February eNews: New Location, OutREACHes Expanded, DCF Presentation, Name Our Garden & More!

NEW LOCATION:  We absolutely love our new 750 square foot, centrally located, office/resource center on the campus of New Missions Systems International, directly across from Lee Memorial Hospital, inside the heart of an area that is the most concentrated in the county for sex for sale businesses and prostitution.  We are so thankful for everyone involved with helping us move, and we have received incredible and positive feedback from our clients!  They LOVE that all our groups are now held there and we have a children's & media area, in addition to a private counseling room aside from the main activities room.  For a tour of the Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries Resource/Therapy Center, call (239) 939-9218 or email julie@beautyfromashes.org.  OUTREACHES EXPANDED:  Because of the location of our new office, we have been given the opportunity to expand our outREACHes to sexually abused, exploited, and trafficked women in Fort Myers, FL.  The team, made up of overcomers, are hitting the streets giving women walking the streets in the area information about BFA and inviting them back to our office for free coffee and donuts every Wednesday morning 8-9am.  As with all our outREACHes, we wish to build trusting relationships with these marginalized women and offer them and their families tangible support and encouragement.  If you'd like to sponsor a weekly outREACH by providing donuts and/or coffee, please contact us.  To cover the costs of one outREACH, approximately $15-20, give securely online HERE. PRESENTATION TO DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES:  On Monday, February 11th, in response to a request to educate, Program Manager, Christa Hicks, MA spoke to 58 Department of Children and Families (DCF) case workers and staff about domestic sex trafficking and the 30+ programs and services that Beauty From Ashes Ministries (BFA) provides.  Our multi-media presentations range from 30-90 minutes in length and have been presented to ages 8 through 80+.  Venues range from social service agencies, churches, universities, colleges, health departments, and nursing associations, to Girl Scouts and country clubs.  To see more of our upcoming events, CLICK HERE. To schedule an overcomer to speak at your event or invite BFA CLICK HERE. THE GARDEN:  We are thrilled that our clients will be planting and maintaining a therapy garden at our new office location this week!  The garden will provide therapeutic benefits, in addition to organic food for our clients and their families.  Our clients are visiting ECHO for a tour from one of our Equine Specialists, Marie Snelli (full time intern at Echo) this week.  We look forward to the wellness and transformational benefits this garden will provide.  We are also seeking a name for it, tweet your ideas to@beautyfrmashes #garden or post on our facebook fan page.  If we choose your idea, we'll send you a copy of our BFA Child of God CD! OVERCOMER-LED BIBLE STUDY:  We are very grateful for the progress many of the women we serve have made in their lives.  With a desire to empower overcomers, we are pleased that another overcomer has stepped up to lead a 10 week Breaking Free Bible study at our office last week.  To register, call (239) 939-9218.  VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: We want to honor the incredible volunteer work Audra Hill has done for us by naming her volunteer of the month!  Audra has worked tirelessly, assisting in the move and setting up of our new office.  She volunteers 10-15 hours a week and organized our blessing area (donations for clients), in addition to leading our weekly bible study.  She is a beauty that is MORE than an overcomer!  Thank you Audra, we love, appreciate, and are proud of you! STRIP CLUB OUTREACH REPORT:  On Saturday, February 9th, we celebrated Valentine's Day early in our "adopted strip club" in Fort Myers, FL.  A Master's-level counselor, a mental health counseling graduate student, a registered nurse, and a mentor served a home-cooked meal inside the locker room.  It's worth noting that the main course of the meal was prepared by a former dancer of this particular club who wants the other ladies to know there is a way out!   In addition to the meal, the team also gave each woman a gift bag which included beauty supplies, toiletries and information about the services Beauty From Ashes™ provides.  The team ministered one on one with numerous employees with fellowship, prayer, and counseling.  We have done monthly outREACHes to this particular club since 2008, assisting both men and women we've met by helping them build new lives and lifestyles.  For photos (and a glimpse inside our new resource/therapy center!), CLICK HERE. INNER-CITY OUTREACH REPORT:  Every Wednesday night at Grace Church in downtown Ft. Myers (only a few blocks from our new office!), BFA sends an outREACH team to attend their worship service and free dinner, served to 150-200 people weekly. Each week our "Grace" outREACH team makes connections with women in the area and see many of the clients we serve.  We truly believe that by meeting potential clients where they are, we strategically place ourselves in a position to offer them tangible support, in addition the life saving news of the Gospel.  LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Thursday nights from 7-8:30pm, at our new office, we provide a support/life skills group for women who have been s*xually abused, trafficked and/or exploited, including women who currently work in or desire to exit from the s*x-for-sale industry.  This group is led by a Master's-level mental health clinician and overcomer.  Free child care is provided.  For more information and to register, call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org. TUTORING 4 TOMORROW:  On Thursday nights, BFA continues to offer educational tutoring for any of the clients' children who need assistance with school work.  Tutoring meets on Thursdays from 5-6:30pm weekly before and during the "Breaking Free" Life Skills & Support Group. RUN 4 WELLNESS:  Our weekly Monday afternoon walk/run program continues to be a combination of fitness and fun, and it's a night many of the women we serve and their children look forward to!  Led by Christa Hicks, MA, also a fitness expert, Run 4 Wellness gives women the chance to be physically active while also enjoying building healthy friendships with each other.   EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING:  Our newest horse, a 9 month old Appaloosa colt, Morning Star Spirit, was diagnosed with Wobbler Syndrome this past month.  Your prayers for his full recovery are appreciated.  He's doing good and working hard everyday to become strong.  We are hopeful that he too will be MORE than an overcomer!  To follow his progress, "like" his facebook fan page.  Our founder, Julie Shematz, is getting certified as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning this weekend by the Professional Association of Therapuetic Horsemanship International.  This is in addition to the 4 month Florida Gulf Coast University mental health counseling internship at the Eye of a Horse Equine Education Center with Dr. Sandra Wise, one of the leading psychologists in the world doing equine psychotherapy and equine therapy.  To schedule an individual or group session, call (239) 939-9218 or email julie@beautyfromashes.org.  For more about our Equine Programs, CLICK HERE. CURRENT NEEDS:  We serve over 40 clients on a regular basis and many others who are contemplating life change, and we need your help to continue being able to do so.  We are in need of an Administrative Assistant(s) with experience that can work 10 up to 20 hours a week.  We are seeking 2 new or gently used computers for our Media Center.  Additionally, we have need of 3-4 black bean bags for the therapy/resource center.   CLICK HERE for an entire list of our needs, if you're looking for a way you can partner with Florida's 1st and only human trafficking, overcomer-led, community, service agency. EVENT COORDINATOR NEEDED:  We are in search of an Event Coordinator whose responsibilities will include handling all communication regarding events:  appearance contracts, riders, needs, travel, hotel accommodations, as well as updating calendars, social media communication. and public relations.  This is a volunteer position with the strong possibility of being paid in the future.  Approximately 3-5 hours a week is required.  Residing locally is not necessary.  Please email resume and letter of interest to julie@beautyfromashes.org.  No phone calls please. SCOPE OF SERVICES:  BFA provides over 30 Programs and Services to the community free of charge.  Our services are not based on law enforcement "victim certification" and we respect our clients' autonomy and confidentially, allowing them to decide if they want to go through the often complex and political process of  "victim certification".  We provide professional, "victim-centered" services to domestic and international clients, and their families.  For a complete list of our Programs and Services, CLICK HERE. FUNDRAISING & DONATIONS:  BFA is able to operate because of private donations.  Our mission is to prevent, reach, rescue, and restore victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.  Established as a non profit in 2005, we are Florida's 1st and only human trafficking, overcomer-led community service agency.  We need your help in providing for our operational costs, which are currently $6000 a month.  Whether it's a one time gift or becoming a Vision Partner, having a bake sale, jewelry sale, car wash, challenging others with a matching gift, or collecting $5 from everyone in your bible study or sphere of influence, all giving is used to promote our mission and is tax deductible. For $35 or more, we'll send you our Child of God CD as our way to say thank you for partnering with us.  For secure online giving CLICK HERE or send your financial gift to 13300 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623, Fort Myers, FL 33907.   MONTHLY PRAYER ALERT:  For details of how to pray for us during the month of February, CLICK HERE. PRAYER REQUESTS:  We are honored to pray for you and your families! Please send your prayer requests to prayer@beautyfromashes.org. WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  To meet with intercessors locally, call (239) 939-9218 for location.  To join us in spirit from wherever you are and for a prayer guide, CLICK HERE. RECEIVE OUR eNEWS:  Sign up to receive our monthly eNewsletter by CLICKING HERE Stay up-to-date with the day-to-day operations of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries and latest news on domestic s*x trafficking by following us on Twitter & like us on our Facebook fanpage. As the impact of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries continues to expand, I am amazed at the day to day operations and success stories I hear that our clients are achieving.  These milestones in their lives could not be done without you, our faithful supporters.  On behalf of the staff, volunteers, interns, clients, and board, we thank you for partnering with us to reach, rescue, and restore victims of s*xual exploitation, abuse, trafficking.  With sincere appreciation, Julie Shematz President Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries   Where Victims Become Over-Comers "Survivors must be leaders in the development of services, shelter, and response protocols to s*x trafficking.”  - National Report on Domestic Minor S*x Trafficking AWARENESS & PREVENTION • REACH & RESCUE • TEACH & DEMONSTRATE • TRAIN & SEND

(239) 939-9218 | TOLL FREE HELP LINE:  877 4BFA SOS (877) 423-2767 PHYSICAL ADDRESS;  2701 Cleveland Ave. Ste 120 Fort Myers | FL | 33901  MAILING ADRESS:  13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 Fort Myers | 33907 www.BeautyFromAshes.org

New Advisor, Office, Therapy Horse, Bible Study, OutREACH Reports & More!

We are so excited to see what the Lord has in store for 2013, both for the organization and for everyone of our clients!  We continue to be grateful and thankful for the opportunity to serve over 40 women on a weekly basis, and we love seeing positive, healthy changes in each of their lives!

WELCOME DR. NAIRRUTI JANI TO BEAUTY FROM ASHES MINISTRIES:  We are pleased to announce that Dr. Nairruti Jani, Professor of Social Work at Florida Gulf Coast University has joined our Advisory Board!  Originally from India, Dr. Jani is recognized as an expert in human trafficking and has been the supervisor of one of our social work interns.  She has a passion to educate, prevent, and understands the complex dynamics involved with providing  victim/survivor centered programs.  We look forward to this new partnership for 2013.  Welcome Dr. Jani!

NEW OFFICE LOCATION:  In order to better serve the marginalized population to which we are called, we are very excited about the expansion of our offices on the campus of New Mission Systems International.  Beginning February 1st, our new office location will be 2701 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901.  We need assistance moving; if you can help, please call (239) 939-9218. 

NEW HORSE ADDED TO EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS: Morning Star Spirit, an eight-month-old, white Appaloosa colt, is the newest member of the horse therapy team used for BFA's Equine Programs.  Joining Candy Man, Handsome and Murphy, "Spirit" has already begun training with his owner, Julie Shematz, who is also the founder and Executive Director of BFA!  He traveled over 500 miles with Julie to arrive in North Ft. Myers, and has been adjusting well to his new home.  To follow Spirit's journey, "like" his fan page on facebook.

WELCOME MARIE SHELLI TO THE EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS:  We are extremely grateful the Lord is allowing the programs to continue even as our founder, Mrs. Shematz, will be participating in a four-month, mental health counseling, internship at the Eye of a Horse Equine Education Center in St. Cloud, FL.  Marie Shelli comes to us with 18+ years of horsemanship, certification from EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning) in Equine Therapy, and over four years experience as an Equine Specialist at a girls' residential program in Wyoming.  Find out more about our equine prevention and restoration programs and view pictures by CLICKING HERE.  To register individuals or a group, call (239) 939-9218 or email julie@beautyfromashes.org.

SCOPE OF SERVICES:  Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, Florida's 1st and only human trafficking, overcomer-led community service agency,  provides over 30 services and programs, free of charge.  Our services include mental health counseling, social services, spiritual counseling, career, crisis, and addiction counseling, case management, mentoring, medical services, relocation, short-term and long-term residential program placement, consulting and referral for governmental and non-governmental agencies, a support system to loved ones of s*x workers, OutREACH & AfterCARE trainings, outREACHes, and more.  For full list of programs & services, CLICK HERE.

TUTORING & RUN 4 WELLNESS:  Monday afternoons have become a favorite for many of the women we serve, as they, along with their children, either walk or run a bridge in Ft. Myers.  Led by Christa Hicks, our Program Director and also a fitness expert, Run 4 Wellness is a weekly event where women have the chance to be physically active while also continuing to build healthy friendships with each other.  On Thursday nights, BFA continues to offer educational tutoring for any of the women's children who need assistance with school work, meeting weekly before and during the "Breaking Free" Life Skills & Support Group.

NEW BIBLE STUDY:  Led by an overcomer who recently completed the one year, residential program, Faith Farm, we will begin a 10 week Bible study at our new office on Monday, February 4th 10am to 12:30pm.  Using the Beth Moore Breaking Free curriculum, this Bible study is open to survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse and/or trafficking,  Registration required.  Call (239) 939-9218 to register.  

STRIP CLUB OUTREACH REPORT:  On Saturday, January 12th, our strip club outREACH team served up a home cooked meal and distributed gift bags that included beauty supplies, information on human trafficking and the services BFA provides to a Fort Myer's area strip club.  Every month we go into this strip club with the objective of establishing relationships with the employees in hopes that when they are ready for a lifestyle change, they will contact us. Since 2003, we've served numerous clients, met in this club, in the transition out of the sex for sale industry.

INNER CITY OUTREACH REPORT:  Grace Church in downtown Fort Myers has a wonderful heart to serve the community, evidenced by the free dinner given to 150-200 people every Wednesday night after the worship service.  The church is located in the heart of an area that is known locally as one of the most concentrated for prostitution and drugs.  One of our outREACH teams attends the service every week, allowing us the opportunity to support women we currently serve, in addition to reaching out to anyone who wants more information on the programs and services offered by BFA.  It is often a wonderful night of connecting with each other and connecting with the Lord, and we love the opportunity to continue developing relationships with women from the community.

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH:  This month we want to publicly thank the staff of Cre8 Salon & Spa in Cape Coral, FL for treating 15 of our beauties & their children to a night of princess makeovers and delicious food!  For more about this exceptional salon,  the official Fox 4 News Team salon, by visiting their website.  

LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Beginning Thursday, February 7th from 7-8:30pm our Life Skills & Support group will be meeting in new office location. This closed group is for women who have been s*xually abused, trafficked or exploited, including women who currently work in or desire to exit from the s*x-for-sale industry.  The group is led by a Master's-level mental health clinician and overcomer.  Free child care is provided.  For more information and to register, call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org. 

URGENT NEEDS: We are in need of individuals to transport clients and a van in which to transport them.  CLICK HERE for our current needs if you're looking for a way you can partner with Florida's 1st and only human trafficking, overcomer-led, community, service agency.

EVENT COORDINATOR NEEDED:  We are in search of an Event Coordinator whose  responsibilities will include handling all communication regarding events:  appearance contracts, riders, needs, travel, hotel accommodations, as well as updating calendars, social media communication. and public relations.  This is a volunteer position with the possibility of being paid in the future.  Approximately 3-5 hours a week is required.  Residing locally is not necessary.  Please email resume and letter of interest to julie@beautyfromashes.org.  No phone calls please.

EVENTS:  In 2012, we participated in over 80 events, reaching nearly 4000 people.  Our multi-media presentations range from 30-90 minutes and have been presented to ages 8 through 80+.  Venues include social service agencies, churches, universities, health departments and nursing associations, Girl Scouts and country clubs.  To see our upcoming events, CLICK HERE.  To schedule an overcomer to speak at your event or to invite BFA, CLICK HERE. 

FUND RAISING:  It is through the public's support that we are able to continue our work within Florida and beyond.  We can't begin to thank our financial partners enough, and are extremely grateful for every dollar given to BFA.  If you would like to partner with us, there are many ways to raise support for BFA!  Some examples of previous fundraising efforts include organizing car washes and bake sales, donating a percentage of your business sales or offering a matching gift/grant. Your fundraising ideas and efforts can greatly help fight human trafficking in America and continue to allow us to reach, rescue and restore victims of s*x trafficking and s*xual exploitation.  Please contact us with your ideas and consider giving a tax-deductible gift today.  For $35 or more, we'll send you our Child of God CD as our way to say thank you for partnering with us.  For secure online giving CLICK HERE or send your financial gift to 13300 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56, Fort Myers, FL 33907.  Thank you!

MONTHLY PRAYER ALERT:  For details of how to pray for us during the month of January , CLICK HERE.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  We are honored to pray for you and your families! Please send your prayer requests to prayer@beautyfromashes.org.

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  To meet with intercessors locally, call (239) 939-9218 for location.  To join us in spirit from wherever you are and for a prayer guide, CLICK HERE.

TWITTER & FACEBOOK:  Stay up-to-date with the day-to-day operations of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries and latest news on domestic s*x trafficking by following us on Twitter & like us on our Facebook fanpage.

RECEIVE MONTHLY eNEWS:  Sign up to receive our monthly eNewsletter by CLICKING HERE

Thank you for partnering with us in making 2012 the best year ever for BFA.  If it weren't for you, we could not do what we do.  

Thank you in advance for your partnership with us in 2013.  The BEST is yet to come!  

With sincere appreciation,

Julie Shematz
Founder & Executive Director

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

"Survivors must be leaders in the development of services, shelter, and response protocols to s*x trafficking.” 
- National Report on Domestic Minor S*x Trafficking

AWARENESS & PREVENTION • REACH & RESCUE • TEACH & DEMONSTRATE • TRAIN & SEND

BFA Founder Celebrates 8 Yrs of Being Free From the Sex Industry, OutREACH, Weekly Bible Study, Int'l HT & Prostitution Conference & More News!

FBI AGENT LEADS FLORIDA HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE:  

"If you receive five girls and one completely changes her life, then you're doing well. The biggest problem is taking her to a place where she can get help — psychological, mental, substance abuse . . . If you send the girl to a foster home or a group home, it's not going to help."  READ MORE

STRIP CLUB OUTREACH:  Fort Myers, FL, Saturday, October 9th, the Beauty From Ashes (BFA) OutREACH team will be delivering and serving a home cooked meal of eggplant parmesan, Italian salad, rolls and deserts to the employees of our local adopted strip club.  Additionally, the team will be giving away gift bags filled with beauty supplies, toiletries, a DVD of over-comer, Julie Shematz's, interview on the Healing Today Show and Anthony Skinner's CD, Forever and a Day.    The team will also be leading a bible study and doing foot washings from the locker room.  Please keep the team and those they will influence in your prayers.  

PROSTITUTION & HUMAN TRAFFICKING CONFERENCE:  University of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, October 6-8.  Julie Shematz, BFA CEO & Founder, will be representing BFA at this 7th annual international conference.  BFA's involvement in this conference is being funded by the capacity building grant BFA received from the Department of Health & Human Services.  Mrs. Shematz has been asked to be an academic speaker for the conference next year.  For more information on the conference, CLICK HERE.  For a list of upcoming BFA events, CLICK HERE. To schedule BFA for an event, CLICK HERE.  

BFA WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY:  Beginning Wednesday, October 13th, 1-3pm at Barry University, BFA will be facilitating a weekly bible study & life skills development class for victims/survivors of commercialized sexual exploitation to learn how to become over-comers.   Lunch will be served.  Registration is required.   For more information, contact Julie Shematz.  

MENTORS & VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  BFA is in need of mature, stable minded and committed servants to assist us in providing eduction to the community, and advocating, reaching, rescuing and restoring victims of commercialized sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.  If you are interested, please contact BFA Volunteer Coordinator, Dotti Craig.   For a list of volunteer positions, CLICK HERE.  

FAMILY CHRISTIAN STORE IS DONATING BIBLES to BFA:  The Family Christian Store located at the Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers, FL is making Beauty From Ashes Ministries their ministry of the month for October!  When you give $5 at the store for BFA, they will provide to us a beautiful, purple, leather, New Testament outreach bible.  Please stop by Family Christian for all your Christian bookstore needs, give to BFA's need of outreach bibles, and tell them thanks!   [We are in desperate need of bibles!  We are wanting to distribute 50 of these for our Christmas gift give away in December].

theCALL2XXX:  Join us for weekly global prayer to abolish slavery and for the organizations reaching, rescuing, restoring and advocating for the victims.  Fridays 8-9am EST For more information and prayer guide:  CLICK HERE

PRAY WITH BFA: Please agree with us that God changes the victims/survivors 'want to' and they commit to a relationship with their Creator, the journey of healing and healthy relationships.  May they have a revelation of who God is and who they are in Him, their identities restored, and understand what true love and freedom really is.  

PRAYER REQUESTS:  We care for you and have a team that prays over your every need.  Please send them to prayer@beautyfromashes.org

DONATIONS:  Your partnership is vital for us to continue providing awareness, advocacy and reach, rescue and restoration services to victims of commercialized sexual exploitation.  Please consider becoming a monthly partner by giving a tax deductible gift today.  For  $35 or more we will send you our  Child of God CD.  For secure online donations, CLICK HERE or mail your check, cash or money order to Beauty From Ashes, 5100 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste, 318-148, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

For the LATEST NEWS REGARDING DOMESTIC SEX TRAFFICKING, visit our home page:  http://www.beautyfromashes.org

BFA E-NEWSLETTER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

I want to personally thank you for your support and encouragement, especially for those that have become a part of my healthy support community the past 8 years. This ministry is not mine, it's the Lord's and He has only entrusted it to me for a season.  Because of your faithfulness and willingness to partner with me, WE have accomplished what we have and will continue to do so.  There is NO WAY I could do this alone!  

I can barely believe it was on Yom Kippur, 2002, that I surrendered all to Christ and what He has done over the past 8 years of my life.  He set me free from many bondages and has proven through my life, and others, that He is the God of hope and restoration.  He gives beauty for ashes!  Because He is not a respecter of persons, I know what He did for me, He will do for countless others.  That [His Word & character] are fuel for my passion to lead BFA.  Thank you for joining with me to see BFA's vision come to pass.  Together we are better and we are making a difference!  God bless you!  I sincerely appreciate you dearly. 

The BEST is yet to come! 

In His passionate love & service,

Julie Shematz & BFA FREEdom™ Team

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers