036 - Strings for Hope

In this special bonus episode of the Someone Like Me podcast, join AncoraTN CEO Kelli Cary for conversation addressing the realities of child trafficking in Tennessee. Alongside anti-trafficking leaders Cyntoia Brown-Long, former AncoraTN CEO and current Commissioner of DCS Margie Quin, and Jeremy Lofquest of the TBI, you will learn more about what trafficking looks like in this state, including who the traffickers are, why certain populations more vulnerable, and what survivor healing can look like.   To stay up to date on the news, events, and ways to engage with AncoraTN, signup for the newsletter.  Join Hands of Hope and become a monthly investor in the healing journey of survivors of human trafficking.  The audio from this conversation came from the Realities of Child Trafficking in Tennessee Webinar hosted by AncoraTN on July 31, 2023. 

Unlike sensationalized stories you may see in the news, at AncoraTN we are intentional in our language and storytelling. Hear from Tia Bowden, previously AncoraTN's Intervention Specialist, to learn more about the intricate ways we protect our survivors and any information they may disclose to us. It is our responsibility as storytellers to ensure the safety, comfort, and confidentiality of the individuals behind the stories we share. 

This unique episode of Someone Like Me features real stories written by survivors in our program. Through written letters to their younger selves, or letters from youth survivors, you can hear the hope many of these individuals have for their futures despite the obstacles they've faced in the past. We also hear from Marissa Brownell, a former Survivor Care Coordinator who worked closely with many youths in our program.

AncoraTN's Direct Service team is a cohesive group comprised of the people working in the field day to day with survivors in our aftercare program. Hear from several individuals on the Direct Service team about their unique roles, diverse backgrounds, and memories that have stuck with them in their time working for AncoraTN. 

Executive Producer, Stacy Elliott, serves as guest host as she sits down with Strings for Hope founder and CEO, Emily Winters, along with General Manager, Devon Rideout to discuss the ways their business both empowers and employs those who have experienced complex trauma.

Viable founder, Ben Turner, joins Someone Like Me to talk about the unique partnership his organization has both overseas and in our own backyard here in Tennessee. Finding a safe, sustainable job can be a great obstacle for many survivors on their healing journey. We discuss the barriers Viable breaks down for vulnerable individuals who need a second chance. 

AncoraTN's Marissa Skinner has developed a research-based program to support the process of healing more effectively. It's one of the first professional therapeutic programs in the U.S. specifically designed to meet the unique needs for the layered and complex trauma survivors experience. We discuss in length what it looks like for our survivors as well as the ins and outs of financial literacy with Savanah Cleveland, a financial literacy coach and AncoraTN volunteer. 

Part two of our conversation with Vanessa dives deeper into the need for sustainable employment and just how important it can be when finding stable housing. Once again, we hear from Vanessa as she speaks candidly about the barriers, challenges, as well as the considerable successes she's experienced in securing work to support herself and her family.

Kelsey Mize, Director of Survivor Care, talks about our aftercare program expansion that will extend program services from nine months to two years. We explore the inspiration behind our programming and what exactly it will look like. We are joined by Marissa Skinner, Community Response Specialist, who works directly with group therapy for survivors.

In part one of a two-part series, we hear from Vanessa, a graduate of our aftercare program and recipient of healing resources. This half of the conversation focuses on how safe and stable housing is a crucial component of the healing journey. We are joined by Kelsey Mize, our Director of Survivor Care, who has been a lifelong friend and supporter of Vanessa's.