April ePrayer Alert

As Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA) enters into the spring season of 2013, we are very grateful that it was 11 years ago our Founder, Julie Shematz, began doing strip club outREACHes, at which time there were less than 5 faith based organizations doing this unique type of outREACH world wide.  As of April 2013, there are over 165 faith based organizations world wide doing strip club outreaches!  We truly believe this is due to the prayers that undergird this ministry and now so many others.  Thank you for your continued support.  Your prayers are making a huge impact!  Please join us in prayer during the month of April for the following:

CLIENTS:  Pray that clients will commit to the healing journey, embracing God's grace and power as they work to become overcomers.  Agree with us that they have a hunger and thirst for God's word and revelation of His love for them.  Pray they desire to change and are willing to do what it takes to achieve transformation in their lives. 

PROGRAMS & SERVICES:  Pray for the development of our Equine and Art Programs as we   seek to specialize our therapeutic interventions and expand our client base to anyone in need of healing.  Pray for our new Equine Escape for Ministry Workers and Art and Horse Camp.  Agree with us for wisdom as we evaluate all of our developed programs and services and make critical decisions regarding which ones to maintain and which to possibly eliminate. 

CURRENT NEEDS: Pray for our monthly budget needs to be met, in addition to the monetary needs of the organization. For a complete list of needs, CLICK HERE.

EQUINE & ART FACILITY:  Please pray for wisdom in all things related to the equine facility, and that it continues to be a way that wounded individuals see the beauty of the Lord's creation while also providing experiential therapeutic treatments to the emotional, mental, and physical challenges so many individuals face.    Find out more about our Equine and Art Programs.

HORSES:  Please pray for the health of our four therapy horses.  Agree with us for their protection and well being.

TRAINING:  Pray for our best practices, faith based operations model in prevention, intervention, restoration, and advocacy of victims of s*xual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, as we continue to provide national training and consulting.  Pray for wisdom in expanding the trainings to more than twice a year.

EVENTS:  Pray for Julie Shematz, as God opens the doors to unique venues to BFA like the Ocala Prison for her to speak.  Agree with us for speaking engagements that are of God's perfect will and nothing less.  Pray that hearts be prepared to receive the life saving message of the Gospel while learning about human trafficking and Julie's personal testimony of how she was able to break from all forms of bondage. Find our more about ourpresentations and trainings.

MEDIA:  Pray for the recent media interviews Mrs. Shematz has had with radio stations and magazines, secular and non-secular.  Agree with us that every word written and spoken would be of God's perfect will and glorifying to Him.

VOLUNTEERS:  Praise God for raising up competent volunteers who can assist us in the day to day operations!  Pray that they and their families would be blessed and protected.  May God continue to send mature workers with hearts to serve.

STAFF:  Pray that Mrs. Shematz would sustain balance as she finishes her final year of graduate school as a clinical mental health counselor at Florida Gulf Coast University.  Pray for her as she leads the organization and fulfills her responsibilities as a wife.  Please pray for our new Event Coordinator, Rachel Swope, as she trains and assumes the roles and responsibilities of event coordination for BFA.

DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Thank God for active directors and advisors that help guide and shape the ministries of Beauty From Ashes™!  Agree with us that their health, family, and resources be protected. May they work in unity and one accord with our Father's vision for BFA.

FUNDING:  Praise God for the matching grant of $10,000 we have!  Pray partners will take advantage of their giving being doubled this month and that all our financial needs will be met according to His riches in glory.   Agree with us that the generous matching grant donor will be abundantly blessed!

PARTNERSHIPS:  Please pray for our current and new partnerships; that we serve each other with integrity and honor.  Please pray for wisdom when we seek out new partnerships and discernment to know which partnerships to pursue.

BODY OF CHRIST:  Agree with us for churches to respond to the need to support national faith based, agencies reaching, rescuing, and restoring domestic victims of s*x trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.  Stir in the hearts of pastors a boldness to address the slavery occurring in our backyards and a conviction to actively lead congregations in abolishing slavery in the United States. 

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  Please pray for the over 165, faith based, organizations throughout the world taking the Lord's love and hope to the lost and broken, specifically those affected by s*xual abuse, exploitation and/or trafficking.  Pray that the ministry they provide will be professional, ethical, and that they engage in community collaboration in order to provide seamless, comprehensive, services to individuals transitioning out of the sex for sale business.  

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Please join us each Friday from 8-9am EST to intercede for victims of sexual exploitation, sex slavery, & sex trafficking, as well as the agencies servicing them.  CLICK HERE for Prayer Guide.  Locally, we meet in North Fort Myers at the Equine Facility.  Contact us for directions.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Send us your prayer requests by CLICKING HERE

MONTHLY ePRAYER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

BFA eNEWSLETTER:  CLICK HERE to view our latest eNews and sign up to receive them in the future.

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound." Isaiah 61:1 AMP

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 LINE (877) 423-2767 13300 South Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 | Fort Myers | 33907 www.BeautyFromAshes.org

March eNews: Matching Grant, Resource/Therapy Center, OutREACHes & MORE!

OUR MISSION: To prevent, reach, and restore victims of sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. MATCHING GRANT:  Thanks to the generosity of one of our partners, all donations from $25 up to $10,000 will be doubled!  Our annual budget is $72,000, of which $24,000 has been pledged.  Will you help us raise $20,000 more through this funding opportunity?  Maximize your impact today by supporting Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, a grass roots, human trafficking, survivor-led, community service agency, based in Florida and providing services nationally.  NEW RESOURCE/THERAPY CENTER: Our new 750 square foot Resource/Therapy Center is a very busy place where clients and their families work daily towards becoming overcomers.  Currently, we have an active client list of over 40 women and children, with 20+ weekly participating in our programs (not including outREACHes)!  Our Resource/Therapy Center includes a computer room, children's area, volunteer stations, multi-media resources, private counseling rooms, and a blessing closet.  Additionally, we have now added a beautiful therapy garden that clients are maintaining.  We are seeking partners to underwrite the $600 monthly rent and utilities expense for the Resource/Therapy Center.  If you will sponsor our Resource/Therapy Center for one, three, six months or a year, please call (239) 939-9218.  You can give securely online HERE.  BABY SHOWER:  One of our clients is having a baby SOON and we need male baby items, especially diapers and wipes. Call (239) 939-9218 to drop off items, or have them delivered to our mailing address below. To donate funds for items, you can give securely online.  Please notate Baby in memo.   CURRENT NEEDS:  Serving a large number of clients on a regular basis and many others who are contemplating life change, we cannot do this on our own.  We need your help!   CLICK HERE for a complete list of our current, tangible needs.  Please consider partnering with us today. VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH:  Since 2003, he's provided countless hours building this ministry from the ground up doing just about every thing anyone could imagine from technical support, editing, website development and maintenance, cooking, social media, outREACHes, driving, training, preparing meals, gift assembly, moving, running errands, developing budgets, programs, services, mucking stalls, grooming horses, and supporting our Founder and Executive Director professionally and personally.  Serving with a heart of compassion, he continues to give the ministry countless sacrificial resources of his time, talent, and finances.  It is with great pleasure we announce our Volunteer of the Month for March is my husband of 10 years and better half, our Vice President, Steve Shematz.  On behalf of myself, the board, staff, and every individual impacted through BFA ministries, THANK YOU Steve, for all you have done and continue to do to help victims become overcomers.   SPECIAL THANKS:  We would like to extend a very special thanks to the Canterbury School Girl Scout Troop 292 (1st & 2nd graders) for the donation of 100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies for our clients and their children!   SCOPE OF SERVICES:  We provide over 30 services and programs, FREE OF CHARGE to victims, survivors and their families.  Our services include mental health counseling, social services, spiritual counseling, career, crisis, and addiction counseling, case management, mentoring, relocation, short-term and long-term residential program placement, tutoring, wellness groups, bible study, equine facilitated learning, consulting and referral for governmental and non-governmental agencies, a support system to loved ones of s*x workers, OutREACH & AfterCARE trainings, and more.  For full list of programs & services, CLICK HERE. STRIP CLUB OUTREACH REPORT:  On Saturday, March 9th, our strip club outREACH team served a home-cooked, Italian, meal to our "adopted" strip club in Ft. Myers, Florida.  In addition to the meal, the team also gave each woman a gift bag which included beauty supplies, toiletries, information about human trafficking, and the services Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries provides.  The team were greeted with a warm welcome and after ministering to the employees, two women committed to coming to our Resource/Therapy Center for help through counseling.  Since 2002, we have been doing strip club outREACHes locally and nationally.  We've been doing monthly outREACHes to this particular club since 2008, assisting both men and women we've met by helping them build new lives and lifestyles.  To see strip club outREACH pics, CLICK HERE.   INNER-CITY OUTREACHES:  Every Wednesday morning and evening we have outREACH teams connecting with women and children in an area of Lee County most known for prostitution and drugs.  These strategic outREACHes have resulted in women opening up to us helping them transition out of destructive lifestyles.  On Wednesday mornings, we have a team of overcomers that hit the streets inviting prostituted women to our Resource/Therapy Center for coffee and donuts.  On Wednesday evenings, we have a team that participates at Grace Church while they serve between 150-200 meals a night.  We truly believe that one of the most effective ways to reach potential clients is to follow Christ's example and meet individuals where they are!  For information on our National Sex Industry OutREACH and AfterCARE Training, CLICK HERE. BREAKING FREE BIBLE STUDY:  Every Monday, led by an overcomer at our Resource/Therapy Center, ladies gather to study the Word through Beth Moore's Breaking Free bible study.  To register, call (239) 939-9218. RUN 4 WELLNESS:  Every Monday afternoon, led by an overcomer and fitness instructor, women and children gather to run for wellness.  To register, call (239) 939-9218. TUTORING 4 TOMORROW:  Every Thursday evening from 5pm - 7pm, we provide tutoring to client's children at our Resource/Therapy Center.  We believe in a holistic, family systems model for recovery.  We are seeking tutors.  If interested, please email resume and letter of intent to christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org.  Volunteer application and background check required.  LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  On Thursday evenings from 7pm-8:30pm at our Resource/Therapy Center, we provide a life skills and support group. Led by a Master's level mental health clinician who is also an overcomer, this group is for any woman working in or desiring to exit the s*x-for-sale industry, or who has suffered from s*xual abuse, trafficking or exploitation.  For more information and to register, call (239) 939-9218 or email christa_hicks@beautyfromashes.org. Free child care is provided. EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING & HORSEMANSHIP MENTORING PROGRAMS:  To schedule individual or group sessions, call (239) 939-9218.   Find out more about our Prevention and Restoration programs and view pictures by CLICKING HERE. BLOG:  Competency Using Horses in Therapy by BFA Founder, Julie Shematz. AWARENESS EVENTS:  We truly believe that human trafficking awareness leads to prevention, intervention, and restoration, and in the past year, we have participated in over 80 events, reaching nearly 4000 people.  Ranging from 30-90 minutes, our multi-media presentations 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, including our National S*x Industry Outreach and Aftercare Training, CLICK HERE.  To schedule an overcomer to speak at your event or to invite BFA, CLICK HERE. DONATIONS:  Our program and operational costs are exclusively funded through private donations.  Please consider giving a tax-deductible gift today.  Gifts from $25 up to $10,000 will be doubled through our Matching Grant!   For secure online givingCLICK 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 March, CLICK HERE. PRAYER REQUESTS:  We care about your needs.  Please send your prayer requests to prayer@beautyfromashes.org. WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Every Friday morning 8-9am CST we meet at our Resource/Therapy Center.  To join us in spirit from wherever you are and for a prayer guide, CLICK 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. Follow the progress of our newest therapy horse, a white Appaloosa colt, Morning Star Spirit. In the past month, we've had clients exit the s*x for sale industry, maintain sobriety, complete their GED, enroll in college, commit to drug and alcohol rehab and long term residential programs, and most importantly give their hearts and lives to Christ.  Their milestones could not be achieved without you, our faithful supporters.  On behalf of the staff, volunteers, interns, clients, and board, we thank you for partnering with us to prevent, reach, and restore victims of s*xual exploitation, abuse and trafficking.  With sincere gratitude, 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

March ePrayer Alert

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA) deeply appreciates every prayer said on behalf of the staff, interns, volunteers and clients!  We are so honored to have the privilege to serve the Lord and His children in Florida and beyond, and we have no doubt that the Lord responds as we call out to Him.  We see Him continue to move and work in ways that are humanly unexplainable, as He persists in lavishing His love on all of us and bringing restoration and redemption to women wounded through s*xual abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Thank you for your continuous and faithful prayers! 

CLIENTS:  We can't begin to express what a joy it is to see women become fully alive in Christ as they not only recognize, but also believe who they are in Him.  Every single day we have the honor of walking alongside women who are rebuilding their lives, and this is an honor we don't take lightly.  Please continue to pray that as the women continue their walk with Christ, they are able to let Him in to even the deepest of wounds.  Pray that things the enemy would want them to hold on to, like pain, bitterness, rejection and feelings of worthlessness are replaced by the Lord's truth of healing, forgiveness, acceptance and value. 
       

OUTREACHES:  Last month we began a new weekly outREACH to women being prostituted near our new Therapy/Resource Center, and we have been amazed at how the Lord is using it to draw women to Him! Please keep our daily social media, weekly street and Grace outreaches in your prayers, in addition to our monthly strip club outREACHes.
          

PROGRAMS & SERVICES:  The basis of everything we do is the love of the Lord.  And through His love, we are able to offer resources, meeting needs that are both holistic and practical.  We currently have over 30 programs and services that we offer free of charge to the community.  Please pray all of our work would be with the intent of serving and taking His hope and truth to a broken world.  Pray for wisdom to know what programs to maintain, the development of new programs, and also the discernment to recognize if a program needs to be adjusted or eliminated, based on the objective of serving women as best as possible. 
   

CURRENT NEEDS:  Pray that our need for client and horse sponsorships, as well as gas, bus passes, pharmacy cards, and baby items for clients. Agree with us that all our monthly needs be met according to God's perfect will and timing.  For a complete list of our needs, CLICK HERE.  

EQUINE FACILITY:  We continue to be thrilled at the opportunity to offer equine-assisted learning and mentorship to both the women we serve and their families.  Please pray for wisdom in all things related to the equine facility, and that it continues to be a way for individuals and groups to see the beauty of the Lord's creation while also providing an evidence based treatment to address many of the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical challenges they face.  Pray also that the health of our therapy horses be strong and protected.  

FUNDING:  We are thankful and grateful for every single way the Lord continues to provide.  Whether financially, spiritually, materially or physically, the Lord promises to meet all of our needs.  Please pray that our annual $75,000 budget would be met by pledges and giving within the next couple of months.  We are very grateful that we currently have over $40,000 in pledges.  Agree with us for the annual budget to be fulfilled so that our staff can concentrate on serving our clients rather than fund raising.
   

PARTNERSHIPS:  Partnerships are crucial for any kind of work related to helping people in need, and we are so thankful for the partnerships we have formed since BFA began.  Please pray for our current partnerships; for unity and trust, confidence and respect on all sides.  Pray we would serve each other with integrity and honor.  Please pray for wisdom when we seek out new partnerships and for discernment to know which partnerships to pursue.
     

EVENTS:  Pray for the missions conferences and speaking engagements in which we have been invited to participate, including all the details of planning and coordinating them.  May each representative of BFA speak with clarity, purpose, and mission as we raise awareness about modern day slavery and the operations of BFA as a grass roots, victim-centered, front line community service agency.

VOLUNTEERS & INTERNS:  It is amazing to see how the Lord calls forth women to offer their time and talents towards the work of BFA.  We are thankful for every person who has assisted BFA this year already.  We know how critical it is to have interns and volunteers help BFA maintain the programs and services we are able to offer.  Please pray for the Lord to bring additional workers and that women will feel a stirring to become a part of what the Lord is doing through BFA.

   

STAFF:  Pray for our Founder and Executive Director, Julie Shematz, as she continues in her last year of full time graduate school.  She is commuting over 600 miles a week to complete a college internship in mental health counseling specializing in equine therapy and psychotherapy.  Pray her strength would be renewed each day and that she would be protected from illness.  Pray that our Program Manager, Christa Hicks, would maintain balance and priorities as well.  May both their marriages and families be strong and protected.   Pray that each woman have a hunger and thirst for the Word and for intimacy with God.  Agree with us that they each spend quality time daily with the Lord so that they can do all that they have been destined to do. 

DIRECTORS & ADVISORS:  Pray for a spirit of motivation, unity, and harmony among each Advisor and Director.  Continue to pray that God would pour out His blessings on each member of our executive and advisory boards.  Agree with us that their health, family, and resources be protected.

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  Please pray that the level of professionalism and delivery of services would be raised by adult entertainment/s*x industry/s*x trafficking ministries.  Pray that new ministries will take the time to be trained and equipped in order that clients and ministries would be protected from harm.  Pray for unity among all organizations; collectively much more work can be accomplished than if we all try to work separately.  Pray for protection in every way: physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally.  Pray for every need to be met and for trust in the Lord's timing as each organization and ministry seeks out His will.  

       

WEEKLY GLOBAL PRAYER:  Please join us each Friday from 8-9am EST to intercede for victims of s*xual exploitation, s*x slavery, & s*x trafficking, as well as the agencies servicing them.  CLICK HERE for Prayer Guide.  Locally, we meet at our Resource/Therapy Center in central Fort Myers.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Send us your prayer requests by CLICKING HERE

MONTHLY ePRAYER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

BFA eNEWSLETTER:  CLICK HERE to view our latest eNews and sign up to receive them in the future.

For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 ASV

On behalf of Julie Shematz, the Beauty From Ashes™ FREEdom™ Team, and clients, thank you for your continued prayers surrounding this ministry. 

In His love and service,

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 | USA 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

Thanks for 2011 & Happy New Year!

To the Friends and Family of Beauty From Ashes,

We hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas!  As you begin to look forward to the new year, we pray that you will remember to include Beauty From Ashes in your year-end giving.

Your gift to Beauty From Ashes will sustain our mission to prevent, reach, restore, and advocate for victims of commercialized sexual exploitation and sex trafficking as we move into a new year and season. Thanks to a generous couple that believes in our critical work, your giving of $25 up to $20,000 will be doubled!  Your donation will multiply life change abundantly in our community as we fight against human trafficking in Florida and across our nation. To give securely online, CLICK HERE or mail your check to Beauty From Ashes, 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste. 56, Fort Myers, FL 33907-3871.

As I think about 2011, I am simply astounded at what Beauty From Ashes has been able to accomplish. In a time of economic hardship, by the grace of God, Beauty From Ashes has flourished. Since being established in 2005, we have served nearly 1000 clients! This is the second year that we were able to do monthly outreaches into a local strip club where we served home cooked meals and distributed gifts that included not only human trafficking awareness information, but the Word of God. And we were able to distribute over 500 care packages to survivors in safe homes locally and across the nation. We also had the privilege to lead numerous individuals to the Lord and we hired two full time, professionally trained staff. As the year grew to a close, our capacity has continued to increase exponentially with our new formed partnerships with the Salvation Army, United Way, and Lee Physicians Healthcare. Our vision of providing comprehensive and integrated recovery services (medical, mental health, social and spiritual) to survivors has come to pass with our new office location at the North Fort Myers United Way House. Additionally, many volunteers have committed to serving with us on a weekly basis, including college interns. As we move into 2012 we are planning to launch our revised Sex Industry OutREACH & AfterCARE Training at Barry University January 11-13th and again July 26-28th. This revised curriculum is due to the capacity building grant we received from the Department of Health and Human Services and has been written in collaboration with Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). On a personal and professional level, I have completed my 5th semester of being a full time graduate student in Mental Health Counseling at FGCU and became a member of the National Golden Key Honor Society. As I reflect, my heart is filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. 

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 NLT

We also have you, our partners, to thank for giving of your time, talent, and resources for these accomplishments and for what we have to look forward to in 2012!  On behalf of the Board, staff, volunteers, and clients of Beauty From Ashes Ministries, we thank you and wish you a very Happy New Year!

Julie Shematz

Founder & Executive Director

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers