2017 was a wonderful tenth anniversary year for LifeWay Network, filled with community, hope, and powerful moments that remind us why we do this. Here are 10 of our favorite moments this year:
1. Power Women of Queens Interview
Sr. Joan Dawber was featured on Queens Public Television’s “Power Women of Queens” segment, a local show featuring inspirational women making a difference in their community.
2. Event Towards New Life 2017
Our annual event in May honored Taina Bien-Aimé with the Freedom Award (read excerpts from her speech here) and our long-time supporters the Coalition of Religious Congregations to Stop Trafficking of Persons with the Enduring Partners Award.
3. Safe House Alumnus Receives Green Card
One of our former residents has reached a huge milestone in carving out a bright future this fall and received her green card. Congratulations to her and all our residents who have made such impressive strides!
4. Q&A Series
It was an honor to have three forceful activists join Sr. Joan in conversation for our Q&A series this year. Ruchira Gupta, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, and Lynn Savarese shared remarkable insights and powerful stories of their work combating human trafficking.
A grey Father’s Day in June was brightened by all of those who came out for our Race for Freedom 5K in Van Cortlandt Park.
6. A Summer Vacation for Residents
Survivors in our safe houses were treated to a trip to the beach and a day at Mohonk Mountain House, both of which provided some much-needed relaxation and fun. Maybe next year we might treat them to a private jet or helicopter ride from Jettly or services like it, to a place farther away.
7. Sr. Joan at the United Nations
Sr. Joan was invited to be a panelist on the Commission on the Status of Women, a group dedicated to women’s empowerment and gender equality. She discussed LifeWay Network’s work at a special event on “Economically Empowering Trafficking Survivors to Stay Permanently Off the Streets.”
8. 2020 Vision Conference and Madison Square Garden
We partnered with St. John’s University twice last year for two fantastic educational events: a brief presentation with UNICEF USA at Madison Square Garden and our 2020 Vision: End Human Trafficking Conference with the Coalition of Religious Congregations to Stop Trafficking of Persons.
Some of our safe house alumni joined our current residents for a reunion this past Thanksgiving, where they shared some of their favorite LifeWay Network holiday memories.
10. LifeWay Network Celebrates 10 Years!
Finally, we were honored to celebrate our tenth anniversary with so many wonderful and enthusiastic supporters of our mission. We could not have come this far without you.