Voices 2014, the second annual luncheon and "Power of the Purse" silent auction hosted by the Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga will be presented on Wednesday Oct. 8 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., at Stratton Hall,3146 Broad St.
Voices 2014 will feature the Reverend Becca Stevens. An Episcopal priest, Rev. Stevens is the founder of Magdalene, a residential program in Nashville for women who have survived prostitution, trafficking, addiction and life on the streets. She also founded Thistle Farms, the social enterprise that is run by the women of Magdalene. In recognition of her work for and with women, the White House named Rev. Stevens a 2011 "Champion of Change" and the Small Business Council of America recognized her with the 2014 Small Business Humanitarian of the Year Award.
One of the over 20 pieces of legislation the Women's Fund encouraged the Tennessee Legislature to pass over the last two years was a mandate to determine the services needed for victims of trafficking. Magdalene and its social enterprise component Thistle Farms are among the few agencies in Tennessee providing victims of trafficking with services, from housing and healthcare, to job training, skills development and even living wage employment. "Like Rev. Stevens, the Women's Fund believes when women are safe and economically secure, their entire community is better. Also like Rev. Stevens, the Women's Fund believes that every individual has a voice in helping women be safe and economically secure," officials said.
To purchase a ticket and for more information, click here. For questions or information regarding sponsorship opportunities, contact Kara Fagan at kfagan@chattanoogawomensfund.org.