If my short time with Love146 has taught me nothing else, it’s that I live a terribly excessive lifestyle.

On the way to work, I thought nothing of the $2.12 I spent on a cup of coffee and I didn’t bat an eye at the $2.63 price tag for a breakfast croissant.

Somehow I had managed to spend nearly five bucks before 9am.

Hearing stories every day of restoration in our Round Home makes things like coffee and croissants — things I buy every day — seem pointless. What lasting impact did that coffee and croissant have? None. Who did it help beside myself? No one.

That’s why I’m pumped to hear we’re partnering with One Day’s Wages. The philosophy behind One Day’s Wages is that the money we earn in a single day can do an incredible amount of good in the world.

The Round Home creates a space where girls are not only safe from being re-exploited, but can be empowered to realize their potential. One major component of this is education and vocational training. For each child, we pinpoint opportunities and local institutions that will enable her make a suitable and sustainable living.

The Love146 Round Home is unlike many institutions in that we work hard to create a home and family setting. For some children, this home environment combined with education and empowerment is exactly what is needed for recovery. One of the girls in our home, Amanda, didn't stop running from institutional care until she was placed with Love146 and put in a home study program. She excelled quickly and recently graduated with a licence to be a professional caregiver, able to work in hospitals, schools and other facilities with children, adults and the elderly. Amanda was “rescued” many times, but education was the key to her freedom from traffickers.

“The Round Home is full of people who love and support us. They believe we can reach our goals. They give us strength to stand up and continue our journey. I thank them so much and I thank all the supporters. I love you.”

That’s where One Day’s Wages comes in. They’ve already given $12,463 to our Round Home aftercare programs and they’re looking to match it for a grand total of $24,926. 

Because we agree with One Day’s Wages in that a little money can make a big difference, we’re asking you to consider calculating how much money you make in a single day and giving it to the Round Home.

And don’t think that you have to be a CEO to make a difference. When I worked as a busboy during college, a normal eight-hour shift would bring in about $56. That’s enough for four girls at our Round Home to have backpacks stocked with school supplies. (Just imagine what I can do now that I work with a non-profit!)

Consider joining the girls on their way towards freedom by visiting One Day’s Wages.

This past Wednesday was my first day on the Love146 team. I came into a new office, sat at a new desk and was welcomed by new co-workers.

After setting up my work email account, I found a message from Dr. Gundelina Velazco, our Director of Asia Aftercare, telling me that Remy, one of the girls in our Love146 Round Home in the Philippines, had finally seen justice. Two of her traffickers—both women—had been found guilty of trafficking after a case that lasted over three years.

They face life in prison. It’s amazing to see the work of abolition unfolding—to see the cost of enslaving a person squash the profit. 

That’s justice. That’s love. 

Best of all, Dr. Velazco shared that Remy finally felt liberty from those who had formerly enslaved her:

“Remy said that she is very happy that at last she has justice. She said that she is now more enthusiastic to do what she is doing, like a thorn has been removed from her chest.”

As the newest part of the communications team here at Love146, I knew I’d be reading stories as they happened, but I didn’t know I’d see it so soon.

Moving from Florida to Connecticut, I’m still getting used to how hard the snow and wind blow here. But this poem Remy wrote about her time in the Love146 Round Home has kindled a fire in my bones that no frost can chill:

The Round Home is the reason for my strength.

The Round Home is my family.

I’m cared for when I am sick.

I’m fought for when I am oppressed.

Whenever I fall down
The Round Home helps me

Stand up again and face tomorrow.

Before I often cried and was afraid

But now that’s changed.
I am saved from a dark fate.
I see a light and hope for my future

and other children like me.

I’m sure that I will lead a beautiful life.

This Friday, Remy is experiencing liberty and enjoying justice. I’m strengthened and encouraged by the restoring work of love in this beautiful girl’s life. 

I hope you are too.