We are W&W. We like fashion. Love God. Believe in prayer. Dream big. Laugh hard. W&W10 lets us give because we’ve been given to.
*What is Restore?
Restore’s Mission Statement says: “Restore NYC is a non-profit organization that restores freedom, safety and hope to foreign-born survivors of sex trafficking by providing long-term, holistic aftercare services. We partner with local and federal officials and other organizations to empower survivors, as well as facilitate the prosecution of traffickers.”
*Who does restore work with?
We work with foreign-born adult survivors of sex trafficking in NYC. Specifically, our clients are 18+ and are primarily from South Korea, China, and Mexico.
*Why does Restore focus on working with foreign-born women?
When Restore was beginning there was a lack of resources for foreign-born nationals because of lack of citizenship and cultural differences. There are organizations that work with domestic women, like Gems in New York and now because resources are limited our scope of work has to be really focused.
*When did Restore start and how?
The idea was conceived late one night between three friends (including myself) sitting around a kitchen table. We were dreaming about ways that we could change the world (true story). And what we discovered was that we all felt completely and totally committed to fighting sex trafficking. At the time, we all lived in NYC, and we all wanted to provide services directly to survivors, so we started planning. If you want to learn more, feel free to visit the website here: http://restorenyc.org/founder/
*What are Restore’s driving values and passions?
We believe in the empowerment of women. We believe in restoring dignity back to our clients whose lives have been stolen from them by providing freedom, safety and hope to the women that we serve. We believe that recovery takes time, which is why our program is long-term. We believe in providing the best quality of care to survivors of sexual slavery. We do NOT believe in the legalization of prostitution as a way to effectively combat trafficking. Sex work is inherently exploitative in nature. A minor engaged in sex work should be classified as a trafficking victim, whether or not voluntary. Even if coercion or force was not involved, the factors that compel women to enter into sex work are complex. Many voluntary workers engage in sex work because they do not have alternative ways to support themselves. Law enforcement should focus efforts on punishing customers rather than the men/women who engage in sex work. We support harm reduction efforts (distributing condoms to prostituted women, teaching about STDs, overnight child care for the children of sex workers, etc.). We do not support the legalization of prostitution.
*What are some daily and long term projects Restore is working on?
Daily we provide counseling, case management, mentoring, court advocacy, ESL, job training, safe housing and much more. In October of last year, we opened the door to the first long term safe house in New York City, specifically designed to meet the complex needs of foreign born sex trafficking survivors. The safe house is more than a place for survivors to rest their heads for the night. We have weekly programs and volunteers coming to the house consistently to help the women become self-sufficient with practical skills such as improving their English, job coaching and tend to their healing and self-expression through processes such as arts and crafts, yoga, prayer and mentoring support. It is a place where meals are cooked and shared, where television shows are laughed over together, where tears are shed and encouragement is given. A place where women who have suffered hideous crimes can feel human and connected again. It is a place of peace and rest, of community and safety. It is truly a home.
Longer-term projects would include expanding our program to include client owned business co-ops so that the women have a place to work after coming out of brothels. Also, we would like to add additional safe houses throughout the city.
*Tell me more about the safe house.
In October, we opened our first safe house. It’s the bread and butter of what we’ve been striving for the past 3 years. If you asked anyone about human trafficking and what the biggest need for help is it was safe housing and it still is. We provide residential and non-residential services. Now with the safe house, we are able to provide so much more care. It allows us to ensure our clients’ safety and stability as a foundation to the other things we can provide them. Our non-residential services are mostly centered on helping women and girls through the court system, and 50% of them continue working with Restore after court. In time, our hope is for client leadership, like peer-to-peer mentoring.
*Where do you see Restore in 3 years?
3 years from now, I would like to replicate the Restore model by providing the best quality of care to survivors in other US cities, such as Houston/Dallas/Austin, LA, Atlanta, Charlotte, etc.
*Why did you pick these cities?
More and more people are recognizing human trafficking and sex slavery. These cities have a high occurrence of trafficking because of the major airports in them and also from people crossing the border from neighboring countries. Human trafficking seems to be concentrated around certain cities because of size, business and travel.
*Has Restore thought of going international?
Up to this point we haven’t talked about going international, but we’re not opposed to it. Give the opportunity and resources to do so, we would. A huge part of our work comes from the community members here in New York City, so community members need to be committed.
*What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your day?
Rewarding and challenging parts of my day: most rewarding is the interaction that I have with clients and staff. I love being able to support staff as they are doing the hands on work with clients by providing the counseling, helping the women to learn to ride the subway, cooking meals, etc. I also love teaching people about the issue and seeing the "light bulb" go off when they realize that this is REALLY happening in the US/NYC, and that we ALL have a role to play in ending modern day slavery. The most challenging part of my day is when I hear about a client who is really, really struggling, or a case that is particularly violent and upsetting. It's important when doing this work to remain hopeful and to find outlets and ways to express frustration. I do yoga regularly, I have great friends that support me, and I love to run -- it's a great stress release!
*How can people get involved locally with Restore? Or if they don't live in NYC, how would you suggest people get involved in anti-trafficking campaigns or movements?
Educate yourself and others about this primary civil rights issue of our day. Sign up for email updates about the sex trafficking epidemic and what Restore NYC is doing on the front lines to fight the growing problem.
If you would like to volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, go to www.restorenyc.org.
I think people are afraid of starting something like Restore because of what it could look like, but it is possible, though it takes a lot of time and work.
*In your experience, what contributes to the growth of human trafficking?
Human trafficking exists because of demand. Trafficking is a symptom of gender oppression, inequality and poverty. Girls are seen as less than boys. 80% of people trafficked are women and girls and the majority is for sexual exploitation. The average age of girls being trafficked is 12-13 years old. The demand for cheap and available sex whenever and however people can get it is a driving factor. Underlying this is the sexualization of girls at a younger age and is more violent and degrading. No one wakes up and decides they want to be a prostitute or a perpetrator. There’s an entry point into it that our culture feeds into. Supply has also increased greatly because of globalization, the world is getting smaller, transportation is becoming quicker, easier and cheaper. As a culture we have to draw the line…
Human trafficking can be found where ethnic enclaves exist. Sometimes prostitution is rampant through generations of a family. Human traffickers are often times not just trafficking people, but drugs and sometimes guns as well.
W&W is inspired to work with Restore NYC and hear their story of joining the fight against sex slavery (something we feel strongly about). Don’t take your late night dreaming with friends for granted! Jill, for W&W, over and out.
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