Voices for Change and Shay Mitchell: Slavery is Real, I Know It

Actress Shay Mitchell introduces Voices For Change, strong and empowered survivors of sexual slavery from Cambodia. These women have seen firsthand the horrors of human trafficking, and now they work every day to eradicate this evil.

Voices For Change is a platform for survivors to use their voice, tell their story, and raise awareness of sex slavery. Their voices are heard in courts of law, public service announcements, and events. These women are survivors - they are not weak, nor are they helpless. They are helping themselves by helping others and bringing awareness to this horrific truth. Slavery is real.

Success Success: Reunited and Reintegrated

Earlier I mentioned that Charlotte is currently visiting with the Voices for Change leaders. While visiting, Charlotte witnessed the most inspirational event.

Two sisters who were raised separately and both were trafficked then rescued by AFESIP. They were reunited at one of the centers. One of the girls has gone through the programs and has been successfully reintegrated. She now has a loving husband, an adorable daughter, and a successful grocery and sewing business. She also makes sugar cane for the dry season.

The Somaly Mam Foundation gave clothes to the child and the Voices for Change leaders shared their love as they are all old friends. Everyone involved in SMF and Project Futures, Somaly, employees, volunteers and supporters have helped towards this amazing event. It is success stories like this that we hope continue to happen as more girls get reintegrated. Charlotte said it has been an "inspirational reintegration visit!"

Visiting Voices for Change

Charlotte, SMF's Director of Anti-Trafficking Programs, is currently visiting with members of Voices for Change. These empowered survivors share their stories and have their voices heard in courts of law and public perception and have influence and impact on effecting positive change in Cambodian society. They are helping themselves by helping others. To learn more about the program and other SMF initiative, visit their website here.

Volunteer Profile: Jacquelene Adam

This volunteer story was shared by Jacquelene Adam, a volunteer with PROJECT FUTURES global. To share your story or to highlight a volunteer project in your area, contact futures@somaly.org.

"The ancient city of Angkor, smiling faces and kind conversations are what made me fall in love with Cambodia. The extreme poverty and human trafficking industry in the country are what made me decide I wanted to do something to help these people and this beautiful country.

My trip to Cambodia happened by accident, I was traveling through Thailand for over a month with the hopes of continuing my travels in that country. After I crossed the Malaysian border and was stamped back into Thailand with only a 15 day visa, I decided to travel to Cambodia with the remaining time I had left until flying back to the states, 25 days later. Little did I know, that this country and these people would change my life.

I rode around with my travel companion and our tuk tuk driver who became our dear friend, through the streets of Siem Reap, visiting the temples of Angkor and the floating villages. We spent nights chatting with our new Cambodian friends and navigating our way through the night markets. I educated myself on the countries history, watching videos and visiting museums and my heart was broken. I visited the killing fields and prison in Phnom Phen and cried at the base of a memorial. After dinner, on our walks back to our hotel, we passed young girls, outside buildings wearing make up and luring in visitors. At that time, I was completely unaware that I was probably passing a brothel, that these girls were sex slaves. I just walked by, ignoring them.

Upon my return I began reaching out to different organizations that worked in Cambodia and helped with education, poverty and health care. While searching, I stumbled upon the Somaly Mam Foundation. I watched the videos on the page. I read about the programs and the girls living at AFESIP. It took me only two days to read Somaly's book, The Road of Lost Innocence. I became aware.

Since then, I have been volunteering with the organization, working on this blog and helping at the events. I was excited to be part of the New York launch of Project Futures global and will be traveling to Los Angeles for the launch with the floral company I work with, Gira, who kindly donated floral arrangements for both events.

I continue to be moved by everything Somaly Mam, the foundation, and Project Futures does for these girls and I am thankful to be a part of it. Join me in the fight and become aware."

This volunteer story was shared by Jacqueline Adam, a volunteer with PROJECT FUTURES global. To share your story or to highlight a volunteer project in your area, contact futures@somaly.org. 

Shay Mitchell: Slavery Exists

Actress Shay Mitchell, star of ABC Family's hit television series Pretty Little Liars has joined the Somaly Mam Foundation in the fight to end slavery. Check out the PSA she recorded on a visit to the shelters in Cambodia.

Meet The Team: Charlotte, Director of Anti-Trafficking Programs

Meet Charlotte, Director of Anti-Trafficking Programs at the Somaly Mam Foundation. Charlotte is currently in the field to check in with partner shelters and their directors. Charlotte first visited with the partner shelters in Vietnam and is now in Cambodia with the Voices for Change leaders. Charlotte is sure to have stories to tell when she returns so check back to see how her trip went!