A few months ago, during a LinkUP! event, a mentee we’ll call E attempted to run away. Thanks to the quick thinking of two other mentees, R, and a friend, E was safely stopped before getting very far. While everyone was grateful for her safety, the experience left E struggling with hurt feelings toward R. For weeks, she wanted nothing to do with her.

At our recent Resource Fair, something beautiful happened. R and E took time to sit down together, talk through what had happened, and truly listen to one another. By the end of the day, they were laughing together, spending time side by side, and building a friendship that once seemed impossible. Since then, R has been added to E’s approved call list at her residential facility, and the two are already planning an outing together with their mentors.

For many of the young women we serve, healthy conflict resolution, forgiveness, and reconciliation are unfamiliar experiences. Through the consistent example of caring mentors and a supportive community, they are discovering that relationships don’t have to end when conflict arises. Instead, they can become places where healing begins. This is the lasting impact of mentorship… one healthy relationship at a time.

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Throughout the evening, mentees explored the store, discovered items that reflected their interests and personalities, and made their own purchasing decisions. For many, the opportunity to exercise choice and express their individuality was just as meaningful as the gifts themselves.

The event also created space for joyful reunions between mentees, mentors, and coaches who hadn’t seen one another in some time, filling the store with laughter, connection, and community. The staff at Global Gifts – Nora created an atmosphere that was warm, welcoming, and empowering, and we are so grateful for the unique experience they provided for our mentees.

Rather than canceling their time together, her mentor chose to come to the facility anyway. When she arrived, the mentee’s therapist gently suggested rescheduling, explaining that the mentee hadn’t been engaging much with anyone and likely wouldn’t participate in the visit.

But her mentor simply replied, “I’m here to see her. I don’t care if she doesn’t say two words to me and we sit in silence the entire time. I want her to know I showed up for her, that I care about her and I’m here no matter what.”

What followed was nearly two hours of conversation, honesty, and connection. The mentee was able to open up about what led to her behavior, and her mentor listened with empathy and understanding. At the same time, she helped her mentee see that the rules and structure of the facility exist to teach and protect her, offering a perspective grounded in care rather than punishment.

By simply showing up, listening, and remaining steady in a difficult moment, this mentor reminded her that she is seen, valued, and cared for even on the hard days.

Mentorship is rarely a straight path, but even through the ups and downs, it is still a journey forward.

The shower was filled with laughter, conversation, and the kind of warmth that only comes from genuine community. Her mentor, her current coach, and our Executive Director were all there to celebrate alongside her. A board member who has built a meaningful relationship with her attended as well, along with a former coach who had walked with her during an earlier chapter of life. At one point, another mentee even stopped in with her own little one. Watching these young women check in with each other, asking how far along the pregnancy was or how old the baby had gotten, was a powerful picture of growth.

What once began as individual mentoring relationships now looks more like a circle of friends. Moments like these remind us that mentorship is about so much more than guidance; it is about building a village.

The mom-to-be later wrote heartfelt thank-you notes to those who gave gifts, another beautiful sign of her growth. But perhaps the most touching note was the one she wrote to her coach. In it, she reflected on the many seasons they have walked through together, writing:

“I can’t even begin to put into words how grateful I am for you and the relationship we have. The transparency, the honesty, the advice — literally everything is so great and near to my heart.”

She went on to acknowledge just how much life has changed over the years:

“To know that you’ve been through several seasons of my life… from no kids, to one kid, to relationship roller coasters, to homelessness, to now being stable and in love with two kids… is truly life changing.”

Her letter closed with a powerful reminder of what consistent presence can mean in someone’s life:

“I am full of gratitude to have you be such a huge role in my village.”

That simple phrase captures the heart of Allies. Our mentors, coaches, staff, board members, and community partners become part of the village that surrounds our mentees and their children with stability, encouragement, and love.

This baby shower was more than a celebration of a new life on the way. It was a celebration of transformation, perseverance, and the beauty of a community that continues to show up, season after season. And soon, our village will grow by one more little person to love.

At a LinkUP gathering earlier this January, something powerful began to take shape. What started as simple conversation turned into meaningful connection. Since that evening, several mentees have continued to stay in touch—checking in on one another, offering encouragement, and building a community rooted in trust and shared understanding.

In recent weeks, many of them have been following the story of Hailey Buzbee. Like so many across our state, they are heartbroken by its outcome. But for our mentees, this tragedy feels especially personal. Because of their own histories, they know all too well that this could have been their story.

And yet—they are not retreating into silence.

Instead, they are standing together.

This week, these young women gathered in solidarity, holding signs and inviting community members to sign a petition for “Hailey’s Law.” The proposed legislation would mandate annual, updated Predator and Online Grooming Education in Indiana schools and establish a special alert system—measures designed to protect young people before harm occurs.

What makes this moment so powerful is not only their advocacy—it is their transformation. Survivors who once needed support are now offering it. Young women who have experienced exploitation are now using their voices to prevent it. They are turning pain into purpose.

This is the impact of connection.
This is the power of empowerment.
This is hope in action.

We invite you to stand with them. Add your voice by signing the petition for “Hailey’s Law” and help ensure that every young person in Indiana receives the education and protection they deserve.

Together, we can change the trajectory.

At Allies, our mission is to empower survivors of trafficking and exploitation through mentorship and a supportive community. This mission comes to life every day through the people who choose to show up consistently, compassionately, and with open hearts.

Empowerment happens through relationships. Survivors are surrounded by mentors, coaches, staff, and volunteers who walk alongside them in both ordinary and milestone moments celebrating birthdays, graduations, new homes, baptisms, and fresh starts. These moments matter because they remind each survivor they are seen, valued, and not alone.

Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Allies. From mentors committing to long-term, intentional relationships, to board members, prayer partners, and event volunteers, each person plays a unique role in creating stability and trust. Though our staff is small, we are stronger because of those who give their time, talents, and prayers so generously.

We are also deeply grateful for former staff and board members whose faithful service helped build the foundation of Allies. While their roles may have changed, the relationships, encouragement, and impact they poured into this work continue to ripple outward. At Allies, this mission has always been about people, not positions, and those connections endure.

One powerful way we see this community come together is through LinkUP! events – monthly gatherings designed for mentors and mentees to connect through shared experiences. Named by a beloved mentee whose legacy lives on, LinkUP!s provide safe spaces for relationship-building, exploration, and belonging. Over time, these gatherings have grown from just a few each year to monthly events, now welcoming an average of 24 participants.

Because of generous community partners and supporters, mentors and mentees are able to share meals, try new experiences, discover interests, and build social connections that strengthen their journeys forward. LinkUP!s are a visible reminder that empowerment does not happen in isolation. It happens through a community that shows up.

THANK YOU for being part of a mission that is lived out through presence, compassion, and connection. Together, we are empowering survivors and building a community where hope continues to grow.

Mona thoughtfully planned the day, providing binoculars, bird guides, and a fun scavenger hunt to help the girls spot different species along the nature trail. After a short introduction, mentors and mentees set off in pairs, eager to see what they could find.

What began as a new experience quickly turned into a delightful adventure. The girls loved being surrounded by nature, away from their usual routines.  Many were surprised by how peaceful and enjoyable birdwatching could be.

As they listened for calls and pointed out flashes of color in the trees, something deeper took flight: connection. Moments like these remind us how simple shared experiences can open doors to trust, joy, and healing.