A Survivor's New Beginning!

Frantic, she called Daughters of Worth. She needed help, and she needed help immediately. Her trafficker, abuser, had been harming her for years. Force feeding her drugs, selling her out for sex, beating and raping her repeatedly, daily, she had to get out. Not only for herself... but for her precious child, as well.

Courageously, she fled. She waited until it was safe for her to flee, and she left. But she needed help. He was actively searching for her, sending threats through her family and friends. He had a plan, and his plan was murder. She needed to get out, and she needed to be relocated as quickly as possible.

Our team immediately began to work to assist her with developing a safety plan. Through intentional, collaborative efforts, we were able to assist her with determining a long-term, trauma-informed safe space for herself and her daughter. Travel arrangements were made. Many conversations were held. She was absolutely terrified of what life would look like on the other side of freedom. Yet, she knew that this was an opportunity she could not afford to lose.

With tears flowing, hands shaking, she packed her bags into the back of my car and took this monumental step into her new beginning. She and her precious child buckled their seat belts and then took a long, deep breath. The journey was just beginning. The journey to a new found freedom.

In February 2022, Daughters of Worth launched the newest program, Women of Freedom. Through this program, girls and women of all ages who are victims of crime (specifically domestic violence and/or trafficking) are eligible for services through this initiative. Daughters of Worth provides emergency services support, advocacy, case management, care coordination, documentation recovery, trauma-informed mental health services, referrals for legal support, and referrals for survivor-led support groups.

Serving survivors of trafficking and/or domestic violence is incredibly expensive and requires the support of individuals, businesses, and the community to assist women who are exiting their traffickers and abusers. Providing emergency shelter, food, care coordination, and other necessary items for survivors costs on average anywhere between $500-$1500 to ensure they they are safe, sheltered, and cared for during this transitional period.

To support a survivor of trafficking or domestic violence, please visit https://www.daughtersofworth.com/ and click on "Donate Now" to directly invest in the lives of these precious girls, young ladies, and women who are in need of emergency services and support.

Every dollar makes a difference.

Daughters of Worth is currently serving more than 20 survivors of trafficking.

GLAM Girls Expands to Martin County Schools!

GLAM Girls, Girls Living a Mission, is one of the signature programs of Daughters of Worth. Through this initiative, girls in participating schools are provided with the opportunity to receive empowerment sessions twice per month, while also receiving access to advocacy, emergency services support, and trauma-informed mental health services, all completely free of charge. We are excited to share that GLAM Girls is now being offered at Riverside Middle School and Riverside High School in Martin County Schools!

This year's curriculum, Fearless and Free: Overcoming Fear and Insecurity to Create the Tomorrow of Your Dreams empowers girls to know their self worth, value their bodies, invest in healthy relationships, incorporate vision casting and goal setting in their daily lives, practice social media safety, and discover relevant and necessary coping skills in life. In addition, participants have the opportunity to earn prizes, recognition, and awards through academic achievement, adhering to the school attendance policy, engaging in the GLAM Girls sessions, demonstrating positive character traits, and improving or maintaining little to no disciplinary action.

Sessions include hands-on activities and crafts, group projects, journal reflections, authentic discussions, and a book club opportunity for teens. In addition, teen participants receive sessions that include trafficking prevention, substance use prevention, and red flags of dating violence.

GLAM Girls (Girls Living a Mission) is provided to 25 girls in each participating school, completely free of charge to the schools and the participants. This opportunity is made possible for participants through the individuals and businesses who invest in the girls of our communities by serving as a GLAM Girl sponsor for only $20/month or $250/year.

Daughters of Worth currently serves more than 500 girls (elementary-high school) in 25 locations throughout Pitt, Beaufort, and Martin County Schools.

To serve as a GLAM Girl sponsor, visit www.daughtersofworth.org and click on Donate Now to sign up as a monthly sponsor! Daughters of Worth will highlight your sponsorship on the website, social media, as well as provide special opportunities for you and/or your business throughout the year for your support.

Advocating for Legislation that Requires Trauma-Informed Decision Making in the Courtroom

On October 15, Daughters of Worth Founder and CEO, Liz Liles, presented at the State Capitol during Jesse's Rally for Change, advocating for legislation that requires trauma-informed decision making in the courtroom.

1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence (physical, sexual, verbal/emotional/psychological, or financial) during their lifetime. The impact of domestic violence is substantial for survivors themselves, as well as to the children who reside in the homes where the abuse is taking place.

In 2012, 3 year old, Jesse Ray Adams was viciously murdered by his father after his mother filed for divorce, fleeing from the horrific abuse. Before the protective order and ex-parte could be put into effect, Jesse's father chose to shoot and kill his son, and then turn the gun on himself.

Jesse's Law is a movement, inspired by Jesse's mother, Christy Adams, to advocate for legislative reform which will require judges in child custody hearings to receive trauma-informed training and consult with experts in the field before making decisions that can ultimately place an innocent child in further harm and risk.

Founder of Daughters of Worth, Liz Liles, had the opportunity to give voice for the many survivors that she has served through the organization, as well as educate the audience on the long-lasting impact of domestic violence. Advocating for legislation that protects our children and vulnerable populations is crucial, and Daughters of Worth is grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

To hear Christy's story, click the link below:

https://youtu.be/H15R0hSnwfI