My husband, Norman, and I had been living in the Philippines. We were looking for better-paying jobs in the U.S. to help support our families. A recruiting agency promised us the perfect jobs in Florida, so we eagerly agreed to their request to move. We believed that we were about to start the next chapter of our lives.
Once we arrived in Florida, we realized we had been lied to. Instead of the stable jobs and work visas they promised, we were forced into unpaid physical labor at a hotel. We worked long days with little food or water. We were charged rent despite having no money to pay, and had to live in our truck or a storage unit at times.
Then, my mother passed away back at home in the Philippines. The last time I saw her was before we were trafficked. We were trapped here with no money to return. I was heartbroken to have to grieve my mother so far away from home.
A nonprofit agency in Florida had a brochure with a list of service organizations, and we paused at Safe Horizon because the word “safe” was exactly what we were looking for. We spoke with a Safe Horizon case manager over the phone.
They were the only ones to ask, “are you safe?” For the first time in over 10 years, someone cared about our well-being and our safety. That night, we drove to New York City.
Safe Horizon’s Anti-Trafficking Program helped us rebuild our lives. They gave us Metro Cards and gift cards for groceries and helped us secure our work visas. We were able to find an apartment and eventually connect with the Filipino community in the city.
For the first time in over 10 years, someone cared about our well-being and our safety.
Now, I’m taking medical coding classes through Safe Horizon’s education initiative, and Norman is training to become a pharmacy assistant. We have hope that we will be able to give back to others in need in the future, the way that Safe Horizon was there for us.