The Milwaukee Post

May 9, 2014 • Milwaukee Post • 13 By SARAH PRYOR Conley News Service MILWAUKEE – Lisa T.D. Nguyen still vividly remembers 26 years ago when a young college student gave her an apple. To most people an apple would just be an apple, but for Nguyen, a Vietnamese child in a Hong Kong refugee camp, it was an incredible gesture because it was all she had in the world. On May 2, Nguyen told the crowd at The Women's Center's 37th anniversary lunch- eon at Milwaukee's Italian Community Center that the college student's gesture is a metaphor for how people can help with the huge global problem of human traffick- ing – it only takes a small gesture to change someone's life. "You don't have to change the world," Nguyen said at the event, which was held at the Italian Community Center. "You can just start with one life." Nguyen founded and serves as the exec- utive director of the Senhoa Foundation, which supports survivors of human traf- ficking by providing income-generating opportunities, social reintegration and pro- grams for self-empowerment. The founda- tion does much of its work in Cambodia, where it's common for parents to sell their adolescent daughters' virginities for the equivalent of $200. "For people struggling to find their next meal, they don't have the luxury to make that decision," Nguyen said. Senhoa uses early intervention pro- grams to work with young girls and their families to stop the cycle before it can begin. Volunteers teach the girls to make Swarovski crystal jewelry, which can then be sold to create an income other than one coming from another frequent Cambodian occupation – prostitution. "The biggest and strongest armor for women is dignified and safe employment," Nguyen told the crowd. Human trafficking isn't an issue that stops outside the borders of our country or even our state, said James L. Santelle, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. "Of Wisconsin's 72 counties, roughly half have been touched by human traffick- ing in some quantifiable way," Santelle told the crowd, adding that perpetrators and their victims have told law enforcement that Wisconsin is among the top 10 states for successful human traffickers, and Milwaukee is the pathway to the entire Midwest for this $30 billion per year illegal industry. The Women's Center Executive Director Angela Mancuso said The Women's Center was founded on the message that domestic violence and sexual assault won't be toler- ated, and this year's theme of "Embark on a new journey" resonates through every woman who uses the nonprofit's services. "When someone comes to The Women's Center, it's the first step of their journey ... but it's by no means the last," Mancuso said. "The Women's Center stays by their side every step of the way." For more info on Senhoa, visit www.Senhoa.org. For more info on The Women's Center, visit www.twcwaukesha.org. Contact Sarah Pryor spryor@conleynet.com Women's Center marks 37 years Keynote speakers discuss impact of human trafficking locally and nationally Photo by Mary Catanese/Special to The Post James Santelle, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, addresses the crowd gathered for The Women's Center's 37th anniversary celebration at the Italian Community Center on May 2. Photo by Mary Catanese/Special to The Post T.D. Nguyen spoke to the crowd at The Women's Center's anniversary celebration. She founded the Senhoa Foundation, which supports survivors of human trafficking. $ 80 TIRE REBATE (Up to $80 off select tires, some restrictions apply, see manager for details) Expires 6/1/14. Call manager for details. 6/1/14. 6/1/14. 6/1/14. 6/1/14. 6/1/14. 6/1/14. 6/1/14. 6/1/14. Most cars. See manager for details. Not valid with any other coupons or offers. Expires 6/1/14. 15% OFF Any Front End Work 235874007 To see if you, or your loved one qualifies, contact them at (414) 476-3900 The Lamplight Inn of West Allis 7400 West Greenfield Ave. West Allis. WI 53214 The Lamplight Inn of West Allis, lighting the way to affordable assisted living. Lamplight Communities strive for outstanding living at affordable prices. They even accept senior residents who are receiving county assis- tance. All of the studios are private with private baths, activities, meals, weekly housekeeping and linen services. Lighting the way to affordable assisted living.

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