Getting the Word Out - July 2017
The flood gates have opened! Not only because of our seasonal showers, but with the tremendous number of submissions from prospective volunteers, now that the moratorium on submissions is over. In only a five-day period, we have received over 31 submissions and the flood continues. We are thrilled that so many compassionate people have stepped forward to lend their diverse talents to help in our journey of education, advocacy, and providing restorative services to the victims of human trafficking that we lovingly care for.
Our veteran volunteers continue to share their skills with others in trainings and advocacy events throughout the mid-state. On June 7th, Alissa Shear and Jill Rutter had the pleasure of talking to students about human trafficking and the work of End Slavery Tennessee at Thurgood Marshall Middle School. These students are part of the Moves and Grooves program and are given this amazing opportunity as part of Nashville Mayor Megan Barry's coordinated initiative, Opportunity NOW.
On May 23rd, Lori Wright, one of our Intervention Specialists, spoke at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department Adult Detention Center. Through this effort, many of the inmates have reached out to her to tell their stories of possible trafficking and to reach out for help and services.
Former Mrs. Tennessee and ESTN volunteer, Cheryl Brehm, educated attendees at the Vox Grata Choir concert at Second Presbyterian Church on May 9th. The Vox Grata Choir also gave a performance at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, May 18th. Volunteer Lyndsay Stafford, the current Mrs. Williamson County, spoke to attendees at this event. The Vox Grata Choir is comprised of joyful women who share the blessings of their lives by singing for others. Their concert programs directly benefit the needs of women in the Nashville community and End Slavery Tennessee was truly honored to have been the beneficiary of these amazing concert experiences. Both of these mothers, working women, and passionate abolitionists are always ready and willing to devote their time and use their platforms as Mrs. Tennessee and Mrs. Williamson County, respectively, to give a face and voice to human trafficking awareness. Cheryl Brehm was also asked to speak at the Houston County Republican monthly meeting, held on June 20th.
Our consummate volunteer, Jamie Corwin, was the presenter at the Hartsville United Methodist Church, on May 7th. An associate pastor herself, Jamie does an outstanding job with faith-based institutions.
Our minor league baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, devoted their Faith and Family Night on Friday, June 30th, to End Slavery Tennessee. The Sounds partner with local non-profits in Nashville to provide unique ministry opportunities for the fans that attend these events. Participating in this opportunity were seasoned volunteers Jamie Corwin and Trish Gomez, new Brentwood volunteer Farah Agahei-Ardekani, and student intern Megan Faimon.
On Saturday, June 24th, ESTN held a Presenter Interest training. This training was for those volunteers that have expressed an interest in participating in advocacy and awareness events and trainings. More will be scheduled soon.
A volunteer training will be held on Saturday, July 22nd, from 9a-12n, at End Slavery’s new Care Center. Sherry Gatewood, the leader of the Clarksville Volunteer Group, will be the trainer.
As was mentioned earlier, the flood gates have opened with an unprecedented number of volunteer applications. We could not handle all of this without amazing volunteers who are willing to help and put their “fingers in the dike”. Many thanks go to Amie Hassler, Cara Allison, Rachel Tidwell, and Jessica Marchand!
Amazing growth requires room to grow and as many of you may know, we are moving into a brand new ESTN Care Center on Saturday, July 1st. As always, many wonderful volunteers have rolled up their sleeves and offered to help. We are so happy to have Katie Ramirez, Meg Hudson, Wendy Russo, Richard Rutter, Jason Rogers, Cara Allison, Katie Sweeney, Reno Bo, Bill Smith, Tina McLane, Christy Valerio, Leigh Sutherland, Farah Aghaei-Ardekani, Dana Hardy, Melanie Davenport, and the incredibly passionate former Director of Education, Karen Karpinski. We are blessed to have these people willing to devote their time and energy.
We are so thankful to have so many people that care deeply about the horrific crime of human trafficking and our role in providing training, awareness, advocacy, and prevention. Heartfelt thanks to all that have joined and for those that are coming on board.
Our future looks bright. Stay tuned……..