The Butterfly Effect of Service | Volunteers Give More than Time

Written by Vanessa Barker, Community Engagement Director

While we typically think of volunteering as solely giving time, it’s so much more than that. We live in a society that is constantly on the go with full agendas and busy schedules. Despite this current way of life, volunteers make the time to pour their hearts into the agency.

Recently my personal perspective of time has changed significantly. Life changes have made me realize and understand on a deeper level, that time truly is the most precious gift. While simultaneously balancing the celebration of new life as a mom, but also feeling grief with the loss of a loved one, I’ve learned that how we spend our time matters.

Interestingly enough, the symbol of New Friends New Life is a butterfly. The butterfly is known to symbolize change and transformation. During my time at New Friends New Life and working with the volunteer program, I’ve witnessed the Butterfly Effect through service. The butterfly effect is a concept that explains how small changes can have big impacts.

I’ve learned that no act of kindness or service is too small; each encounter has a significant impact.

As volunteers take their initial tour and undergo training, they learn that each role has a purpose. For example, childcare. While it may seem like the volunteer shift is just to provide care for our members’ children, it’s far more impactful. It allows our members to heal while also providing them with a sense of peace and knowing their child is in a safe space. This removes a barrier that can have a generational impact.

Another example would be assisting with the clothing closet. On the surface, it may present itself as solely organizing, but it creates a dignified space for members to feel empowered. With that additional boost in confidence, members have proudly worn their new outfit into an interview leading to a new job. Granted, they’ve utilized the skillset from the programs on-site, but this provides a feeling of empowerment.

Whether you give your time directly to our members or indirectly through in-kind support, know that your time matters. Your time could turn someone’s day around. Your time may allow someone to feel seen and valued. Your time could help break down someone’s barriers and encourage them to thrive in a new way. So please know that despite the busyness of life, even if you give just a small amount of time to our members, your time can make a lifetime impact on someone else. You’re giving your time, but more importantly, you’re giving your heart.

To volunteer at New Friends New Life, visit: www.newfriendsnewlife.org/volunteer. We are excited to make a difference with you!

Taking the Lead on Learning

Written by Marie LeBlanc, Education Specialist.

            My journey into the field of education was unplanned. After earning a degree in the biological sciences and being accepted into medical school, I pivoted in the 11th hour to teaching middle school students…and found unexpected joy.

  After years as a K-12 educator and administrator, I transitioned into adult and higher education as a director and professor. This afforded me the opportunity to continue to experience professional growth and to challenge the status quo as it pertains to serving learners from very heterogeneous backgrounds. Thus, the excitement around developing and implementing an education division at New Friends New Life was easily ignited. From my initial conversation during the recruitment process to my first days onsite, the “fit” grew more obvious and affirming.

       What was unexpected, however, was the immediate and profound impact surrounding my work with the beautiful women who comprise our member population. I was prepared to deal with a “suspicion” of what myself as a newcomer would bring to the table; I was also prepared to “do battle” with the ghosts and shadows of adversities with past traditional schooling. Instead, I was met with excitement, warmth, and gratitude…all wrapped in determination and hope.

       Our learners endeavor to show up two to three times weekly to challenge themselves in the disciplines of math, science, language arts, and social studies. They readily recognize their opportunities for growth and hold each other accountable. There may be the occasional frustration within, but they self-redirect quickly and verbally announce to their peers a resounding, “…but I’m gonna do it because I want it…and Miss Marie won’t let us fail.”

       So how have I felt about my first 45 days at NFNL? Some may assume that challenges with a new implementation bring on feelings of burden and exhaustion; my chosen word is privilege. I’m humbled to be a part of this organization and only hope that I continue to serve all who are eager to learn in a way that diminishes doubt and exceeds expectation.

Women's History Month

Written by Katrina Tamez, Grants Manager

Historically, women have been considered second-class citizens. They have been diminished, fetishized, minimized, and exploited. Despite this, women have overcome opposition to do exceptional things, live fascinating lives, and blaze trails for a better, more equitable future. Although women and girls represent 96% of people trafficked for sexual exploitation (ICAT, 2017) they are powerful and efficient, often playing a key role in the fight against human trafficking.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we want to highlight women who have greatly progressed the fight against human trafficking:

*NFNL does not own the rights to these images

In 2002, Katherine Chon co-founded Polaris, one of the leading organizations combating human trafficking, has the largest known U.S. data set on actual human trafficking experiences, and runs the National Human Trafficking Hotline. She worked at the organization for nine years, serving as its president for almost four years. Chon is currently the Director at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Trafficking in Persons.

Secretary Janet Napolitano launched the Department of Homeland Security’s “Blue Campaign” in 2010. The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign intended to assist service providers, law enforcement agencies, and the public to better understand human trafficking indicators and how to respond to this crime. During her career, Napolitano served as the Governor of the State of Arizona where she was the first woman to chair the National Governors Association. As chairman, Napolitano was instrumental in creating the Public Safety Task Force.

As a key member of the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking with the U.S. Department of State, Dr. Marlene Carson, is one of America’s foremost authorities on the subject of human trafficking. A survivor herself, Dr. Carson is an Author, Publisher, Founder of Rahab’s Hideaway, Founder of Black Leaders Against Sex Trafficking (BLAST), and CEO of The Switch Anti-Trafficking Network. Dr. Carson has received many awards and commendations including President Barack Obama’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Like Chon, Napolitano, and Carson, at New Friends New Life, we utilize the power of collaboration and the impact that collective action can have on the issue of sex trafficking. We enable people to support and uplift survivors who have endured the unimaginable as they work their way to freedom and healing. One way to do this is by joining NFNL’s Circle of Friends. In doing so, you are joining a movement to help survivors leave the sex industry and develop the building blocks for a better future.

 Despite advances in gender equality, women continue to face obstacles when it comes to having a voice in the local, regional, and international spheres. Women cannot fight this fight alone; it requires the unification of all people to put an end to sex trafficking. For example, men’s participation in the fight to end sex trafficking has only proven to strengthen efforts and hasten empowerment like when Congressman Chris Smith sponsored the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, the very first congressional law to recognize human trafficking as illegal and provide increased protections for trafficking victims.

At New Friends New Life, we call men to use their resources and influence to uplift survivor’s voices and experiences by joining the Men’s Advocacy Group. This group mobilizes men to take action against sex trafficking and exploitation.

By uniting all people in this movement, we aspire to create a network that not only raises awareness about sex trafficking but also provides tangible support to survivors through financial giving, volunteerism, advocacy, and education

Black History, a Tapestry of Hope

Written by Sydney Wright, Events & Communications Manager

As far back as I can remember I was taught the beauty and vibrancy of Black History. Like a well woven patchwork quilt, Black History Month is a culmination of years of brilliance, beauty, creativity, and spirituality. I was raised to take pride in my history. My culture runs deep in every part of the fabric of my making. I was cultivated to be in awe of the achievements of Alex Haley, Fannie Lou Hamer, Billie Holiday, George Washington Carver, and so many more. The contributions of figures like these have stitched together such a dynamic time of celebration and honoring each year.  

*NFNL does not own the rights to these images

As we enjoy and commemorate the rich threads of Black History, I can’t help but reflect on the history in the making here at New Friends New Life. In the last year over 328 women and youth decided to make history by committing to their growth. Every trauma informed counseling session, case management hour, and group session is a generational shift for our members. It is reported that 40% of sex trafficking victims in the U.S. are Black, despite Black people making up only 13.6% of the U.S. population. Our African American members have committed to engage in the fight against sexual exploitation and trafficking every time they enter the doors of NFNL. I find deep joy in the fact that every staff and members daily support the building of such a beautiful, redemptive, historic tapestry of hope.

New Friends New Life is a space for inclusion. Like beautiful textiles, we recognize each other’s intrinsic worth, value our diversity, and treat each other with dignity and respect. With this value at our core, I love to see Black History in the making through our staff every day. Bianca Davis, CEO, such a vital thread of NFNL, makes history daily with each dynamic leadership moment. Her tenacity, kindness, and vision are attributes we will honor and admire for years to come. I am truly inspired by our very own Annette Bailey and the historic bounds she has accomplished as our Program Resource Coordinator. Her truth telling, intentionality, and perseverance weaves a legacy of aspiration for all who encounter her. Here at New Friends New Life, we see Black History connected at the seams as our brilliant Accounting Director, Shenita Mitchell, works to maintain a financial foundation that will serve our staff and members for years to come. There are many more Black History makers that walk the halls of NFNL and as an African American woman, I am proud to work at a nonprofit that values Black History. New Friends New Life works to continue the legacy by adding a vital patch to the quilt of Black History and culture that will cover generations to come.

Illuminating the Shadows: A Critical Dialogue on Combatting Human Trafficking in Dallas

Excerpt below is from: Conference on Crimes Against Women Podcast

Episode 7: Illuminating the Shadows: A Critical Dialogue on Combatting Human Trafficking in Dallas

Listen Here

The very streets of Dallas light up with a somber blue, a hue that's become the rallying cry against the night's darkest secret – human trafficking. It was a privilege to have Bianca Davis, CEO of New Friends, New Life, join us to unravel this crisis that casts shadows over our city. With January marking National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, our conversation wove through the brutal realities of the trade, the importance of vigilance, and the powerful legislative milestones that propel our fight forward.

Faced with the chilling statistic of four hundred trafficked teen girls a night in Dallas alone, the magnitude of this issue is staggering. We dug into the subtle yet coercive tactics that traffickers use to ensnare victims, often exploiting the most vulnerable among us. Awareness is our strongest weapon, and this dialogue serves as an urgent call to action for all. It's not just about recognizing the signs; it's about understanding the hidden languages of control and manipulation that traffickers speak. 

And it's not only about the victims but also the demand that fuels this black-market industry. Engaging men in the conversation around sex trafficking, through innovative programs like the ManKINDness Project, is pivotal in dismantling the societal constructs that allow such exploitation to thrive. We highlighted the vital partnerships between support networks like Genesis and New Friends New Life. Their collaborative efforts not only rescue survivors but also equip them with the tools to rebuild and thrive. Our episode is a clarion call – a plea for engagement and education in the digital age where predators lurk behind screens, targeting our youth. Together, we can turn awareness into action and transform the narrative of human trafficking.

Click HERE  to listen to the full episode on any streaming platform.

‘Tis Always the Season: How Your Gifts Help Us Grow

Written by Bianca Davis, CEO

At New Friends New Life, one of our six Core Values is Stewardship.  We interpret stewardship within our agency this way:  “With a spirit of gratitude, we utilize with great care the resources of time, talent, and treasures entrusted to our organization.”  In other words, we embrace the responsibility to make the very most of every donor’s gift in order to create mission-focused outcomes that help change the lives of the women and girls we serve.

Since the very first day I joined the nonprofit industry 12 years ago, as a development director, I’ve been amazed at the kindness and generosity of those who give.  Today, I remain in awe of our donors and their impact.  Whether it’s a volunteer who donates her time after a long day at work or a company that writes a check to support an event they can’t even attend, it is the donor who makes it possible for nonprofit organizations to fulfill their mission.

Over the past 25 years, we’ve identified several barriers that stand between a survivor and the new life she deserves – legal advocacy, employment, education, and housing. Thanks to your gifts, NFNL is strategically removing these barriers step by step.  This year, we have expanded our Legal Advocacy Clinic by hiring a paralegal to support our onsite staff attorney. We are also six months past the groundbreaking of Liberty Street Garden – an innovative partnership with The Meadows Foundation and Bonton Farms that creates employment opportunities for members in our Women’s Program. Next, we have our eyes set on creating an on-site education program to serve the 30% of our women who didn’t finish high school.  We are accomplishing these goals all while meeting the immediate basic needs of and providing trauma-informed counseling for nearly 350 women and girls this year alone.

We are growing to meet the needs of our members, and it is your giving, during this season and all year round, that fuels our growth.

The holidays are sprinkled with increased generosity and our members reap the benefits of the community’s kindness. Even today, our hallways are buzzing with gratitude as women pick up holiday gifts for their families. Thanks to you, 300 gift wishes were filled! In the coming days, donors just like you will be writing checks and making online gifts to causes that matter most. Know that if your list includes NFNL, we are committed to being good stewards of your resources, investing in ways that restore and empower women and girls in our community impacted by sex trafficking and exploitation.

For all the ways you have given of your time, talent, and treasures in 2023, I am in awe of you and cannot thank you enough!

For more ways to take a #StandforHER, purchase your Stand for Her t-shirt in preparation for Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11 or join NFNL’s Power of 10 Club.