Amplify Partners Show Up To Support Anti-Trafficking Work

The room was packed on Tuesday, May 9th as nearly 150 Amplify partners and guests spent time in conversation around human trafficking and exploitation.

Thank you to all who joined us, including 41 first-time attendees! In case you missed it, here is a quick recap of the evening and a way to connect even further.

MUSICAL GUEST

Katie Henry-Murad, she shared her gift of music, opening the evening with “Called Me Higher” and closing with the powerful “A Thousand Hallelujahs.”

GUEST SPEAKER

Terry Forliti, shared her lived experience as a victim of human trafficking with vulnerability and emotion. She brought the issue close to home, both literally and figuratively, as she recounted her childhood years spent just across the street from Christ Presbyterian Church and the trafficking that started “right up Normandale Blvd.” Her heartbreaking story of abuse, trauma, drug use, and exploitation humanized what is often a taboo topic.

Forliti praised God for helping her get out of the life, acknowledging how rare it is for women to not only escape but be able to communicate about the trauma and pain. She implored the room to drop the decorum. “We have got to get comfortable talking about this.”

She applauded those in the room for showing up and investing in the presenting organizations. “We need all of you in this anti-trafficking work. We are all brothers and sisters in the Lord. In this room, there are some round pegs and square holes. Let’s work together to create some new stuff and bring new healing. We can’t do it without each other!”

MINISTRY IMPACT UPDATE

Our ministry impact update came from Jamie Grant, founder of Superman Sam’s Survival Kit, who shared about the many connections, ideas, and resources that have emerged from Amplify since she presented in January.

PRESENTING MINISTRIES

Jenny Gaines, founder of JCS Affective Sober Living shared her firsthand experience with the trauma, drug use, and abuse that victims of exploitation face. After escaping the life after 28 years, Gaines turned her personal pain into a mission to provide a safe place for women to heal from addiction and trauma.

Gaines shared the success she has experienced with her program model and invited leaders in the room to share ideas to help her facilitate the next phase of her dream to work full-time on JCS, by implementing a solid financial plan that will ultimately allow her to serve more women.

Ashley Moore, Executive Director of Citizens Against Sex Trafficking (C.A.S.T.), shared her mission to prevent trafficking before it starts. Through education, community awareness events, and collaboration with other organizations, C.A.S.T. engages volunteer citizens in prevention work.

Moore invited business leaders to help brainstorm how to better engage and retain volunteers in their work, so they can build more capacity and have a greater impact within the community.

Amplify partners then rolled up their sleeves and got to work, sharing ideas, connections, and expertise to help each ministry overcome the barriers presented and reach new levels of impact.

Julie Eide, President of Amplify wrapped up the evening by sharing a preview of our keynote speaker, Erik Weihenmeyer, who will be joining us in September for our annual fundraising event.

In Their Own Words

what guests had to say

“Amplify was so meaningful and fulfilling last night, as always!"

"I want to commend Amplify for its thoughtful approach to welcoming new people. I barely had my name tag affixed to my blazer when I was shuttled to a Board Member who then introduced me to several other folks."

"The whole experience was so inspiring and empowering. I just love the model of providing feedback and insights as if I was a fractional director for multiple organizations. While I work as a lawyer, I was encouraged I could provide insights and feedback on non-legal topics or concepts."

"It was a privilege to share the work that we do at C.A.S.T. with the Amplify community. Every person comes with their own story, knowledge, experience, gifts, and skills. It was beautiful to see people come as they are and hear their creative solutions to our organization's challenges. We are stronger together, and I know C.A.S.T. is going to grow because of this event! Thank you to Amplify for creating a space for us to learn from one another and support each other!"
- Ashley Moore, Executive Director of C.A.S.T.

AMP Sessions

can you make it?

Partners are needed to help advance ideas that began at our meeting on Tuesday. Spend one hour in consultation with our ministry partner and meet additional Amplify partners. Together we’ll review the feedback forms and support the ministry in identifying next steps. A Zoom link and full summary report of the ideas and feedback generated at the meeting will be provided after you RSVP.