Statements
Mission
To nurture survivor healing and strategically combat human trafficking in Tennessee.
Background
End Slavery Tennessee (ESTN) was founded and named in 2012 to sound the alarm that human trafficking exists and is happening in our very own backyard. In the past decade, we've grown from raising awareness to providing a place of healing and restoration for human trafficking survivors.
Today, we better understand the complexity of trauma, the nuance of exploitation, and the impact of language. We've evolved, so it was time for our name to evolve as well. To better reflect who we are and the hope we believe in we look forward as AncoraTN (Latin for anchor - meaning refuge, support, and hope.)
Inspired by survivor experiences and voices, the name AncoraTN reflects the stability needed amidst the storm of trauma. AncoraTN is the foundation for planting seeds and nourishing the dream of a new future. As we embark on the next decade of work, we journey with survivors to achieve their dreams and relentlessly pursue our dream-which always has been, and continues to be, the eradication of human trafficking in Tennessee.
Impact
AncoraTN (ATN) operates as the Single Point of Contact agency for human trafficking referrals within the 41 counties of Middle Tennessee. In 2023, we received 501 crisis and referral calls (a 47% increase from 2022) and served an array of human trafficking survivors of all ages with a diverse set of needs. Because of ATN's holistic, evidence-based approach to aftercare, the survivors we serve develop resiliency and learn skillsets to ensure lifelong, sustainable healing. In 2022, ATN relocated to its 35-acre, all-in-one facility called the Survivor Restoration Campus, where trafficking survivors have access to long-term comprehensive healing support services and residential care. Current plans for this campus include an Enrichment Center, additional emergency housing, and additional spaces for ever-expanding youth services and programming, in addition to ATN's existing eight-bed residential facility for adults and Care Center.
Needs
ATN continues to see a significant need for emergency housing in the north Nashville/ Madison/ Goodlettsville area. This emergency housing would accommodate short-term placements for survivors when they first exit exploitation. Emergency housing placements allow survivors the stability and time to be triaged for any substance abuse or mental health issues that require immediate treatment before joining the established community of ATN's residential facility. The availability of emergency housing placements ensures proper care for short-term clientele and protection for long-term program participants who might feel destabilized by frequent changes in emergency placements.
Additionally, ATN has launched a capital campaign to build out the Survivor Restoration Campus and match our operational capacity with the trajectory of our growth. ATN is cultivating relationships with community stakeholders and funding partners who want to join us in our fight for change. ATN will also continue to expand clinical staffing to ensure trauma-informed and evidence-based best practices.
CEO Statement
Dear Community,
Healing doesn't happen overnight. For survivors of human trafficking, healing from exploitation is often the culmination of many small victories. The first time in therapy. Obtaining a driver's license. Finding laughter in community. A new job. 6 months of sobriety. These small victories are everything. These are the moments that reclaim a life.
These victories would not be possible without the ability to walk alongside survivors. Without AncoraTN's committed donors, partners, and advocates, survivors wouldn't have the holistic support they need to rebuild hope and independence.
In 2023, we are entering a new chapter as AncoraTN. I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that continues to evolve and better support survivors on their healing journeys. We are enhancing our services by continuing to provide more clinical and therapeutic support. We are lengthening our residential programming to give survivors the time they need to heal. We are deepening our partnerships and prioritizing collaboration to make sure survivors are connected with opportunities for employment, access to healthcare, and life-changing community.
As we continue to look forward, we commit to filling statewide gaps through creative housing solutions, community-based services, and comprehensive care for minor survivors. I invite you to join us as we work together to nurture hope and healing in Tennessee.
Gratefully,
-Kelli Cary
CEO, AncoraTN
Board Chair Statement
Dear Supporters,
In 2018, I attended the Voices of Freedom event for the first time. To say that evening was impactful is an understatement. Like many who support the efforts to fight human trafficking, you really don't know this atrocity is happening in your community…until you do. After the shock sinks in that human beings are being trafficked, it becomes a passion to do anything and everything you can to be a part of the solution.
2022 was a game-changing year for End Slavery Tennessee, now AncoraTN. Most notably, we opened the Survivor Restoration Campus for survivors across Middle Tennessee to find healing, housing, and hope. This 35-acre property in Davidson County will transform lives for years to come.
We also celebrated Margie Quin as she transitioned from CEO to Commissioner of the Department of Children Services and joined AncoraTN's Board of Directors. Margie's steadfast commitment to survivors will continue to lead the State's counter-trafficking and prevention efforts, protecting Tennessee's most vulnerable youth from exploitation. The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Kelli Cary as our new CEO. Kelli will lead the organization in trauma-informed survivor care. Her collaborative approach will strengthen our efforts to pave the way for systemic change and meaningful survivor support.
In 2023, we will continue to make sure that AncoraTN is there for survivors, championing healing and investing in hope for a better tomorrow. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for advocating for survivors in our community. It takes all of us to make a difference.
Sincerest thanks,
-Lori Hines
Board of Directors Chair
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Human Services - Human Services NEC |
| Secondary Category: | Youth Development - Alliances & Advocacy |
| Tertiary Category: | Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy - Civil Rights |
Areas Served
ATN's strongest presence and active service is in Middle Tennessee. However, our efforts support those working to end human trafficking from Bristol to Memphis and from Chattanooga to Clarksville. We freely share what we've learned with others starting regional work in the state and beyond.
| TN - Giles |
| TN - Hickman |
| TN - Houston |
| TN - Humphreys |
| TN - Jackson |
| TN - Lawrence |
| TN - Lewis |
| TN - Lincoln |
| TN - Macon |
| TN - Marshall |
| TN - Moore |
| TN - Perry |
| TN - Smith |
| TN - Stewart |
| TN - Bedford |
| TN - Clay |
| TN - Coffee |
| TN - DeKalb |
| TN - Fentress |
| TN - Franklin |
| TN - Overton |
| TN - Pickett |
| TN - Putnam |
| TN - Van Buren |
| TN - Warren |
| TN - Wayne |
| TN - White |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Cannon |
| TN - Cheatham |
| TN - Dickson |
| TN - Montgomery |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Sumner |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
| TN - Maury |
| TN - Trousdale |
| TN - Other |
| TN - Other |
