Why did you first decide to support FAIR Girls?
I first learned about FAIR Girls 5 years ago at an event , where I heard two shocking facts that forever changed my awareness and prompted me to learn more. First, I learned that approximately 90% of the trafficking survivors that FAIR Girls serves are U.S.-born. Second, I had not understood just how prevalent trafficking is in the U.S., and I learned that girls and young women were being trafficked throughout the DMV, where I call home. With this disturbing and disheartening awareness, also came hope! Learning about FAIR Girls' unique set of programs and how they are making a big impact in providing brighter outcomes for survivors in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia was inspiring. It made me want to help.
What motivated you to increase your support so generously as 2018 came to a close?
My spouse and I decided that we wanted to try to make a bigger impact at the end of 2018 by selecting one nonprofit and making a large contribution instead of a larger number of small contributions. We chose FAIR Girls, because we feel so passionately about their mission, and we know their unique set of trauma-informed programs are truly helping trafficking survivors rebuild their lives.
Why did you think it was important to do a matching program?
We loved the idea of doing a matching program because we know that it has been a significant motivator to each of us in the past when we were considering making a donation to other organizations. This suggestion was another way we hoped to make a bigger impact. We are so thrilled that other FAIR Girls supporters met the challenge!
Is there a FAIR Girls initiative that especially interests you?
The FAIR Girls Vida Home is an inspiring program! The Vida Home is the only transitional housing program in the DMV area that is exclusively for survivors of trafficking who identify as young women ages 18-26. It’s hard to imagine how a survivor could be successful in transitioning to a new life if she doesn’t have the comfort of a safe home where she has access to trauma-informed, compassionate care. This program is critical for survivors who don’t have any place else to go.
What advice do you have for people that are considering donating or haven't donated in awhile?
The unique programs offered by FAIR Girls are critical in providing brighter futures for survivors of trafficking in the DC area. Please consider supporting FAIR Girls to help ensure these programs will continue to grow as more and more brave girls and young women are able to break free from their trafficker with the hope of rebuilding their lives.
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