Friend, I am sharing my story in the hopes you’ll help change a survivor’s life.
I grew up poor in Malawi - a country in east Africa. So when I was offered the chance to come to America and work for a diplomat, I was excited. I could break out of poverty, start a new life, and support my family, too.
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But when we got to the United States, nothing was as promised. My trafficker, a diplomat, stole my passport, locked me in the house, and disconnected the phone when she left. She barely gave me food, I slept on the cold basement floor, worked 20+ hours each day, and endured physical and emotional abuse.
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It was fourteen years ago this month that I finally escaped. But even then I wasn’t free. I had no place to live, no money for food… I became so ill that I was hospitalized and found myself homeless.
With help from Freedom Network USA’s member agencies, I got a lawyer and a social worker. They helped find me a safe place to live and helped me to apply for legal immigration status. I rebuilt my life and became an advocate for other survivors like me.
I worked to raise awareness about human trafficking to protect others. I have trained lawyers, social workers, medical staff, and government officials to make sure that survivors get the protection and support that they need.
But then COVID hit. I lost my job and was caught in the backlog of unemployment applications. I was struggling, again, until I received a grant from the Survivor Relief Fund. With that money, I could buy food and pay my rent. Now I don’t have to remember what it was like to be starved - I can cook my food the way I want!
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Freedom Network USA, in celebration of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, needs to make grants available to 15 more survivors. These $300 grants will SAVE a life. YOU make that possible.
Today, I fight for others like me. Survivors who were trafficked, abused, and dismissed. I will make sure every survivor’s voice is heard. But first, we need to make sure they have a roof over their head and a pantry with food.
So, I ask you today - from the bottom of my heart - please make the most generous gift you can. Right now. To the Survivor Relief Fund.
Do it for me.
You have my gratitude,
Fainess
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