VBS Human Trafficking Curriculum, Upcoming Strip Club OutREACH, Breaking Free Support Group & More!

BFA PARTNERS WITH VBS TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Last week we appealed to our fans, partners and fellow abolitionists to help us come up with a creative way to speak about human trafficking to children ages 3-11 for a local church's Vacation Bible School (VBS) program. The huge challenge was to not use words like human trafficking, sex, abuse, victim, rape, prostitution, stripping, etc.  Our objective was to come up with blurbs to be read every day for VBS's 'Ministry Minute'. The church is having Beauty From Ashes (BFA) be their support ministry for VBS and wants to tell the children everyday about us, what we're doing, why, and ultimately educate the children to prevent them from becoming victims of human sex trafficking.  The response was awesome and we thank everyone that contributed and we want to especially thank Sanibel Community Church for boldly going, to our knowledge, where no other children's program has ever went before.  With the numbers of domestic minors being forced or lured into human sex trafficking an alarming 100,000-300,000 a year and the average age of entry into prostitution being 11-14, they recognized the need to implement preventative educational measures and we applaud them for doing such!  To read the five days of 'Ministry Minutes' for VBS, CLICK HERE.

STRIP CLUB OUTREACH:  This Saturday, June 11th the BFA OutREACH Team will be serving up a home cooked meal and delivering gifts that include Bibles, the Magdelena DVD, inspirational books, beauty and hair supplies, and human trafficking information in the locker room of our local "adopted" strip club.  BFA has been going into this club since 2005 and consistently serving up meals on monthly basis since 2009.  Our objective has been to share the Good News, teach about and demonstrate God's kindness and love, and establish relationships that will extend beyond the outREACH.  In the 1st 6 months of 2011, more women have quit and sought our services than ever before!  Additionally, not only are we able to educate the employees and staff about human trafficking, we are able to keep our eyes open for potential trafficking victims and initiate intervention that leads to restoration.

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 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.  

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 JUNE PRAYER REQUESTS:  For details on how to pray for BFA clients, staff, and our programs, 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.

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. Because people believe in our mission and vision, we had approximately 10,600 in kind items given and 5000 hours of services donated.  We don't use our partner's seed money to buy clothing to sell, for elaborately painted vehicles, extensive marketing, or grandiose salaries, we use it to meet the needs of the marginalized population we serve and to advance the kingdom of God.  This audited report demonstrates that BFA is committed to the highest standards of stewardship and financial accountability.  We want to thank our partners for assisting us to Educate the community, Advocate for, Reach, Rescue and Restore victims of commercialized exploitation and human sex trafficking. 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.

Finally, I will leave you with this scripture from Acts 20:24, "My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus-the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness & love." 

Thank you for supporting me and the work our Lord entrusted to me since 2002.  Together we are fulfilling His mission for those entrapped in slavery. 

In His lavish love & committed service,

Julie Shematz & the BFA FREEdom™ Team

Founder/CEO

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

Teaching About Human Trafficking at VBS

Two weeks ago fellow red headed human trafficking abolitionist and educator, Diana Scimone, spear headed a challenge to other abolitionists asking the perplexing question, "How do we educate the most vulnerable, potential victims of domestic human trafficking, minors, without sanitizing or sensationalizing the subject?"

The Department of Justice released a report in May that revealed that 83% of human trafficking is human sex trafficking. Today it is estimated that between 100,000-300,000 domestic children are being forced into prostitution every year.  These children are OUR CITIZENS, they are being forced into what is considered a SEVERE FORM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING that is happening HERE in the USA. The average age of entry into prostitution is between 11-14 years old!  The number #1 destination in the world to have sex with children is the USA!  There is a HUGE NEED to educate children and parents how REAL this problem is, that it's happening in EVERY neighborhood, and what they can do to PREVENT it from happening to them. 

We followed with Diana's appeal in our E-Newsletter and Blog by presenting our dilemma to develop Vacation Bible School 'Ministry Minute' blurbs for children aged 3 to 11.  The biggest challenge was to do this WITHOUT using words like human trafficking, sex, abuse, rape, victims, etc.  We received many responses via all forms of social networking and appreciate everyone's input and ideas.  Below is what we came up with and we hope that it might inspire you even more in the development of such important educational tools for minors.  We'd love hearing from you as you develop yours as well and to know if this has helped you. 

NOTE:  'Ministry Minute' will be read all five days of VBS and a corresponding video with pics and images from Beauty From Ashes outREACHes & ministry work will be shown. The local church sponsoring the event chose Beauty From Ashes as their support ministry and will be asking the children to bring in items for our outREACHes daily.  Items such as beauty supplies, dinner paper products, toiletries, bookmarks, etc. will be given and presented to me at the parent's dinner/final evening.  We'll also have our information table set up to inform parents more about the scope of the problem and what BFA is doing to help.  

Here is what we came up with...again keep in mind this is for children ages 3-11: 

DAY ONE:

There are more slaves in the world, the United States, and South Florida than ever before.  Beauty From Ashes is a unique ministry that helps set the slaves in the Fort Myers area free and across the nation. Beauty From Ashes helps freed slaves to heal and understand that God loves them no matter what they do and to become all that God wants them to be.  Because it is strangers that make girls, boys, and women into slaves, Beauty From Ashes wants you to remember to never talk to strangers, especially at these strangers’ most popular places to catch slaves: on the Internet, at the Mall, at Parks, at the Movie Theatre, Schools, Corner Stores, and at Bus Stops.

DAY TWO:

The Bible says that Jesus came to set the captives free and that we should all be like Jesus. Beauty From Ashes is Jesus’ hands to girls, boys, and women trapped in modern day slavery. Beauty From Ashes helps them to be free and teaches them that God loves and values them no matter what.  Because it is strangers who hurt these girls, boys, and women, Beauty From Ashes wants you to remember to never talk to strangers, especially on the Internet, at the Mall, at Parks, at the Movie Theatre, Schools, Corner Stores, and at Bus Stops.

DAY THREE:

Beauty From Ashes helps hurting girls, boys, and women in this area and nationally to be freed from slavery and to heal.  Beauty From Ashes shares with hurting and broken girls, boys and women the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love. Beauty From Ashes is fulfilling the Great Commission by helping these hurting girls, boys, and women to learn how to be like Jesus. Because strangers are the ones who hurt these girls, boys and women, Beauty From Ashes wants you to remember to never talk to strangers, especially on the Internet, at the Mall, at Parks, at the Movie Theatre, Schools, Corner Stores, and at Bus Stops.

DAY FOUR:

Beauty From Ashes reaches modern day slaves locally by serving them yummy home cooked meals and giving them special gifts that include the Word of God, beauty and hair supplies, inspirational books, toiletries, and gift items that tell hurting girls, boys, and women that God loves them no matter what, wants to rescue them, and has a good plan for their future. Beauty From Ashes wants you to remember that strangers hurt these girls, boys, and women and wants to protect you. Don't ever talk to strangers, especially on the Internet, at the Mall, at Parks, at the Movie Theatre, Schools, Corner Stores, and at Bus Stops.

DAY FIVE:

Beauty From Ashes helps slaves to become free and receive the assistance they need to heal and become new creations in Jesus. Beauty From Ashes helps make beauty from ashes in the lives of hurting and broken girls, boys, women, and men in the Fort Myers area. So, to prevent you from becoming a slave, Beauty From Ashes wants you to remember:  Never talk to strangers, especially on the Internet, at the Mall, at Parks, at the Movie Theatre, at School, Corner Stores, and at Bus Stops.

For more about Beauty From Ashes Ministries Ministries, please visit our website. 

To stay up to date with what we're doing and how you can help, sign up for the BFA E-Newsletter by CLICKING 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.

A huge THANKS to everyone that contributed to this project, especially Sanibel Community Church and your willingness to boldly go where no other children's program has ever went! 

Awareness to leads to Prevention, Intervention, and Restoration.

In His love & service,

Julie Shematz

Founder/CEO Beauty From Ashes Ministries

How Do We Educate Minors About Sex Trafficking Without Sanitizing or Sensationalizing It?

WE NEED YOUR HELP:  HOW DO YOU TALK ABOUT SEX TRAFFICKING TO, THE MOST VULNERABLE, MINORS? 

(By Diana Schimone, Journalist & Director of Born 2 Fly Project, "A plea for help from fellow abolitionists")

• Julie was asked to talk to a group of children [in vacation bible school] about child trafficking, but the program directors don't  want her to mention sex trafficking [or human trafficking, abuse, exploitation, rape, etc.].  Some of the girls are as young as 3, but others are as old as 11.

• Julie met with a group of high school kids who put together a riveting drama about human trafficking--but most high schools won't let them present it because of the topic.

• Meanwhile I can't find a school or community center in the US that will test the Born2Fly Project to stop child trafficking. Schools all over the world are begging for it--but no takers in the US. I suspect it's because (1) they don't think there's a child trafficking problem here and/or (2) they don't want to deal with "offensive" subjects.

Okaaaay.

So it's okay for kids to watch borderline pornographic dancing on network TV, listen to R-rated music and more...but it's not okay to warn them about sex traffickers recruiting them right now in their middle schools and malls? 

We have a national crisis in the US. The average age of kids entering prostitution in the US is between 11 and 14. That's the average age. Each year 100,000 minors are trafficked in the US--in your towns and ours.

We know that awareness leads to prevention, intervention, and restoration.

So Julie and I  decided to throw this open to you.

"We need strategic and creative ideas," Julie explains. "This is a problem that we as abolitionists, especially educators, are facing. We all recognize the need to deliver this message to children and teens, but how do we do this other than the Internet? And how do we do it without sensationalizing or sanitizing it?"

Would you give us your ideas?

READ MORE

BFA JUNE PRAYER REQUESTS:  For details on how to pray for BFA clients, staff, and our programs, 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 and state 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.

JUNE OUTREACH GIFT & CARE PACKAGE ASSEMBLY THIS SATURDAY:  May 7th, 9am - 12pm, Barry University.  BFA is in need of individuals willing to assemble outREACH & care packages for survivors of commercialized sexual exploitation (CSE) and human sex trafficking.  We need help in making 50-75 gifts.  We are also in need of Father's Day themed and inspirational books, bibles, jewelry, toiletries, candy, and gift items to be placed in the gift and care packages.  

BFA CURRENT NEEDS:  Want to help and get involved?  CLICK HERE for details.  

BREAKING FREE LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Wednesdays at Barry University 1-3pm.  For victims and over-comers of CSE and human sex trafficking.  Child care and lunch provided.  Registration required.  Contact Julie Shematz at julie@beautyfromashes.org or call 239-939-9218 to register.

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 E-NEWSLETTER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

DONATIONS:  Your partnership is vital for us to continue providing education, advocacy, and reach, rescue and restoration services to victims of commercialized sexual exploitation.  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 continued support of the mission God has entrusted us with.  

In Him & His service,

Julie Shematz & the BFA FREEdom™ Team

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

June Prayer Alert for Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries

We continue trusting our Father in Heaven for great and mighty works for His ministry at Beauty From Ashes™. Please join us in praying through the points below this month.

CLIENTS:  We're grateful for your prayers in the month of  May that resulted in more girls leaving the sex business where we've been doing outreach than ever before! Please agree with us for open doors of employment and that more will open as others leave the sex for sale business. Pray for healing, sound minds, strength, wisdom, and encouragement that their past does not define who they are or their future.  Agree with us that they have the courage and wisdom to make the decisions that are in them and their family's best interest.  Pray they have a hunger and thirst for God's Word and get into churches that will provide healthy community and support system.  

LOCAL RESIDENTIAL SHELTER/HOME:  Funding is needed to acquire property offered to BFA for a 4-6 bedroom, already zoned as group home, for $2800 a month plus funding for staff to run.  May God's perfect will be done. 

OUTREACHES:  Pray that outreach team members would continue to multiply as our territory expands according to God's will.  Thank God for the favor we have with club management and employees.  Our June outREACHes will focus on Father's Day. Pray that the Father's love will be evident in and through the team as they operate in unity. 

May those we reach receive the revelation of who God is, how much He loves them and embrace the truth that will set them free to be everything they were destined to be. 

VOLUNTEERS:  Pray for strength, encouragement and perseverance for current volunteers and that God would raise up more called, anointed, and committed servants.   

FUNDING:  Last month we asked you to begin praying for $45,000 for a full time Executive Director position and we have received $12,500 and have $27,500 pledged for the new position!  Please agree with us for the remaining $5,000.  We currently are at full capacity with a volunteer staff and are in desperate need of this position in order to continue to develop and expand the programs that have already been established.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT:  Please pray for the completion of the project and for the funding for the DVD production and marketing of campaign.

FREEdom™ HOMES BEST PRACTICES PROJECT:  Pray that God would continue to raise up multiple governmental and non governmental agencies to work collaboratively in the development of the Best Practices for residential homes for sex trafficking victims.  (Currently there is none).  Pray for a spirit of unity and harmony and that these agencies will work together in the best interest of victims.  

PARTNERSHIPS:  Since we asked you to pray last month that churches would add BFA to their list of home missions support and begin backing with time, talent and resources, we have a local church that has done this!  We've also been chosen to be the support ministry for vacation bible school!  Please pray that others will step up and support the first and only survivor led, faith based, human sex trafficking victim service agency in the state of Florida.  May community partnerships continue to increase.  Also pray for protection and strengthening of existing networking.  

GRANTS & FOUNDATIONS:  Pray that our current partnerships for grants would result in operational, program, and project funding.  May God impart the wisdom to know which ones to apply for, what agencies to partner with, and that we don't miss submitting proposals to anything that is in God's will that we apply to. 

EVENTS:  Wisdom and discernment to know what and/or who BFA is to be involved with or not.  Pray that God will raise up a BFA Event Coordinator.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:  God bless our new and existing board members!  Please pray for protection, wisdom, encouragement, and divine direction for BFA.  May all directors contribute their gifts and talents collaboratively as they operate in one accord.  

JULIE SHEMATZ:  Pray that she maintain balance and priorities as she continues in her 2nd year of graduate school and interns at the nation's largest Salvation Army as a mental health counselor. 

OTHER LIKE MINISTRIES/AGENCIES:  Pray for unity amongst one another and humbleness, wisdom, and patience in reaching, rescuing and restoring victims.  May the level of professionalism be raised and licensed counselors and professional service providers unite with them to provide restoration services and program development.  Pray for balance, biblical priorities, and protection of marriages and families.  May strong boundaries be established and maintained for aftercare providers.  May God's strength and encouragement be imparted to all in the name of Jesus.  

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity . . . " Jeremiah 29:11-14. 

Thank you for your priceless partnership in prayer and intercession! 

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.

BFA E-NEWSLETTER:  CLICK HERE to sign up.

Thank you for praying with and for us,
Nancy Sampson, Sandi Spencer & Julie Shematz

Prayer Coordinators & CEO

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

BFA Welcomes New Board Members, 2010 Audited Financial & Strip Club OutREACH Reports!

As the founder and CEO of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, it gives me great pleasure to announce three new executive board members, 2 of which were founding board members in 2003.  They are joining the existing board members of Dr. Richard Maybee, Nancy Sampson, Ann Peterson, and Steve and myself. 

BILL and SANDI SPENCER:  Originally from Maine, Mr. Spencer and his wife Sandi moved to Sanibel in 2002.  They started a property maintenance and housekeeping business, Morning Glory, on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Both are active at Sanibel Community Church where Bill has served on the Church Council for 4 years. They both have been Life Group leaders, are active in the Men's & Women's ministries, and have been Adult Sunday School teachers.  Bill and Sandi are founding board members of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries and Bill has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Maine. 

ROD M. WILSON:  Mr. Wilson has spent a lifetime advising privately owned companies and their shareholders focused in the fields of finance, investments, philanthropy and fiduciary responsibility. He has had three careers – most recently, 18 years serving as the Chief Trust Officer of HRK Trust Company and Managing Partner of its related HRK Investment Company for the Andersen Family; 17 years serving as Chief Financial Officer of Carlson Holdings and CEO of its related Carlson Investment Group for the Carlson Family; and prior to his career at Carlson, 13 years at the accounting firm, Arthur Andersen & Co, including 4 years as a partner. Mr. Wilson is a CPA and an expert on fiduciary responsibility, governance and strategic planning for private tax exempt Foundations and Trusts, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Minnesota. 

He and his wife Jenifer have been married to each other for 50 years and have four children and seven grandchildren.  They are the grantors and co-founders of the RJW Foundation, a private grant making foundation. The “RJW” acronym stands for “Reverence for Jesus and the Word".  RJW supports Christian outreach programs designed to improve the lives of Christians and potential Christians through providing affordable housing, mental health research and education, pre-school education and other  hands on services to individuals in need. The RJW Foundation owns and operates a pre-school in Macas Ecuador, on the edge of the Amazon Basin.

2010 AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT:  On behalf of the BFA Executive Board, I am equally pleased to announce that in 2010, 92.7% of all giving and income to BFA went to Program Services!  Because people believe in our mission and vision, we had approximately 10,600 in kind items given and 5000 hours of services donated. This report shows that BFA is committed to the highest standards of stewardship.  We want to thank our partners for assisting us to Educate the community, Advocate for, Reach, Rescue and Restore victims of commercialized exploitation and human sex trafficking. To view our 2010 Audited Financial Report, CLICK HERE.  

BFA TEAM MEMBER & OVER-COMER MARRIES:  We wish to extend our congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Short who were married Sunday, May 23rd in North Carolina.  Shelly served on the BFA outREACH team and has an amazing testimony.  She is a trophy of grace with a beauty from ashes story and is more than an over-comer!  We will miss her and bless her and her new life as a wife to Greg. 

FORT MYERS STRIP CLUB OUTREACH REPORT:  On Saturday, May 21st., the BFA outREACH team served a home cooked meal of beef stroganoff, mixed vegetable salad, rolls and cookies to the employees of our local "adopted" strip club. Gift bags were distributed that included Bibles, God's Word for Mothers, hair and beauty supplies, assorted candies, and temporary tattoos.  The team was welcomed into the club by management and had the opportunity to pray with numerous employees, including the manager.  Tears, hugs, and encouragement were shared as the message of love, hope, and truth was delivered.  Visit our facebook fanpage for photos.  

BFA CURRENT NEEDS:  Want to help and get involved?  CLICK HERE for details.  

BREAKING FREE LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Wednesdays at Barry University 1-3pm.  For victims and over-comers of CSE and human sex trafficking.  Child care and lunch provided.  Registration required.  Contact Julie Shematz at julie@beautyfromashes.org or call 239-939-9218 to register.

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

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 MAY PRAYER REQUESTS:  For details on how to pray for BFA clients, staff, and our programs, CLICK HERE

BFA PRAYER TEAM:  To sign up, send your name, city and state 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.

BFA E-NEWSLETTER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

DONATIONS:  Your partnership is vital for us to continue providing education, advocacy, and reach, rescue and restoration services to victims of commercialized sexual exploitation.  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.

On behalf of Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries, thank you again for your support in time, talent, and resources.  BFA is the first and only survivor led anti-human trafficking service provider in the state of Florida.  Our victories and milestones belong to our partners as well.  Together we are growing, building capacity, and we are making a difference.   

In Christ's love and service,

Julie Shematz and the BFA FREEdom™ Team

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

BFA Assists in Victim Placement, Confidentiality of Clients, Str*p Club OutREACHes, Current Needs & More

BFA ASSISTS IN VICTIM RESTORATION PLACEMENT:  In the past two weeks, Beauty From Ashes (BFA) has provided assistance in placing four domestic victims of commercialized sexual exploitation and human sex trafficking into residential programs across the United States.  A huge thanks to the agencies and organizations that partner with us to provide a seamless continuum of reach, rescue and restoration services to this marginalized population.  

CONFIDENTIALITY OF CLIENTS:  Without a client's consent to inform or a court subpoena, BFA will not reveal personal information regarding client's.  Neither will we confirm whether or not this agency is, or ever has served individuals.  We will advise clients of individuals, that have NOT been accused and/or associated with alleged predators, traffickers, and/or abusers, who is seeking information regarding them.  It is up to the client whether or not they will make contact with those inquiring.  Alleged predators, traffickers, abusers and/or accomplices attempting to secure information regarding survivors are reported to the authorities.  Our commitment is to the autonomy, confidentiality, and justice of the persons this agency provides direct or indirect services to.

STRIP CLUB OUTREACHES: This Friday and Saturday the BFA OutREACH teams will be delivering gift bags that include bibles, God's Word for Mother's, beauty supplies,  hair products, and resource contact information into two Fort Myers strip clubs.  The team will also be serving a home cooked meal from the locker room of one of the clubs.  Please keep the outreaches in your prayers.  

BFA CURRENT NEEDS:  Want to help and get involved?  Here is a comprehensive list of how you can:  CLICK HERE

BREAKING FREE LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Wednesdays at Barry University 1-3pm.  For victims and over-comers of CSE and human sex trafficking.  Child care and lunch provided.  Registration required.  Contact Julie Shematz at julie@beautyfromashes.org or call 239-939-9218 to register.

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

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 MAY PRAYER REQUESTS:  For details on how to pray for BFA clients, staff, and our programs, CLICK HERE

BFA PRAYER TEAM:  To sign up, send your name, city and state 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.

BFA E-NEWSLETTER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

DONATIONS:  Your partnership is vital for us to continue providing education, advocacy, and reach, rescue and restoration services to victims of commercialized sexual exploitation.  Please consider becoming a partner by giving a year end 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 support.  Together we are making a difference.    

Sincerely,

Julie Shematz & the BFA FREEdom™ Team

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

239.939.9218 | 877.4BFA SOS (877.423.2767) Toll Free Help Line

Physical Address:  12381 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 506-1, at the site of Barry University | Fort Myers | FL | 33907 | USA | Monday-Thursday 10-5

Mailing Address:  13300 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 | Fort Myers | FL | 33907 | USA 

www.BeautyFromAshes.org

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

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

Domestic Sex Trafficking Rescues, Graduation, Gift Assembly this Saturday & More!

BFA ASSISTS IN DOMESTIC HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESCUES:  In the past 3 weeks, Beauty From Ashes (BFA) has provided assistance in rescuing and in recovery placement of 6 domestic victims of human sex trafficking, ages 17-28.  If it were not for our vast national network of community partnerships, we would not be able to provide these services to victims, service providers, and loved ones.   Within minutes, services were coordinated and provided.  Thanks to everyone that responded to phone calls, text messages and emails.  Together we are better and we are making a difference! 

GRADUATION:  It is with great joy that we share with you that one of our clients graduated from the recovery program she is in!  She is a resilient, intelligent, and creative, child sex trafficking survivor who is most certainly more than an over-comer & a beauty!  Congratulations to Haddasah* and a huge THANKS to the program directors, staff and volunteers, as well as the partnering agencies that contributed to her rescue and restoration.  (*name changed for confidentiality)

PASSING OF A CLIENT:  It was revealed this week that a client we served, while she was incarcerated, passed away.   As we reviewed her file, we were grateful to read that on 1/17/10, she wrote on an application to a safe home, that she had accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior during a visit we had with her there.  We extend our condolences to her family and are grateful that she is pain free and in heaven with her Savior.  

BFA MAY PRAYER REQUESTS:  For details on how to pray for BFA clients, staff, and our programs, CLICK HERE

MAY OUTREACH GIFT & CARE PACKAGE ASSEMBLY THIS SATURDAY:  May 7th, 9am - 1pm, Barry University.  BFA is in need of individuals willing to assemble outREACH & care packages for survivors of commercialized sexual exploitation (CSE) and human sex trafficking.  We need help in making 50-75 gifts.  We are also in need of Mother's Day themed and inspirational books, bibles, jewelry, toiletries, candy, and gift items to be placed in the gift and care packages.  

BFA WISH LIST:  We have created the Amazon BFA Wish List to make it easiest for you to know what we want to give away in our outREACHes and care packages, CLICK HERE.  You can view and order items and have them delivered directly to us.  Items do not have to be identical and can be mailed to 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Suite 56-623, Fort Myers, FL 33907 or call 239.939.9218 to arrange for pick up.  To support the acquisition of these items, you can also give securely online at www.BeautyFromAshes.org.  Please notate 'OutREACH'.  As our gift to you, for a $25 donation, we'll send you the BFA private label musical CD, Child of God.  For more information, call 239.939.9218.  

BFA VOLUNTEER & INTERN OPPORTUNITIES:  For more information, CLICK HERE.

BREAKING FREE LIFE SKILLS & SUPPORT GROUP:  Wednesdays at Barry University 1-3pm.  For victims and over-comers of CSE and human sex trafficking.  Child care and lunch provided.  Registration required.  Contact Julie Shematz at julie@beautyfromashes.org or call 239-939-9218 to register. 

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

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 and state 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.

BFA E-NEWSLETTER SIGN UP:  CLICK HERE

Thank you partnering with us in ministering to the girls, women, and families we serve.  Together we must ensure that the greatest impacted and the most marginalized are leading the fight in survivor- and community-led organizing and activism.  Empowering victims to become over-comers and world changers is what we are about.  

In Christ we serve,

Julie Shematz & BFA FREEdom™ Team

CEO & Founder

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries  

Where Victims Become Over-Comers

239.939.9218 | 877.4BFA SOS (877.423.2767) Toll Free Help Line

Physical Address:  12381 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 506-1, at the site of Barry University | Fort Myers | FL | 33907 | USA | Monday-Thursday 10-5

Mailing Address:  13300 S. Cleveland Avenue, Suite 56-623 | Fort Myers | FL | 33907 | USA 

www.BeautyFromAshes.org

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

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