February 2019 Newsletter

Hands & Feet in Action

“As a native of Newark, New Jersey I have certainly experienced my share of victimization. In turn, the events in my life has equipped me with a relentless
compassion for those in suffering. When you evolve from victim to survivor, the most powerful thing happens….. The desire to bring others along side
you.  Spurred on by this passion, I found myself looking for opportunities to serve in my community. After meeting Jen with L4L, I knew this encounter
was going to be a part of my life’s work. I have come along side Jen to assist with training other Police Officers, churches and community members.

When I look back over my life, I can see how I was extremely vulnerable to being a victim of sex trafficking. More than anything, that motivates me to
reach and teach the community. The idea of helping someone like me, who had all the odds stacked against me… All the identifiers, sexual abuse, unstable
home, drug abuse and violence and to come out on the other side with a scar but not dead!!! It’s gift that I give away freely to better serve others.

I believe if the community would see each life as a valuable investment (future teacher, police officer, parent, advocate etc.) then we wouldn’t allow
one child to fall prey to sex trafficking. The passion and obligation to protect our future investment would and should be a community priority. The
best way I can describe my heart’s song is in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “ The best way to find yourself is to
lose yourself in the service of others”.

Dee Chocran

Victim’s Advocate for Lexington County Sheriff’s Department

Karis Home Up-date

Looking for a year long ministry opportunity? 

We are looking for a married couple to serve as house parents at Karis Home. 

This is a full time paid position for  the husband and the wife. Both will work with us full time.  This care giving couple will be off every
weekend. Room and board is provided and many layers of support exist. You will not serve alone. 

We ask that applicants be married for at least 3 years, and not be responsible for caring for children at this time. (Couples with no children or empty
nesters are perfect for this.) No specialized training or background are required to be a good fit for this home.  Just come with a desire to
serve and care for the residents. Experience the blessing of investing in the lives of others and contribute to something that will outlive us all.
Restored lives.

If you’d like to know more, please contact Elizabeth Rummel at Elizabeth@lighthouseforlife.org.

Help us spread the word!

Financial Update

• Monthly Income: January Income: $35,387
• Monthly Expenses: January Expenses: $35,163
• Monthly Operating Budget: $50,000
• Regular Monthly Support: $13,350

Breakdown of Monthly Support

• 6 Businesses: $2,850
• 15 Church Groups: $5,153
• 109 individuals: $5,347

Next Event

We currently have 400 registered participants for our 4th Annual Run For Her Life 5K!

Our goal for this year is 600 participants and WE NEED YOU.

This is a Glow Run and all are welcome – Serious runners searching for a new PR all the way to folks looking for a new route to walk their canine bffs. 

Online registration closes on Thursday, March 7 at midnight. 

Late registration will be Friday, March 8 at Radius Church (300 West Main St. in Lexington) from 4 – 7 pm. or on
Race day from 5:45-6:30 pm.

For ALL the details and to register right now visit  https://runhard.org/pages/race-lighthouse.php

News

Lighthouse for Life News

Looking for ways to volunteer and Join The Movement? Check out  www.lighthouseforlife.org/get-involved for all the info you need on how to plug in!

Columbia News

The next Richland County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force meeting will be on March 15, 2019 at 2500 Decker Blvd. Columbia, SC. This will be a working
meeting to schedule and plan for 2019 events. You are welcome to attend.

 Live somewhere other than the midlands of SC? Not a problem. Find the regional task force closest to you by clicking on this link: http://humantrafficking.scag.gov/regional-coalitions/.

South Carolina News

Lighthouse for Life’s legislative agenda is progressing. Senator Katrina Shealy sponsored S194, a bill that significantly raises fines on sex-buyers. The
bill passed the Senate on January 29 and was forwarded to the House Judiciary Committee.

Although in past general assemblies our bills died in the House Judiciary Committee, I am optimistic that this time things will be different. First, both
the House Judiciary Committee and Criminal Laws Subcommittee have new leadership. Secondly, public awareness has grown significantly in the past year.
Our ability to affect legislation corelates directly to public awareness and support.

Churches and civic organizations have been calling upon Representative Peter McCoy, Chairman House Judiciary Committee to schedule hearings before the
Criminal Laws Committee. Calls were also made to the Criminal Laws Subcommittee.

You too can help by calling the members of the Criminal Laws Committee to vote for S194 when hearings are held. Contact information for the committee is
listed below.

HOUSE CRIMINAL LAWS SUBCOMMITTEE DISTRICT COLUMBIA PHONE #

Rep. Chris Murphy, Chairman District 98 Dorchester (803) 212-6925

Rep. Justin T. Bamberg District 90 Bamberg (803) 212-6907

Rep. Jay Jordan, Jr. District 63 Florence (803) 212-6785

Rep. Cezar McKnight District 101 Clarendon & Williamsberg (803) 212-6926

Rep. Edie Tallon, Sr. District 33 Spartanberg (803) 212-6893

The bill raises first offense fines for sex-buyers by 500%, from “up to $200” to “up to $1,000.“

– Robert L. Healy, Director Public Policy

!SIGN A PETITION!

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eg4i5g7wjsesq73a/a011mjskgigtc/questions

New Partner Highlight

We’d like to give a huge shout out to these 5 partners. They were our very first business partners who Joined The Movement in 2014 and have faithfully
stood with us through the years! You guys have supported us like no other and we thank you oh so very much.