The Power of Choice
New Horizons’ staff in India continually reminds our girls that the ability to make choices gives them power. In Becoming Better, Chris Loper wrote: “If you don’t like the results your choices are getting you, you have the power to make different choices. Recognizing that you always have the power to choose is liberating. It means that you can decide where you want to go in life. It means that you can choose to do work that matters. It means that you can, through the choices you make, bring forth your incredible human potential.”
Ten years ago, we founded New Horizons House. After having returned from India in 2012 and seeing the problem of human trafficking firsthand, I was committed to establishing a program that would provide girls who had survived human trafficking and sexual abuse the confidence and skills they would need to make alternate choices for their futures. At the time, I was busy running my own environmental engineering firm and had very little knowledge of the problem of sex trafficking. In addition, there were huge logistical challenges trying to establish a non-profit that would work in a country 12 time zones away where I did not speak the language.
Fast forward and there are now more than 70 girls, ages 12-21, who are receiving holistic care at New Horizons’ residential facility in Andhra Pradesh. We are so grateful for each of you that has chosen to partner with us over the past decade: you are the reason that we are here and, more importantly, you are the reason that lives are being transformed.
Amelia Earhart once said: “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” In that spirit, here are 4 take-a-ways from New Horizons’ journey over the past ten years:
• Begin where you’re at with the resources you have.
• Devote yourself to learning what you need to know.
• Find allies and partners who share your vision.
• Don’t give up.
Together, the work we are doing matters and New Horizons’ is eagerly looking ahead to our next decade. As many of you know, we kicked off our 2023-2024 Capital Campaign this past summer. Our goal is to raise $335,000 to construct a larger, more functional Transition Home for the older girls (we are currently using rented space). You can choose to partner with us by donating at our website: (www.NewHorizonsHouse.org).
The Board and Staff of New Horizons extend our best wishes to each of you for a happy holiday season and a healthy 2024.
On behalf of the girls,
Jonathan Spencer
President and Founder