History
Mission:
New Friends New Life enables women to leave the degradation of the sex industry and to build new lives for themselves and their children.
We help women overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty, and limited opportunities by providing access to education, job training, interim financial assistance and spiritual support.
New Friends New Life began by women helping women. In 1998, inspired by the plight of a former topless dancer named Amy, a Preston Road Church of Christ women’s committee provided financial assistance and referral services to women who contacted them, requesting help leaving sexually oriented businesses.
The group acquired nonprofit status in January 2000 as Amy’s Friends. Under the direction of one full-time program coordinator, a cadre of volunteers, and a board of directors, the organization provided financial help to more than 87 women in the first five years.
In March of 2001, the organization hired its first executive director, who oversaw program design, development, and fundraising. Two skilled social workers and one part-time protégé advocate handled day-to-day issues with the protégés, acting as case managers and mentors.
Over time, New Friends New Life has increased its staff to expand its holistic services for women and their children. Staff and volunteers now provide counseling for women and their children, a program for children of protégés, and a therapeutic prevention program at the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center. We partner with a number of agencies and individuals to provide legal assistance, medical services, budget counseling, job readiness training and educational opportunities.
New Friends New Life is funded by gifts from generous individuals and churches and has been awarded grants from various foundations, including The Dallas Women’s Foundation, The Dallas Foundation, Hobilitzelle, The Hogland Foundation, Endesha Group, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Chi Omega, and The Sturgis Foundation. External audits confirm that over 85% of funds are used for program expenses.
In 2010, New Friends New Life served approximately 300 women and children.
Want more information? Complete the form below:
