LIFEWAY NETWORK INC

LifeWay Network is an incredible organization with a deeply committed and compassionate staff dedicated to the fight against human trafficking. Their programs are impactful, thoughtfully designed, and inspiring. The team’s knowledge, empathy, and dedication to this critical cause are evident in everything they do. Through LifeWay, I’ve come to understand how urgent and often overlooked the issue of human trafficking is. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to support and be part of such meaningful work.

Lifeway Network is making a profound impact in the mission to end human trafficking by not only raising awareness, but by actively supporting survivors through safe housing, comprehensive education, and compassionate mentorship. Their work is both essential and transformative, creating a pathway for survivors to reclaim their independence and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Being involved with Lifeway Network as a volunteer has been incredibly meaningful, and I am continually inspired by the resilience and determination of the individuals they serve. The organization’s unwavering commitment to restoring freedom and fostering lasting change is both commendable and deeply needed in today’s world.

I’ve been working in the anti-trafficking space for several years now and I have found no organization better than LifeWay. Their staff is knowledgeable and compassionate and perhaps most importantly prompt in their response to people in need. I couldn’t be more impressed by the work they do.

Lifeway Network is a most valued resource for our community, which has become a center for human trafficking. They have provided care and shelter for victims who might otherwise be lost to a life of modern
day slavery, and they have educated us to recognize this evil, which is able to thrive beneath the surface. They are a priceless asset to Queens County.

Working at LIFEWAY Network Inc has been a truly rewarding experience thus far. Although I am relatively new to the organization, I have already seen the beauty in the work that we do. The mission of empowering and supporting survivors of human trafficking is both inspiring and impactful.

One of the highlights of my time at LIFEWAY has been meeting the incredible girls that we serve. Their resilience and strength in the face of adversity is truly remarkable, and it is an honor to be able to support them on their journey towards healing and independence.

I am excited to continue my work at LIFEWAY Network Inc and to contribute to such a meaningful cause. The team here is dedicated, compassionate, and truly committed to making a difference in the lives of survivors. I look forward to growing and learning in this role, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a fantastic organization.

LifeWay Network is making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. The help they provide has positive generational effects. It is important to me that I include them in my charitable giving and often encourage others to as well.

I have the privilege of working for Lifeway Network. I have to say that in my time here, it has been so fulfilling to see how committed all of the staff are to helping meet the survivor's needs. We work together like a well-oiled machine, and it's all in the best interest of these women. Through being able to give them a safe environment to continue their journeys, we are able to see them begin restoring their lives by returning to school, starting careers, taking care of their health and overall well-being. There is a safe place to heal, and there is hope. And that is the message we wish to bring to all survivors.

My favorite part about LifeWay is that they always put the residents first. This is an organization you can feel good about donating to. You know your money is going directly to the cause.

I recently attended LifeWays Spring Gala, an Event Toward New Life and I was blown away! This is a Non Profit to keep on your radar!

I have been a donor for LifeWay for the past year and I am so impressed with how valued the company makes me feel. Most organizations I donate too just send me a tax receipt but LifeWay sends me hand written notes to express their gratitude!

Amazing organization with their mission truly at its heart. LifeWay lives to serve its residents and educate our public. They are doing the work to end human trafficking

Beyond amazing organization! Lifeway has truly changed the lives of many.

LifeWay Network is 1 organization that I stand behind. They do great work within the community and provide amazing support to survivors.

All I can say is wow. This is an organization that values the survivors over any thing else. The women they serve always come first!

I have been involved with the organization for many years. The level of care that is provided to the survivors is admirable. The staff goes above and beyond to accommodate the survivors and meet their needs. Once the resident enters the space, they are home until they leave the program. While the survivors are in the homes, team works to connect them to places that can help support them. Your money truly helps support a great cause.

This organization offers an escape form the exploitive world of human trafficking for women survivors. The commitment to providing a healing, non-judgement environment through their incredible human resource (staff, and amazing volunteers), who ensure the women feel safe, secure and cared for. Lifeway continues to fulfill their purpose on a salient issue, aiming to mitigate the impact of the scourge of human trafficking within our communities, by saving one woman at a time.

I went to a Paint and Sip fundraising event sponsored by this organization. They had a very informative opening followed by a very fun event with lots of yummy snacks and beverages. I'm keeping an eye out for events they'll hold in the future so I can contribute to an amazing cause while having a good time.
They also let us look in the building at their model home for survivors and it was beautiful! They provide homes, education, and legal services to survivors free of cost! Absolutely wonderful non-profit.

Volunteering at LifeWay Network has by far been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. This organization is not only filled with hardworking and dedicated individuals but ones who really want to make a difference when it comes to ending human trafficking. LifeWay Network is a women-led and women-run organization that is dedicated to helping women of many unique backgrounds. They do this through their safe housing program which is the only program in the New York metro area providing safe housing specifically for both domestic and foreign-born women survivors of human trafficking. The work that they do is truly amazing and life changing. I am so honored to be volunteering for this organization.

It's unfortunate to have to write this review, but experiences with this organization have been difficult, challenging, and disheartening. Many times it seems that they aren't operating in a trauma-informed manner, with punitive approaches, that aren't respecting the autonomy of adults. Often times there is an expectation of how survivors should act/heal and when it doesn't fit exactly within those expectations, they aren't a "fit", or something is wrong. Every client I have had in their program has reported negative experiences with staff. I hope that they are able to work on the issues and create a trauma-informed, survivor centered program, that TRULY promotes healing and safety, but that is not the case now and I wouldn't recommend this organization.

LifeWay Network is an important organization, being one of the only organizations in the metro NYC area to offer secure and safe housing for women survivors of human trafficking. LifeWay strives to not just be a home, but a place where survivors can feel safe, where they can build trust and community, surrounded by support.

LifeWay Network is an amazing organization! They care so deeply for the women in their safe houses and want to see them succeed more than anything. There is no other program like theirs around. The women are provided housing, food, education, clothes, and emotional support all for free. This is an organization I fully stand behind.

I was one of the first survivors LifeWay had years ago. I had come from a shelter, sleeping in a room with 4 other women with severe depression and anxiety, I had no privacy or anything that made me feel safe. I was eventually transferred to the safe house after my case manager learned that I was being prostituted. I cried the first couple of days because I was in a home and slept on my own bed with warm blankets and a pillow that wasn’t flat. I had people who called me by my name and looked me in the eyes. I knew I was safe and needed that more than anything. LifeWay save my life and kept me grounded. I owe the world to the staff and sisters who cared for me. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. If I could I would give them everything. Not many places like this and I wish them all the best. I’m genuinely grateful. I often return to visit and stay connected, the new Executive is a kind and caring person who goes beyond to make sure the women are safe and treated well. She’s a compassionate and supportive and patient with everyone. It’s a great place. Please donate to support survivors.

LifeWay is one of the organizations that I will always support. The goal behind this organization will always be one I have to share. The work of this team is substantial. They go above and beyond for each person and never fail to surprise me. I’ve attended events with LifeWay where I was able to see just how much support this organization gets and the work they do behind the scenes. It was very commendable to see a group of people able to come together in the ways that they do.

Lifeway Network is a wonderful organization run by an extraordinary Executive Director to help survivors seeking freedom.

My association with Lifeway dates back to the days before it was even named ‘Lifeway Network’-when a grassroots group of advocates began meeting to confront the horror of human trafficking. I have witnessed Lifeway evolve over many years and seen how it has grown into an organization which has always maintained the essential characteristic which sets it apart from other service agencies- the community living model which provides the safe, secure space needed by survivors of trafficking to heal and grow. As a current Board Member, I have supported the steps the organization has taken to continue to expand and adapt to the emerging needs of the women survivors it serves through creative programming designed to empower them for a new life. Every day, the work of Lifeway is making a significant contribution to the global effort to abolish human trafficking through its safe housing program, its leadership in educating the public, and involvement in advocacy.

I volunteered working in one of LifeWay's safehouses this summer and had an extremely rewarding experience. Not only was I able to gain some exposure to what this kind of work looks like and how such organizations run (as I hope to enter a career in social work), but I also got to bond with the residents over meals, working in the garden, and more. I really appreciated LifeWay's structure and attitude to running a safehouse, and was able to witness real time the profoundly positive effects.

I have been on the Board of Lifeway for many years, and I am continually impressed by the dedication of the staff members, the other Board members and the volunteers. I have known many of the women who volunteered, giving countless hours of service and making Lifeway a priority in their lives. Actions speak louder than words, and the dedication of so many says it all! If you have time to give, Lifeway is a place to invest your time and talents in. You too, can make a difference.
Women who had been trafficked are given a new beginning, a sense of self worth and are treated as valued members of our society. They are empowered to make a difference in their own lives, in each others lives and in our world!

I didn't know about Lifeway Network until my sister started working for the organization.
I knew about human trafficking and the devastation it causes especially among women and children.
I think the work they do supporting women who have been trafficked achieve better independent lives is vital to the success of families and our society in general.
I am very proud to support this organization.

I currently work at Lifeway Network. I can honestly tell you that working with the women has been excellent. I get to see the women rebuild their lives one step at a time; Just the thought of me being a part of the mission is why I work at Lifeway Network. I have always said once I retire, I will volunteer at Lifewaynetwork For those who need more purpose of more fulfillment in their lives, I suggest volunteering at Lifeway Network

I was hired as a contractor to assist with marketing and communications for LifeWay Network in April 2022. The organization has opened my eyes to a world that I didn't know existed. Thanks to the exceptional education and advocacy programs, I've become a more conscious consumer and an even stronger advocate for justice. I stand in awe of the monumental effort on the part of the LifeWay staff, volunteers and, most importantly, the women survivors to overcome the trauma of being trafficked and build a new, free and independent life. I feel grateful every day to support a professional team of caring individuals who lead and serve at LifeWay and can't recommend their work highly enough.

I have served as a member of the LifeWay Network Board of Directors for many years and have been continually impressed by the dedication of its team to their mission of supporting women who are trying to rebuild their lives after being trafficking. They make a huge difference in the lives of so many women. And they continue to expand their work in education and advocacy, expanding their impact. Running safe houses during the pandemic has been intense and challenging, to say the very least. Their commitment and ability to continue operations during such a disruptive and scary time was amazing.

I have been on the Board of LifeWay Network for over 10 years. I joined the Board because I was horrified by my awareness that some people think they can sell other people. During these years, I have seen our agency not only provide an important direct service of housing but become more and more involved in advocacy for the women who have been used by others. Raising awareness with the public with our training programs has been integral to our mission. We may be a small agency but have had a large impact on the broader system. The staff have consistently kept our mission as the guidepost for our interventions, advocacy and training.

Lifeway Network provides a community living model that makes survivors of human trafficking feel safe, connected and motivated to start a new journey in their life. Lifeway Network provides an individualized program for each survivor. This makes Lifeway unique in its approach.
The Executive Director and the staff are fully committed to carry Lifeway's mission. As a former employee, I strongly recommend this agency to work and to make a difference in the survivors' life.
E.F.

Wonderful organization! The staff is committed and caring and work incredibly hard to support the women. They are actively supporting their clients by providing essential needs such as food and housing, vocational needs such as helping the women find jobs or enroll in school, and relational needs by encouraging and supporting their clients to find and engage in supportive community. Their holistic approach is both respectful and effective.

I am former volunteer I hd the unique experience of seeing with my own eyes the power of lifeway’s work.

The staff are incredibly kind, and the mission is wonderful

I was very pleased to offer pro bono tech and design support. Before volunteering, they invite you into the community with a great training to bring you up to speed with the mission and state of human trafficking. They work well with the volunteers.

For many years I was a volunteer at LifeWay and have fond memories of the women I met there. I recall one woman who was attending college and was so welcoming and grateful for time spent with her and her studies. I clearly remember how she gleefully raised her eyes from her books and asked if I could work with her. Those were enriching hours for both of us because her commitment and enthusiasm were inspiring and energized both of us.
I also witnessed women arriving home from work-tired - but grateful to have a supportive community, safe housing and a good meal waiting for them. If only, this model could embrace many more persons who have been abused, ignored or lost. I think of and pray for them and for potential providers who might aid in ongoing transformation in the lives of so many persons in need today.

Lifeway is doing essential work to end human trafficking and provide safe housing, education and mentoring to empower survivorship. It has been a privilege to provide practical information and tools, and to participate in real world dialogue in small groups about budgets and financial literacy.

LifeWay Network is a great organization helping survivors of human trafficking on their journey to recovery. It is a place where strong relationships are built with the survivors and continue to grow beyond their stay. At times, the staff is the closest representation to a family unit for the women, so the support that they receive during their stay and after truly makes a difference. I have been privileged enough to witness through my many years of service with this amazing organization; the growth of many of the survivors from when they've entered to when they depart. Please support the organization as much as you can, because your help makes a difference; the survivors directly benefit from your support.

LifeWay Network is working to make true difference in the world by helping survivors of human trafficking to become empowered individuals, living independent lives, free from their past trauma. Safe shelter is a basic human right. LifeWay provides a safe and comfortable home for women survivors with access to many supportive services. You truly know your donation is making a difference in this world when contributing to LifeWay Network.

LifeWay Network is doing its part in working to address human trafficking, an overhelming tragedy which many, including myself, had not thought much about, but which is happening locally and the world over. It is, in some ways, a modern form of slavery. Dedicated and caring LifeWay staff and volunteers work to help traumatized women, victims of trafficking, by providing a safe place to live and recover when they have escaped from those who have harmed them. It is a privilege to try to contribute in some way to the work in which LifeWay Network is engaged.

I am so inspired by the work of Lifeway Network. I was fortunate to be able to hear so much about the organization's mission over a zoom call, and hope to volunteer in the future. Their tireless work in fighting this severe issue is truly admirable.

LifeWay is an amazing organization that not only spreads awareness about human trafficking, but they house and help survivors. I have volunteered with LifeWay through virtual work and attending a rally against child marriage. Everyone I have met at LifeWay is not only highly educated in human trafficking, but they are passionate, kind, and dedicated to LifeWay's cause. This nonprofit does not think any step is too small in fighting human trafficking: they want educate anyone via school presentations to online articles about their cause. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with everyone at LifeWay.

Lifeway Network is a phenomenal organization that puts the need of the clients first. I have been involved with the organization as a volunteer and I am always amazed by the commitment of the staff. The team is not only interested in providing comprehensive support for the survivors of human trafficking, but also enthusiastic in evolving when necessary to improve its current and future offerings.

LifeWay Network offers trauma- and survivor-informed care to women survivors of human trafficking. I support LifeWay because they offer a unique community-based safe housing program for survivors that provides a therapeutic home environment where the women can begin their healing journey. Additionally, LifeWay has a mentorship program for safe-house alumnae, providing them with a continuity of care beyond their time in the safe house. The LifeWay staff are committed to accompanying these women as they rebuild their lives. The organization is fiscally responsible, so I am confident that my donations are benefiting the survivors. Also important is the LifeWay Education Program, which brings much-needed awareness to the problem of human trafficking and trains professionals (medical workers, law enforcement, etc) to recognize the signs of human trafficking. LifeWay Network changes the future for women survivors and actively works toward a world where human trafficking is abolished. That's an organization I'm proud to support.

As the coordinator of volunteers and a volunteer myself at LifeWay Network’s first safe house since it opened eight years ago, I have first hand knowledge of what a great program it provides. The women residents who live there for a year are surrounded by a community that offers a safe, warm, and friendly environment in which they can begin their journey of healing and rebuilding of the trust they have lost through their painful experiences. LifeWay Network lives up to its name since it truly is a network that builds relationships and gives new life and a way forward to the women as they venture into independent living and toward realizing their dreams.

It was my honor and privilege to be a volunteer and soon after the Volunteer Coordinator for the past six years. I have worked along side the most dedicated women to the mission of LifeWay.
Recently, I had to respond to a ministry request from my own religious community. Leaving LifeWay was the hardest decision I had to make.

The women in LWNW programs are well cared for, treated with respect, and given the opportunity to Heal, Grow, and have a healthy, meaningful future.
Sincerely,
Mary Seton Agovino, RSM

I was impressed with the organization's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and LifeWay's ability to pivot the needs of the women in creating the COVID-19 Freedom Fund. This nonprofit is making a critical impact in the anti-trafficking field and is doing so with integrity and courage.

Lifeway Network is a well run organization led by a dedicated and professional staff. They have managed to tackle their difficult yet critical mission with both efficiency and empathy. I am proud to support and be associated with such a wonderful non-profit.

I learned about this org through a friend who was in need of service because she was in a very bad situation. I have had the privilege of volunteering at one of their events (5k) race last year to raise funds to support he women in the safe house program. The safe house is where vulnerable women desperate for safety and protection form their pimps and abusers go for refuge. In the program women are treated with the highest level of compassion and care, they are not treated like in a shelter but with every gesture of empathy in a home like setting, I am very pleased that I was able to see first hand in my friend how much LifeWay goes the extra mile to make sure all survivors are treated with dignity in the care they provide.

LifeWay Network is an incredible organization delivering services to women in the most dignified way. It joined the global movement to end trafficking and has since provided safe housing, a very critical need for survivors exiting the compelling trafficking situation. This a great organization for survivors to begin their healing journey. Services provided to women supports their continued healing and restores their self-determination.

I opted to volunteer with LifeWay because it was clear from the work they were doing and their impact on the community that they were making a difference. Since joining the organization as a volunteer that has only become more apparent by decision making progress from the inside, where there is a constant push to always be improving and doing things as efficiently as they can, in order to make as big a difference as possible.

LifeWay provides an invaluable service to victims of human trafficking, aiding them in overcoming their trauma, restoring faith in humanity and re-integrating back into society without rushing anything. I'm proud to be aiding this organization that is doing such important work and making a difference in so many lives that need it the most.

I have been involved with LifeWay for some time now both as a volunteer and as a board member. Among the many positives related to LifeWay is the staff. They create a homey atmosphere in each residence where the woman can heal as well as provide support and resources as she attends to the next phase of her life. LifeWay is unique.
RK

I have been a volunteer at LifeWay for a number of years. The staff and their commitment to their clients is amazing. The services that are provided make a huge difference in these women's lives. I am so proud to be part of this organization and their efforts to make an impact in changing the direction of the future for individuals who have been trafficked.

UNIQUE; LIFEGIVING; INSPIRATIONAL:
GUESTS AT THE LIFEWAY SAFE HOUSE, WHERE I SERVED AS A VOLUNTEER FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, CONTINUE TO THRIVE. THIS SAFE AND CARING COMMUNITY SETTING PROVIDES A PLACE WHERE SELF-ESTEEM IS STRENGTHENED, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOP, AND THE JOURNEY TOWARD HEALING BEGINS. HOW WONDERFUL IT WAS TO SEE GUESTS PURSUE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREER INTERESTS. A LISTENING EAR AND EASILY SHARED CONVERSATIONS REVEALED TO ME THE GIFTEDNESS OF THE WOMEN WITH WHOM I SPOKE. HOW BLESSED I AM TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO BETTER KNOW, SERVE, AND LOVE OTHERS AS A LIFEWAY VOLUNTEER.

I started working at LifeWay as the Social Worker on 7/9/2018. The staff with open arms greeted me. The thing that impressed me the most is that LifeWay really does care about the resident they serve. The staff makes the resident feel safe. If you want to work for a nonprofit, this would be a good place to start.

Lifeway Network is a wonderful organization, where all the workers and volunteers work tirelessly to help those who need it most. I have never seen a more dedicated group of individuals. I have donated to this nonprofit every year since finding out about it, and I highly recommend doing so! You know your donation is going to a very worthy cause.

I have volunteered with LifeWay Network 4 11 years. The care given to our guests who have suffered greatly., and the attention to infrastructure are excellent. It has been a challenge and a joy to work with LifeWay

I have worked with LifeWay Network regularly over the last two years on multiple strategic planning projects. LifeWay is an exceptional organization from top to bottom with a highly skilled staff and board, and a clear focus on its extremely valuable mission. The staff is simultaneously committed to LifeWay's mission and exceptionally capable in the execution of their work. LifeWay understands the human element of their work very deeply while also operating at the highest levels of professionalism when it comes to financial stewardship and long-term planning.
It is a significant privilege to be associated with LifeWay Network.

Lifeways Network has a clarity of purpose and mission. This focus has been a driving force for the staff, volunteers and donors of Lifeways Network. The participant of the programs have a clear voice in shaping their own future which develops greater independence and self esteem. As a small contemporary nonprofit Lifeways Network has had a enormous impact on the lives of women who have been caught into Human Trafficking and has increased the level of awareness of this issue through there ongoing education efforts.
Sr. Maureen McGowan, rgs

LifeWay Network is committed to its mission with the utmost integrity. I feel confident in its operational and governance practices. I strongly feel that this nonprofit utilizes its donations in the most effective and efficient way, to maximize every dollar. LifeWay's community makes a positive, lasting impact on every woman who enters and leaves the safe housing program, and on every person who has the opportunity to learn through the education program.

I feel very privileged and blessed to be a volunteer at LifeWay Network. My experience is that everyone connected with LifeWay is very committed to support and uplift survivors of human trafficking and to help eradicate human trafficking through education. In my volunteer role as Volunteer Coordinator I am especially fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know so many generous, dedicated people who give of their time and resources to promote LifeWay's mission. It is such a positive experience to work with them and staff as each person contributes her/his gifts and expertise to make LifeWay such an outstanding organization. It gives me hope to be part of this organization that is making such a difference in the lives of the women who are survivors of human trafficking.

I was introduced to LifeWay Network (LWN) through a close friend and LWN board member. Through her, I learned about LWN's three-pronged approach to combatting Human Trafficking: through Long Term Housing and Short Term Housing for survivors, and Education to the general public. LifeWay's unwavering commitment to its cause and remarkable operating model makes them uniquely poised to make a difference in fight against Human Trafficking. The first LWN safe house has already transformed the lives of a number of women survivors, and I am fully confident that any contributions to LWN has a direct and meaningful impact.

I came to LifeWay Network through friend of 30 years, its founder, S. Joan Dawber. Joan's involvement drew me in, and I joined the founding board. Slowly I learned the extent of global Human Trafficking and the terrible effects it had on its victims. From the first LWN sought both to educate that public about Trafficking and to touch the lives of victims directly. 7 years after its humble start that is exactly what LWN does. We have a safe house for women at last! In addition, we have many volunteers and collaborators all of whom help educate the public about Trafficking. Our full time education coordinator produces excellent materials and travels throughout the NY area to speak about Trafficking and alert all to how to combat it. Our compassionate staff at the safe house create a true, if temporary home for women who have experience Trafficking, allowing them to feel safe for the first time in years. All of us at LWN try to model the equality and respect we hope to share with the women we serve, and the audiences we address. We work very hard to create a coherence between the way we work and what we hope to accomplish.