Somaly Mam Foundation

I have been working with SMF for 6 years. I traveled to Cambodia to see the rescue and rehabilitation centers first hand, and saw how transformative their work can be in the lives of the sex trade survivors. It is a nimble, agile, yet powerfully impactful 501c3.

I have seen the incredible results of the Somaly Mam Foundation's work first-hand, fortunate enough to have visited their offices in March 2013 in Phnom Penh as well as spend time at two of their centers in Cambodia. The girls I met there who are benefitting from what the Somaly Mam Foundation does absolutely blew me away. I have been exposed (ever so slightly) to the conditions and heard some stories of their past experiences, and -- in sharp contrast -- I have seen them at the centers where they display great courage and commitment to their opportunity for a much different, and more promising life. I was also able to visit SMF center "graduates" at their new businesses in Phnom Penh -- a seamstress shop and a beauty shop -- where they are succeeding and showing a strength and will that I wish I possessed myself. The girls I met touched me deeply because I know they have a harrowing past, but they face the future with optimism and joy. The Somaly Mam Foundation allows them this chance.

i have raised funds for SMF via networking with my friends; and I also donate on a semi-regular basis myself, and plan to continue to do so. The SMF's fight to stop sex-trafficking and slavery has become my fight too.

The SMF staff is warm, friendly and supportive, recognizing my efforts and my own support of SMF with enthusiasm and encouragement. My direct contact with the NYC office staff assures me that my donations are making a difference and having an effect.

It is a cycle: I give to them and they give back to me.

This is a great organization that has a profound impact!

I have had the opportunity to work with this incredible organization several times over the past few years. When I first moved to New York, I was looking for a charity organization that I could work with and feel passionate about but I was overwhelmed by the number of options. At the recommendation of a friend, I started looking into the Somaly Mam Foundation and had the opportunity to volunteer at several fundraising events. Not only was I extremely moved by Somaly's story, I was amazed by her tireless efforts to save girls from sex-trafficking and offer them services for their recovery and for them to start a better life. When I work with this organization, I know that I am making a difference: I am helping in the effort to save someone. Every single event I have been involved with has been a huge success: drawing large crowds and fundraising thousands of dollars for the foundation. The staff members and the people who make up the Somaly Mam Foundation are some of the most passionate and kind people I have ever met: their commitment and hope is absolutely inspiring. I am immensely proud to say that I have worked with such a groundbreaking charity organization and I plan on continuing my volunteer work with the foundation.

I've raised about $75k for the Somaly Mam Foundation (with about $5k in personal donations), worked with them very closely, visited the shelters in Cambodia, seen the execution and behind-the-scenes of various fundraising events - and have been very pleased to have invested so much time, effort and funds into this charity.

Seeing not only the actual shelters but how the money is efficiently used to help not only with rehabilitation but also with providing the girls with relevant skills so they can help themselves and their communities was powerful. I am very familiar with the Foundation's team and have witnessed over and over again how hard everyone works to maximize every donation dollar received.

It has been my blessing to work as a volunteer for the Somaly Mam Foundation in New York City and Cambodia. The understanding and experience they have caring for survivors of slavery and sex trafficking is unmeasurable and truly inspiring. The are receiving loving support, education and the strength to move forward in countless ways. My heart has been touched and I would recommend to anyone to volunteer and support the Somaly Mam Foundation.

It had been my great honor to work as a volunteer for the Somaly Mam Foundation in New York City and on the ground in Cambodia. My team also volunteered with their sister organization, AFESIP, in Cambodia and our experience working alongside the SMF and AFESIP staff was truly incredible. The level of care, compassion and professionalism that both of these organizations have when dealing with the survivors of slavery and sex-trafficking is truly awe-inspiring! I would recommend to anyone to donate, volunteer and support the Somaly Mam Foundation in every way possible.

I have worked in gender and development for over 20 years with over 10 years in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. I have had several occasions to engage with Somaly Mam Foundation and AFESIP in the region on policy discussions as well as interagency projects. I personally know a long list of past staff, volunteers and donors. Given my current level of understanding around the real impact of these programs, I would not personally donate funds or time to Somaly Mam Foundation.