PEORIA, ILLINOIS — Kimberly Souba, a local author, is on a mission to support children who have experienced abuse. Having endured significant trauma during her childhood, Kimberly aims to share her journey of healing through literature. Her work is inspired by her belief in a loving God and a desire to offer hope to those who may feel lost.
Growing up in LaMoille, Illinois, in the 1980s, Kimberly became one of the approximately 40 percent of children in the United States who suffer from sexual abuse. While many stories of trauma are all too familiar, Kimberly’s path to recovery stands out. According to Dan Wujek, a father figure in her life, her work is “courageous” and aims to ensure that other children understand they are loved.
Her friend Janean Doherty, who met Kimberly when she was babysitting, reflected on Kimberly’s resilience. “In the military, I witnessed a lot of messed-up situations,” she said, “yet Kimberly’s life topped them all.” Janean noted that Kimberly’s journey of healing is remarkable. “She has a beautiful faith that’s gotten so much stronger, despite all of the downs.”
Kimberly recently relocated to Fargo, North Dakota, but she feels empowered to share her story now. Initially, she kept her memories locked away, fearing rejection. After years of silence, she found a compassionate therapist, Mary Ann Akers, who helped her navigate her trauma. “For six months, I sat there and never said a word,” Kimberly recounted. “But around the six-month mark, it all flooded out.”
Mary Ann and Kimberly met weekly for a decade, building a friendship that lasted until Mary Ann’s unexpected death at 82 in May 2023. Mary Ann was one of many individuals who guided Kimberly toward recovery. Another significant figure was Fr. Charles Klamut, a priest in the Diocese of Peoria. He recalls Kimberly’s boldness and her determination to confront her past. “She’s not afraid to wrestle with God and herself to get the healing and renewal she needs,” he stated.
Despite the geographical distance, Kimberly and Fr. Charles maintain a close connection. He praised her latest endeavor: writing children’s books that address the challenges faced by young victims of abuse and teach them about God’s love. “Her honesty can give a lot of hope and encouragement to people who didn’t have an ideal upbringing,” he added.
In 2022, Fr. Charles encouraged Kimberly to return to North Dakota, where she had previously contemplated a religious vocation. Reflecting on her past, Kimberly recalled, “I was living in Champagne, Illinois, sleeping with a butcher knife under my pillow.” This period of her life was marked by anxiety and the haunting memories of her childhood.
Raised by her grandmother from age 10, Kimberly initially found solace in the Methodist church and later became involved in the Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) ministry during high school. Her spiritual journey led her to the Catholic faith, where she found a community that nurtured her growth. “My faith has been the anchor that helped me move through the next decades,” she explained.
Despite her struggles, Kimberly began journaling during her depressive episodes. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to revisit these writings. “Mary Ann convinced me to read through them to note my growth,” she shared. This reflection led to the creation of her first children’s book, “A Caterpillar’s Journey,” which tells the story of her transformation.
Kimberly has since authored additional books, including “Mary, Dinosaurs and the Wonders of God: A Backyard Adventure with Momma Mary,” set to be released in time for Christmas 2023. Her new children’s coloring and activity book, “Miriam’s Heavenly Tea Party,” featuring saints as tea-party guests, will be available by All Saints Day on November 1.
Alongside her writing, Kimberly pursued a communications degree through Valley City State University. Earlier this year, she was appointed as a communications specialist with the North Dakota University System. After initially working remotely from Illinois, she moved back to North Dakota in spring 2023, expressing her enthusiasm for both her new role and her parish community at Sts. Anne and Joachim Church.
“I have seen my faith journey grow by leaps and bounds just since moving back,” Kimberly said. She remains connected to her friends in Illinois, including Dan, who has witnessed the profound impact of the Christian community on Kimberly’s life. “Watching the community open their hearts to her was beautiful,” he said.
As Kimberly continues her work, she stands as a testament to the power of resilience. Her journey illustrates the profound impact of faith, community, and the healing power of storytelling. Through her books, she hopes to reach children who need to know they are not alone and that healing is possible.
