New Friends New Life began as a women’s committee of the Preston Road Church of Christ in 1998. Inspired by the plight of a former topless dancer named Amy, the organization provided financial assistance and referral services to women who contacted the committee for help in leaving sexually oriented businesses.

The group acquired non-profit status in January 2000 as Amy’s Friends. Under the direction of one full time Program Coordinator and a cadre of volunteers and a Board of Directors, the committee/organization provided financial help to over 87 women in the first five years. While current information is not complete on all the early protégés (clients), we know that better than 85% have not returned to sexually oriented businesses.
 
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, friends, and godly role models. One of the social worker positions was first funded by a grant from the Dallas Women’s Foundation in 2003 and the grant was again awarded for that position in 2004.

Today, New Friends New Life is led by a Board of Directors and an Executive Director, with the assistance of two social workers/Protégé Advocates, a Program Director, a part-time Children’s Advocate and an Office/Communications Manager. Many professionals volunteer their services.

New Friends New Life gives priority to education over employment for entrants in an effort to address the root causes of women choosing to work in sexually oriented businesses and falling prey to its occupational hazards. New clients who do not have a high school diploma or equivalency will be accepted as long as women are willing to pursue further education or career training.

The organization provides more up front financial assistance if necessary to make that possible. Those who enter with a high school diploma or equivalency are assisted first in finding work, and then in pursuing additional training/education preferably earning at least an Associates Degree. Every effort is made to help women find jobs that will lead to a career.

New Friends New Life leverages all available resources to provide basic needs for women and their children. We network with many helping agencies and the community college system to provide legal, medical, and educational opportunities as well as personal counseling.

Our Program Director and Protégé Advocates lead a mandatory weekly meeting that includes dinner, life-skills teaching and biblical principles. The meeting is interactive, emphasizing biblical principles for healthy living. The guided discussion among women who share similar histories has proved to be very therapeutic. A Certified Public Accountant serves as Board Chair and manages the organization’s income, disbursements, and reporting without charge. Virtually all financial assistance provided to women is for rent, utilities, transportation and childcare.

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