Weekly Update

It’s been a while since we've posted a weekly update – but that’s just because so much is happening. So, here is a quick recap of some of the office highlights over the past few weeks:

• We've enjoyed visits from special guests including Carlie Cruse and Betsy Ranalli from Senator Bob Corker’s office and Tim Buell, a drummer for the band Remedy Drive.
• ESTN staff and volunteers participated in special events including our second Annual Benefit, the CNM Salute to Excellence, the 8 Days movie premiere, and the fourth annual Nashville Ride for Refuge!
• Partner's generous donations highlight  included 100 toiletry kits from the Murfreesboro group via the Matthew 25 Ministries, ten mac laptop computers from the Christ Presbyterian Academy for our survivors to use in the office and at home, toilet paper and paper towel donations from Whitney Smith of the Spring Hill volunteer group for our survivors in transitional housing to use, and a variety of women’s professional attire and suits from Gwen Smith for our survivors to wear to important job interviews as they begin to develop long-term career goals.  Thankful for each and every one of these donations!
• Survivor visits to the office of our survivors keep life interesting too – one of our teen survivors still enjoys coming in to spend time with staff,  pop out and scare us around every turn, and leave us heartfelt messages to remind us of our mission and purpose; another survivor relapsed recently, but then called right away asking for help. Christine and Lizedny drove 4 hours round trip to bring her back along with another survivor with whom we are now working. Others survivors came into the office for help in finding new housing, filling out job applications and just to hang out and visit with their support groups at ESTN. 
•  Karen is planning a conference at Trevecca Nazarene University about policies and treatment regarding human trafficking that will also provide CEU credits to professionals. She is also working to gather a group of men to start a youth initiative program for young boys and men , with the goal of deterring a new generation of "Johns."
• Derri is planning office tours for donors and volunteers who would like to visit and learn more about our work, and working with Christine to develop a resource center at our office to help survivors meet career and education goals.

This is one line of work that never gets dull so be sure to Like us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date!