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

20 Things You Can Do to Fight Human Trafficking in the USA

• Today  30 million people are held in slavery
• 80% are Sex Slaves & Female
• 50% are Children
• 100,000 – 300,000 domestic minors are being lured into prostitution yearly
• The average age of a prostitute in the USA is 12-14 years old
• Every minute 2 children are being forced into sex slavery worldwide
• 66-90% of adult sex workers were victims of sexual abuse as children
• Florida is the #2 state for human trafficking (Texas #1 & California #3)
• Every year more than 1 million children are forced into global commercial sexual exploitation (CSE)
• Human trafficking is the #2 and fastest growing crime in the world. 

Most people don’t know that in 2007 the United States Senate designated January 11th as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

20 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

1. Refuse to be part of the problem by being apathetic and doing nothing. Be pro-active.


2. Contact your organization, club, and church leaders to facilitate an event to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking.


3. Invite a Beauty From Ashes™ over-comer to share their personal story of triumph.


4. Schedule a Beauty From Ashes™ Sex Industry OutREACH & AfterCARE training and learn how to effectively do outreach and provide survivor-centered services to victims.


5. Read the National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, so you can be educated and informed.


6. Watch and repost human trafficking videos from the Beauty From Ashes™ Youtube page.


7. Follow us and challenge your friends to do so as well. Repost and share the information we post: 

BFA BLOG
BFA FACEBOOK FAN PAGE
BFA MYSPACE
BFA TWITTER

8. Start following human trafficking news on twitter. Retweet relevant news stories by adding a tag #. (eg. #humantrafficking #childtrafficking #trafficking #sextrafficking #prostitution)


9. Find out if your area has a local human trafficking task force/coalition and get involved. If your area doesn’t have one, contact your Sheriff’s department and coordinate the establishment of one.


10. Contact your local newspaper to see if they are running a story on human trafficking for the Awareness Day; if not, encourage them to do so and tell them about Beauty From Ashes™.


11. Find out about local slavery abolitionist groups in your area and volunteer your time.


12. Produce artwork that raises awareness about the issue of human trafficking. Take a picture and send the images to Beauty From Ashes™ Founder, JulietheArtist.


13. Take up a collection in your office, care group, Sunday school, or church service. Donate to bring hope through Beauty From Ashes™.


14. Sponsor a fundraiser for Beauty From Ashes™, ideas include: bake sale, car wash, marathon, bikeathon, swimathon, danceathon, walkathon, silent auction, or garage sale.


15. Ask if your employer has a donor-match program for charity donations. Tell them about Beauty From Ashes™.


16. Businesses, please consider donating a percentage of your profits to Beauty From Ashes™.


17. Sponsor a resident survivor's basic care needs in a safeHOME ($600/month).


18. Sponsor a BFA outreach to victims of commercialized sexual exploitation and human trafficking. ($50-100/month)


19. Sponsor a BFA Rahab's Hope Fund candidate, a survivor of CSE & human trafficking, to go to school and acquire a higher education degree ($500-$1000/month).


20. Sign up for BFA E-Newsletter and forward our email and blog link to 10 of your friends.

"The biggest hurdle for those of us who work in the anti-trafficking field is the simple lack of awareness of trafficking as a social issue, as a crime (by understanding the criminal elements, or definition), and understanding there is a pretty strong anti-trafficking response if you just know where to look.

Remember, if one of the toughest hurdles we have as abolitionists is the lack of knowledge about trafficking, one of the most important things to do is inform others." -John Vanek

BEAUTY FROM ASHES™ was founded by an over-comer of CSE & human trafficking. We are Florida's first and only overcomer-led, community service agency. Since 2005, we've provided services to over 1000 victims.

BEAUTY FROM ASHES™ MISSION:
To prevent, rescue and restore victims of commercialized sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

BEAUTY FROM ASHES™ PURPOSE:
To educate the community, advocate for the victims, implement reach, rescue and restore programs and provide safe homes where they can go to heal emotionally. mentally, physically and spiritually. These are homes where victims will receive comfort, security, safety, love and learn to become over- comers.

God is passionate about the fatherless, orphans, afflicted & the homeless.

"Vindicate the weak and fatherless;
Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
Rescue the weak and needy;
Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked." 

Psalm 82:3-4 NASB

All donations are tax deductible and giving of $25 up to $25,000 is doubled, thanks to a matching gift challenge! Write check to Beauty From Ashes and mail to 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste. 56, Fort Myers, FL 33907 or give securely online HERE

Thank you for joining us and becoming a slavery abolitionist in 2012. Together we are better & can make a difference!

Passionate about seeing victims & survivors become over-comers,
Julie Shematz & the BFA FREEdom™ Team
Founder & Executive Director
Beauty From Ashes Ministries
(239) 939-9218 • 877 4BFA SOS (877-423-2767) Toll Free Help Line

Str*p Club OutREACH this Saturday, Seeking Program Director & Live In Case Workers for SafeHOME & More!

STRIP CLUB OUTREACH THIS SATURDAY: July 9th between 7pm and midnight, the Beauty From Ashes™ outREACH team will be serving up a home cooked meal from the locker room of our "adopted" strip club and distributing outREACH gifts that include beauty and hair supplies, toiletries, lotions, musical CD's, and the ReachUP women's magazine.  Please keep the team in your prayers.  

OUTREACH GIFT AND CARE PACKAGES:  To view the FREEdom™ festive gifts we'll be distributing in strip clubs and to survivors in safeHOMEs, CLICK HERE.  

SEEKING PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND LIVE IN CASE WORKERS for a comprehensive, integrated, faith based, rehabilitative program for victims of human sex trafficking and commercialized sexual exploitation, READ MORE.

BREAKING FREE LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Wednesdays at Barry University 1-3pm.  For women who are currently in the sex industry and for those who have been in it.  Child care and lunch provided.  Registration required.  Contact Julie Shematz at julie@beautyfromashes.org or call 239-939-9218 to register. 

BFA JULY PRAYER ALERT:  For details on how to pray for BFA clients, events, partnerships, and projects, CLICK HERE.

WEEKLY GLOBAL CORPORATE PRAYER:  Join BFA weekly, locally and globally for 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. 

BFA PRAYER TEAM:  To sign up, send your name, city, state, and country to prayer@beautyfromashes.org.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  We care for you and have a team that prays over your every need.  Submit your prayer request via our website CLICK HERE.

SCHEDULE BFA FOR AN EVENT:  BFA provides education, in services, and trainings on human trafficking for social service agencies, universities, churches, groups, businesses, and clubs.  To schedule a speaker and for more information, CLICK HERE.

BFA CURRENT NEEDS:  Want to help and get involved with Florida's first and only survivor led human sex trafficking service agency?  CLICK HERE for details.  

BFA E-NEWSLETTER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

BFA FACEBOOK FAN PAGE & TWITTER:  Become a fan on the BFA facebook fanpage and follow us on Twitter.  Get informed and raise awareness by reposting and retweeting!

2010 AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT:  In 2010 92.7% of all giving and income to BFA went to Program Services. To view our 2010 Audited Financial Report, CLICK HERE.  

DONATIONS:  Your partnership is vital for us.  We currently rely on private donations to provide Program Services. Please consider becoming a partner by giving a tax deductible gift today.  For  $25 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, 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste, 56-623, Fort Myers, FL 33907.

Thank you for your partnership. Together we are better and we are making a difference. Because of your support we are developing and implementing a seamless, continuum of integrated and comprehensive services to individuals that exit the sex industry through full recovery. 

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:12-14

In His passion to victims become over-comers,

Julie Shematz and the BFA FREEdom™ Team

Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers