Debbie Edwards first got connected to Allies in 2021 through her participation in the HOPE group, a networking group in Delaware County. Upon meeting Caitlin Wuethrich (Allies’ Community Engagement Manager) and learning about Allies, Debbie asked for more information about how she could be an advocate against trafficking in her community. As a first step, she signed up to receive quarterly emails from Allies that share in-kind and volunteer needs that arise for the organization. Debbie found that this was the perfect way for her to engage with anti-trafficking work in a meaningful way. In the past year, she has provided items for baby showers, wedding gifts, and Christmas party items.
Most recently, Debbie raised her hand to provide ALL of the items Allies needed to throw a fall party for the mentors and mentees in the program, and it turned out to be one of the best gatherings we’ve had to date!
Not only do the mentor/mentee gatherings provide a safe space for community and connection, it also exposes survivors to many experiences they may not have had before! During this fall party alone, there were many firsts:
- One mentee roasted a marshmallow for the first time
- Several mentees ate their very first s’more
- One mentee painted a pumpkin for the first time
When you support the Allies Mentorship Program, you’re giving life, love and opportunity to young girls who need it most. Thank you, Debbie, for making our fall party an experience to remember!
