LIFEWAY NETWORK
P.O. Box 754215
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Dear Sister:
“Human Trafficking is an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ. It is a crime against humanity.” Pope Francis
LifeWay Network:
I would like introduce myself. I am Sister Joan Dawber a Sister of Charity, Halifax, founder and executive Director of LifeWay Network. LifeWay Network‘s mission is twofold: providing safe housing for women survivors of trafficking, and raising public awareness of this often hidden crime. We have been in existence since 2007
Core Community of three or more Sisters
This letter is to invite sisters to discern joining this exciting ministry to make a difference to women survivors of human trafficking in a second safe house to be opened in 2015. We are looking to form an intention community of three or more sisters ( from the same congregation or different congregations) to live in LifeWay House #2, New York, and form a Core Community to provide full or part-time coverage in this safe house.
LifeWay Safe House
LifeWay opened its first safe house, in March 2012, providing the women survivors with a true home. What sets LifeWay’s Safe Housing apart is its community living model, which goes beyond offering shelter and meals. Each woman is welcomed into a supportive, caring environment that helps her recover from her trauma and regain her sense of self-worth as she journeys towards a life of independence.
Community Living Model
This model is comprised of an Intentional community of three or more women religious (Core Community) who live in the house full or part-time on a rotating basis, and who may go out to ministry each day. The Core Community is supported by a full time house manager, a part/time social worker and a group of dedicated volunteers all of whom bring a healing presence to the women on a daily basis.
LifeWay’s dream of opening a second LifeWay House is becoming a reality and the host community is a key element. This is a great opportunity to provide a much needed service of healing, hope and new life to women survivors
Next Steps
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity to be part of a Core Community I would invite you to be in touch with me directly to explore your questions. I can be reached at or 718-779-8075 if writing to me via email please put “LW House #2 Core Community” in the subject. No question is unimportant and I would look forward to assisting you.
For your information LifeWay Network is a member of the Coalition of Religious Congregations Stop Trafficking of Persons (CRC-STOP) in New York and a member of the national coalition of the US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (USCSAHT) Visit our website for more information.
Warmest regards,
Sister Joan Dawber, SC
Sister Joan S. Dawber, SC
Executive Director