Can you believe we're already halfway through 2021?!
We know your inboxes are always flooded with information, but we wanted to share 5 quick & amazing thingsthat are happening here at Red Oak:
(1)FROM TRAFFICKING SURVIVOR TO EMPLOYER:
In 2018, we worked to repatriate Ashley*, a Ugandan mother who had been trafficked to Asia. After returning home, Ashley was under immense pressure to provide for her children and wanted to use her cooking skills to start a restaurant but she didn't know where to begin. Over the last few years, we've provided Ashley with a scholarship for her son to attend school, business training, and a capital investment of $163. Today her restaurant is growing-- not only does it provide enough to support her family, but she also employs THREE other women. We are so proud of Ashley and so excited to continue walking with her as she grows her business.
(2)A FULL HOUSE:
Our Austin transitional house is full and we are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside 4 survivors in this residential program. Over the last few months, our Austin team has received more referrals and calls for help than ever before. We are actively working to increase our capacity and non-residential service offerings to meet this need.
(3)FIVE NEW BENEFICIARIES IN ASIA:
Similar to Austin, our team in Asia has been receiving more referrals than ever before. In the last 2 weeks, our country director has helped 3 minors find safety and plan for their next step in education and has also helped a single mom and her 6-year-old son get off the streets and into safe housing.
(4) CENTRAL TEXAS & GLOBAL COLLABORATIVES:
Our team has been invited to help lead two collaborative working groups addressing human trafficking on a broad scale-- the Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking and the Global Learning Community. Through these groups, we get to play a role in identifying gaps, mentoring other organizations, and increasing collective capacity. It is such an honor to be leading the movement in this way!
(5)WE'RE GROWING:
As you can see, 2021 has brought an increased need and increased opportunities to Red Oak. In order to meet these needs, we've hired a Residential Coordinator in Austin and a Case Manager in Asia. We also just hired our first Development Director to help us grow. We can't wait to see how these incredible new teammates help us serve more survivors than ever before!
Your support made these moments possible. THANK YOU for joining us to fight human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Austin and around the world. For Freedom,
Are you curious to learn more about our amazing international programs?
Join our International Director, Jacq, for our first-ever Lunch & Learn Zoom chat on June 29 from 12-1pm CST.
For more information and to register (for free), click here.
