News release from the YWCA Northeast Indiana:
Sex Trafficking Survivor to Speak at 18th Annual Circle of Women Luncheon
Proceeds to support the domestic violence services of YWCA Northeast Indiana
(December 2, 2014) – This Thursday, December 4, from 11:35 am to 1:00 pm, YWCA Northeast Indiana will host its 18th Annual Circle of Women Luncheon fundraiser. This year’s event will take place at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. The proceeds from the luncheon support YWCA Northeast Indiana’s Crisis Shelter, Outreach/Education Services, their Steps to Success Program, and other community-based programs that help domestic violence survivors become self-sufficient.
This year’s luncheon, titled Saving Our Own, seeks to shine a light on the dangerous world of human trafficking. The theme focuses on the growing epidemic that is prevalent in our own backyards. Author and speaker Theresa Flores will share how her life as an All-American, blue-eyed, blond-haired, 15-year-old teenager was catapulted into the dangerous world of sex trafficking while living in an upper-middle class suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Flores will discuss how she healed the wounds of sexual servitude, will present significant facts on human trafficking in modern day America, and will offer advice to parents and professionals on how to prevent this tragedy in our community.
Cecile Weir, Chairwoman of the Circle of Women Steering Committee and YWCA Board Member, looks forward to the event. “YWCA Northeast Indiana works tirelessly to bring awareness to the community and to be a voice for so many. The work that they do is truly life changing and needs our ongoing support. Circle of Women is a wonderful event and an easy way to support YWCA’s services and to take a stand against domestic violence. I’m proud to be a part of that.”
Nearly 700 guests are expected to attend, a record number for the event, and reservations are no longer being accepted. All proceeds from the luncheon support YWCA’s domestic violence services and programs. Through these programs and services, YWCA Northeast Indiana has served more than 90,000 women and children since 1976.
For more information on this event, visit www.ywca.org/CircleofWomen.Ms. Flores will be available for interview prior to and following the event, as will YWCA Northeast Indiana’s President/CEO, Debby Beckman, and the 2014 Circle of Women Steering Committee Chair, Cecile Weir.
About the YWCA
YWCA is the voice for every woman. For over a century, YWCA has spoken out and taken action on behalf of women and girls. YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Over 2 million people participate each year in YWCA programs at more than 1,300 locations across the U.S. Worldwide, YWCA serves more than 25 million women and girls in 125 countries.Since 1894, YWCA Northeast Indiana, which serves Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells, and Whitley counties, has given voice to the concerns of women and provided services to meet the changing needs of women and their families. A nonprofit organization, YWCA operates Indiana’s oldest domestic violence shelter, providing shelter and services to women, men and children escaping domestic violence. YWCA welcomes the interest and participation of both women and men committed to this vision. The organization receives support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other groups, and is a United Way Partner Agency in each county served.
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