[ad_1]
Perhaps it was the joy of returning to normal that put guests in a good mood, coupled with a compelling need, but one thing is certain: raising $ 1.1 million in two hours is a remarkable feat for the Austin 20, which raised enough donations to build Nicole’s House this month during a personal event at the Austin Country Club.
Lisa Knapp founded the nonprofit, whose mission is to provide justice and redress to victims of sex trafficking, fund their continuity of care, educate the public about the problem, and advocate laws to prevent human trafficking and protect victims.
Before COVID-19, the Austin 20 raised money and opened two warm and rustic huts called Nicole’s Place for girls ages 12-17 who were sex trafficked and didn’t really have a place to go after they escaped. There the children are advised, educated and given their own private bedroom and bathroom.
Texas ranks second in the nation for the number of human trafficking cases, and the problem grew during the pandemic lockdowns.
Last year there was a plan to increase the capacity of Nicole’s Place to allow survivors to begin their recovery journey. But government restrictions resulted in the 2020 fundraiser being canceled. Still, luck came late last year when a facility to house railroad workers was available in Williamson County at a tempting price. An Austin 20 member saw this unusually good opportunity and took out a loan to purchase it until the money was raised.
The group’s leaders agreed that the 25-bedroom property would be perfect for a 24-hour drop-in center and long-term accommodation. But a million dollars in renovation work was required to enable child survivors to begin their healing journey. That award required another leap of faith, but backers got away with the money in record time.
“We knew we had to do something quickly because the children’s lives depend on it. Fortunately, we have the most generous donors and we are so grateful that they understand that these horribly abused children cannot wait a minute to be saved. The longer they stay with violent offenders, the less likely they are to survive or recover.
“We don’t waste a cent of donation money,” said Knapp. “We have no employees and all gifts go directly to children.”
In addition to the building renovations, the organization is hoping to raise an additional $ 250,000 before Nicole’s house is completed around July 1.
Knapp said a few things are missing.
“We still need new furniture and decorations for the entire building,” she said. “But I bet someone will get through.”
RELATED: Bastrop County’s Refuge Ranch Adjusts Fundraising and Operations During COVID-19
Nicole’s House is designed and operated by TFI, an experienced, multi-governmental child welfare agency whose priorities are health, wellness and safety. Its chief administrator praised the contribution this will bring to central Texas.
“Beds for victims of human trafficking are unicorns,” said Angela Nowell.
About 180 people gathered at the fundraiser on May 6 to hear Larry Gatlin perform several songs, including “Save the Children,” which he wrote to raise awareness of the issue.
Michael McCaul, R-Austin, United States MP, thanked the Austin 20 for its work, saying, “This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue; this is a humanitarian matter. “
After traveling to the Mexican border, McCaul said he was concerned after seeing little girls alone and tearful without their parents and vulnerable to exploitation. Describing the situation as a major human trafficking event, he noted that survivors who make it to Nicole’s Place have been subject to constant trauma, as have veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
OPINION: Texas’s fight against child trafficking still has work to do
One of the most captivating moments of the event occurred in the film when a young girl gave her personal testimony of human trafficking in the dark. She described how, at the age of 12, she was cared for by two human traffickers and two human traffickers whom she had met through mutual acquaintances. One was an older girl who gave her presents and alcohol, but then suddenly turned on her. This person became mean and aggressive and threatened them and their family if they did not cooperate. She was forced into sexual slavery and believed that she must do everything possible to protect her family from harm.
The day after her 16th birthday it got really bad. She described how she was forced into a robbery, someone was killed and the perpetrators blamed her for it.
She was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to 20 years in prison, regardless of whether she was coerced, and was a victim of child trafficking. She recalled the judge even saying he believed she had “enjoyed the lifestyle” of human trafficking.
When the Austin 20 found out about this case, it decided to fight for it. At the end of the film, she described how grateful and stunned she was that the group supported her and paid a “really great lawyer” to appeal her conviction. It was Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Scott Brown who was honored with a special award during the benefit ceremony.
Brown successfully appealed her conviction and she was released and given 10 years probation. Now in college, she’s an A straight straight student whose goal is to go to law school. A pardon is being considered, thanks to proponents at Austin 20.
[ad_2]
