A Note from the Executive Director

In May, I had the honor of joining Ashley’s graduation ceremony. As a She Has A Name Strategies for Success (SFS) scholarship recipient she was matched with a mentor in addition to financial support each semester of her program. Hearing her name announced as a graduate, I was struck by the realization that this moment was a dream that has become a reality.

When SHAN launched SFS in 2018, we had hoped to support survivors through the completion of a degree. You can imagine the barriers that confront survivors of trauma in pursuing education, many of whom are working through sobriety, most who are reunited with family, some of whom carry a criminal record or are awaiting expungement. I was touched considering the small role SHAN played in cheering Ashley on.

In the midst of the vastness of this issue I have HOPE. My 2024 word of the year helps me to look ahead to new opportunities and honor the gifts that have already been invested. It is an honor to serve as the Executive Director of She Has A Name. I am humbly grateful for the unique ways that each of you courageously responds to HT. Together we are making a difference for all those impacted!

Courtney Schmackers, Executive Director

Donate towards greater impact

SHAN believes education opens minds to care for all those impacted by human trafficking and can be a catalyst for connecting community resources with organizational needs.

In 2023-24 146 community members participated in our Anti-Human Trafficking Training offered in a hybrid format in November (71) and March (75) - a 45% increase from FY 23. Participants connected with our network of partners through a charette. Many of our partner agencies have volunteer needs that are filled through these connections, meaning more survivors are served by those who are trained to appropriately respond.

“There are ways to help in my own community that I can link up with. LOVED THIS!!! All agencies in one place! Brilliant! Love how it was organized.”

— March 2024 Training Participant

Photos courtesy of Erika Flugge Photography

By meeting businesses through professional development, SHAN’s Human Trafficking 101 equips employees to identify and appropriately respond to suspected cases. 726 community members tuned in to 14 off-site training programs. We were proud to present at several conferences including:

International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference
The SOAP Project’s first ever conference focused on male survivors of human trafficking
Columbus Educators' Human Trafficking Summit

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265 adults and teens accessed the content over the course of the year. In partnership with the Harry C. Moores Foundation and Xcelerate Media SHAN updated our online course with the most recent available data. Top referral sources included our network of partner organizations (43%), from a friend (17%), and online (16%).

In partnership with the Columbus Care Coalition SHAN offered one training in November which prepared 14 participants to respond holistically. After 5 years of partnership with the Coalition we are excited to bring this course back “in house”! Our solo training launched May 1st, 2023. 22 people gathered at Florin Coffee to learn about how trauma effects the body, to hear from lived experience experts, and to practice self care. In total 36 people are equipped to mentor survivors or provide trauma-informed care in professional roles - a 64% increase from 13 in FY 22.

Photos courtesy of Erika Flugge Photography

There is more work to be done…

Many agencies that directly interact with potential victims of trafficking haven’t heard about our comprehensive Human Trafficking 101. When we can recognize the signs and report suspicious cases, we end exploitation and break cycles of poverty.

Will you invest in education to equip more professionals to identify and appropriately respond to exploitation?

Fund education

Our vision is to see all those impacted by human trafficking restored into society. We act as a resource by providing supportive programing for survivors, thrivers, and solicitors. Our hope is to not only care for those who have already experienced exploitation, but to prevent human trafficking before it ever starts.

9 survivors of human trafficking attended She Has A Name’s Dream Sessions in September and April to discover what comes next. 3 Dream Scholarships were awarded for a total of $5,500. This means that 3 womxn are experiencing healing and empowerment in fresh ways. Dreaming after trauma, in short, re-wires the brain after years of living in a state of survival.

Photos courtesy of Erika Flugge Photography

She Has A Name awarded 8 financial scholarships for a total of $18,641.58. Seven of these awards were renewal applications, meaning that survivors aren’t just starting school, they’re completing degrees! Ashley graduated in May with her BSW and completed her LSW certification. She shared:

“I started this journey with a 1.5 GPA and faith. I have all my children home and was just able to submit an offer on a home, like an actual home, where they all have their own rooms. It was accepted! I was also homeless living in abandoned homes seven years ago.

But, I also have peace, stillness, and healing. All of this is possible, because of people like you and organizations like SHAN! Thank you for believing in me long before I believed in myself.”

— Ashley, 2023-24 Scholarship Recipient

Thrivers (survivors in advanced recovery) are often embarking on new leadership, career, and social journeys in addition to new paths in recovery. One of the most impactful outcomes from our group is the number of years women have been connected to the group and their celebrated years of sobriety. Their collective sobriety and shared recovery journey give the group a strong sense of belonging. The shared experiences of trafficking, time in prison, relationships with men, family impacts, and many other commonalities give the group a sense of safety to show up without having to hide who they are.

We celebrate birthdays and sobriety birthdays each month. Seeing these candles light up each month is a tangible encouragement to the group's collective sobriety. We light two kinds of candles: some to remember the women still on the street, and some to celebrate the years each has been off the street.

We've met needs in a few significant ways:

- Continued our longstanding spiritual support group for 6 women. Some who have participated since 2017!

- Hosted quarterly Thriver Social gatherings.

Thank you to Hope Presbyterian for providing meals for each gathering!

We've had the privilege of serving alongside Lower Lights Recovery through a bi-weekly spiritual support group since 2019. 30+ unique individuals benefit each year and 10-15 womxn in any given week attend the group and receive a homemade meal thanks to Life Transformation Church! The group compliments physical and mental health resources by providing spiritual and social development, all of which contribute to holistic healing from trauma.

Many women eagerly anticipate these gatherings, often citing them as a highlight of their week. Some participants attend even though it is not a requirement, walking long ways or arranging rides to ensure their participation. The combination of the spiritual study and the preceding dinner offers a unique space for comfort, fellowship, and open dialogue about faith. It creates an environment where participants feel safe to ask questions, share experiences, and find peace. As a result, many leave the sessions feeling uplifted and encouraged. The program has fostered stronger relationships and a renewed sense of hope among the participants.

Thank you to Chroma Church for providing meals for spiritual support groups!

There is more to be done…

Since our academic scholarship's inception in 2018 we have supported 24 survivors with over $112,000 in scholarships. However, in Fall 2024 alone we received 9 applicants with over $52,000 in requests. You can see that the need for this investment is growing exponentially. We have to say “no” to deserving applicants due to funding limitations.

Will you join us and send more survivors through school?

Fund Survivor Care

We hosted four programs in August and November 2023 plus February and May 2024 at Veritas Community Church’s Tri City campus. A total of 182 people completed the program. This year we welcomed buyers from Fairfield County in support of their sting operations. Net proceeds totaling $16,542 were reinvested into our survivor scholarship programs.

In addition to facilitating the Solicitor Education Program, Stew completed research on how a history of childhood trauma influences the choice to solicit sex. By educating buyers we realize our vision to care for all those impacted by human trafficking.

Photos courtesy of Lunar Pine Creative

“Attending the Solicitor Education Program was a real eye-opener for me. It helped me understand why I was buying sex and showed me the impact my actions had on others. The course gave me the tools to address the root causes of my behavior, helping me build healthier and more respectful relationships. I’m really grateful for the support and guidance I received, and I feel like I’m on a much better path now”

— 2024 SEP Participant

There is more to be done…

She Has A Name learned about the prevelance of childhood trauma among sex buyers. The next phase of research would provide additional insights around the cultural factors contributing to the acceptance of sex work, and inform cultural-specific care options for buyers. Our sex trafficking demand reduction curriculum is ready to be shared in male-centric community spaces.

Will you change the conversation about cultural acceptance of sexual exploitation?

Fund Solicitor Care & Demand Reduction

We are committed to faithfully and transparently stewarding the people and resources entrusted to our care.

The following figures represent our financial health during our 2023-24 fiscal year from July 1st, 2023 through June 30th, 2024. For the first time since 2019 we celebrated net gains thanks to the creativity of the staff team and the generosity of funders.

We are in the midst of our largest personnel turnover in our 14 year history. This year, we said goodbye to our Development Director, Taylor, as she graduated from law school along with Program Director, Katie, as she and her family relocated to spend a year in Taiwan. Jennifer started in August as Community Engagement Director before augmenting her role to encompass survivor programming with a new title of Director of People & Programs. Justyna joined the staff as our first ever dedicated Communications & Marketing Manager. We have welcomed John-Michael, Rhi, and Melanie to our Board of Directors as we said goodbye to Jordan and three founding board members in September: Chris, Mandi and Yiping.