closest friends. Realizing what it is to serve on my higher purpose and self was to share “my story”, “my journey” with others removing any fear and shame I felt of myself with the intention that it would unlock something in others to learn to forgive, to let go, and see that there is a limitless life they can create and have for themselves regardless of whatever challenges, difficulties, and tragedies they have experienced in their lives." 

       

      - Kathryne Muller​

      From a FTS story sharer

      “I spoke at Flip The Script and it was a great opportunity to dig into myself and share emotionally difficult parts of my story in safe environment. The act of sharing it was itself emancipating, followed by sharing parts of it on Facebook for the support of my friends. When you can share your traumas you’re on your way to healing them.”

       

      - Floyd Marinescu, CEO of C4Media.

       

      From a FTS event attendee

      “Flip The Script is soul connection, humanity, courage, and inspiration wrapped into one evening. You want to be part of this community.” 

       

      - Julie Williams, Photographer

      From a FTS event attendee

      “Immediately I was greeted with a warm smile and a welcoming committee. This was the beginning of an incredible night as 4 brave and talented speakers shared their stories. What impressed me most was how raw and real everyone was and how supportive and accepting everyone was. The world needs more platforms like this that recognize that life happens and we need to stand together, support each other and raise each other. That is what leadership is and what the world so desperately needs. Thank you, Jessica Santonato, for having this vision and making this a platform to celebrate humanity. I am excited to attend future events and share some of my struggles and experiences in the future!”

       

      - Joe Stetter, High School Teacher

    • Get Involved

      5 ways

      1

      Attend An Event

      Come listen to others share their stories and interact with the community, or share your own inspiring story from stage.

       

      All events are based in safety, respect and unity.

       

      Currently, events are every first Monday of the month in Thornhill, Canada.

      Open to the public 18+.

       

      JULY 6TH VIRTUAL EVENT TICKETS HERE.

      2

      Start a Flip The Script Chapter In Your City

      Do you have a passion for story sharing that heals, inspires and transforms? Help us create an impact in the world!

       

      Email us at share@flipthescriptstories.com

      3

      Financially Contribute or Become A Sponsor

      100% of donations go towards bringing Flip The Script events to male correctional and rehab facilities. Funds cover expenses such as government filing fees, accounting/book keeping, website maintenance, photographers and videographers, transportation, room rentals, and workbooks and journals. Tax donation receipts available.

       

      We also accepting in-kind donations and are looking for mind-body-soul wellness sponsors.

       

      To donate or request a sponsorship kit share@flipthescriptstories.com

      4

      Volunteer

      We're expanding and could use your support!

       

      Come help us make an impact.

       

      Check out the opportunities and APPLY HERE.

      5

      Donate Books

      Are you an author or have books you no longer need?

       

      We are looking for books in the following areas:

       

      1. Spirituality

      2. Mindset

      3. Entrepreneurship

      4. Consciousness

      5. Self-Help

       

      All books will be gifted forward to participants of our story sharing program.

       

      To arrange drop-off or shipping

      share@flipthescriptstories.com

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    • Thank you to our partners and sponsors

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