Each year an estimated 600,000-800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders. Most of these victims are women and children and are forced into prostitution.
Liz Glover, Founder and President of the Granby-based non-profit organization The Jubilee Market, was staggered by these statistics three years ago.
A mother of two, Glover decided to take the step to help these men, women and children through the creation of her non-profit, The Jubilee Market. Glover now puts her "God-given skill" to work internationally.
“I love to sew, draw, paint (murals on walls), make jewelry, decorate, and love to design window treatments- I invented and patented a drapery rod," she said. "I am hoping to use it in our organization to help establish sustainable income for those who have been rescued from prostitution and need jobs and job skills."
What does the organization do?
The Jubilee Market collaborates with other organizations in India working in the red light districts. The organizations search for women and girls in need of assistance or rescue.
- Purchase equipment and supplies for those organizations like sewing machines, jewelry making tools, knitting tools, and other equipment
- Supply textiles, gemstones, yarns, and to organizations that make products
- Teach women and children skills and trades
- Provide transportation, marketing assistance, and other tools needed to sell products they make to generate a sustainable income
- The Jubilee Market sells the products on their website, boutiques like Bleu Willow, and booths at women’s events and conventions.
- They provide opportunities for people in the U.S. to use their resources to help women and children in need
- The Jubilee Market contributes to organizations that build safe homes for exploited women and children
Who are Glover’s influences or role models in life?
My influence for the foundation of our organization is Jewels 4 God, Intl. from VA. They allowed me to join them on my first trip to India. They teach girls jewelry making and market and sell the jewelry for them. We teach all skills....jewelry, sewing, knitting, crocheting, business skills.
My role models are my parents. My Dad was a Pastor and my mom was an amazing help to him in all that he set his hand to do. My Dad was also an entrepreneur. He loved business. My parents loved people and devoted their lives to directing their feet to the right path.
If someone wrote a biography about you what would the title be?
'She lived her faith and why?' I believe that God's word, the Bible, teaches us that we are to be doers of his word and not just hearers only.
Share with us a little unknown fact about yourself.
I survived stage 3a colorectal cancer and finished my last chemo treatment in May 2010. I had an ileostomy reversal surgery in July 2010. I am cancer free and grateful to be able to continue the work that was set before me. I traveled to India on Christmas day 2010 and returned back to the U.S. on Jan 25 2011.
What lessons have you learned in life?
My life is not my own. I have a responsibility to share what has been entrusted to me...my skills, abilities, time and resources.
What aspirations or goals do you have for this endeavor?
I want to save the world.
I don't want to make an impact just in my little corner. This problem of slavery involves women...sisters...in every corner of the earth. I believe I can make a difference. But not by myself. I have been called "Mighty Mouse" because I am small and I do all that I can do with all of my might, however, to make a real impact it will take an army of people and a host of organizations all joining and networking together to make an impact. We cannot do it alone.
We have been given invitations to come to the Philippines, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Mexico and various other parts of India to work with organizations who are desperate for help. I could easily take 10 trips with 10 teams this year if we had the resources. We are also made aware of the huge trafficking issue here in the U.S. There are 5 or 6 homes of HOPE that I personally know of that could be established nationwide today if the resources were available. I believe they are available. I believe we could be far reaching if everyone joined the fight.
What do you want people to take away from this conversation?
We need each other. In relation to the plight of the impoverished of the world, the biggest mistake that we make is to think that we can’t make a difference because the problem is too big and our efforts are too insignificant. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And my something combined with your something is enough and could even become “everything”.
As we grow, please grow with us. It will take an army of 'doers' to make a difference.
Source: thegranbys.patch.com
Jubilee Market Aims To Help Human Trafficking Victims - The Granbys, CT Patch
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