On Wednesday, April 10, the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor’s Women's Philanthropy presented The Real Truth About Human Trafficking: A Panel Discussion.
The event began with a special pre-glow dinner celebrating our Lions of Judah & Pomegranates in gratitude for their philanthropic leadership.
Following dinner, over sixty women gathered to hear from a remarkable panel: Lt. Wendy Reyes of Oakland County’s Sheriff’s Department Task Force on Human Trafficking, Deborah Monroe, a human trafficking survivor, Edee Franklin, founder of Sanctum House, the first long-term safe house for adult survivors of human trafficking, and Shrina Eadeh, LMSW, of Jewish Family Services.
Each panelist shared their story and their experience related to human trafficking. Attendees were particularly moved by Deborah’s story of how her trafficker took advantage of her youth and emotional vulnerability to essentially imprison her as a sex worker. All were impressed by the bravery and fortitude she demonstrated by leaving that life and becoming a peer counselor to others. After the panel presentations, there was an engaging question and answer period where attendees asked thoughtful questions regarding how to identify victims of human trafficking and how to further educate our community.
The program was the final campaign event of the year, and Women’s Philanthropy co-chairs Joyce Gerber and Sara Wohl spoke about the impact of Women’s Philanthropy on the Federation’s Annual Community Campaign. To date, women have contributed $254,209, which is 19% of the overall community campaign! They look forward to building stronger, even more vibrant Women’s Philanthropy engagement aimed at growing a community of women who have similar interests and commitments, in particular around community-building and philanthropy.
In addition to Joyce and Sara, the event planning committee included Carol Hoffer, Alyse Tankenow, Marci Sukenic, and Elyssa Koiden Schmier.
For more information on Women’s Philanthropy, please visit our Women’s Philanthropy page.