Warmth for Hannah

The Hannah Project is a program that was started by the Nashville District Attorney’s Office in an effort to educate and help women who are currently involved in prostitution, whether by choice or by force. After completing the one day program, the women can have individual cases dismissed, and receive assistance in having charges expunged from their record.

More importantly, the goal of The Hannah Project is to give these women the opportunity to utilize free resources in the community including: free counseling for sexual assault (past or present,) drug treatment, and immediate help to go to a safe house for those being controlled or endangered by another. 

The Hannah Project was named in honor of the Hannah from the Bible, who faced public scorn, but never gave up hope. Hannah represents strength and beauty, and the power to overcome obstacles.

Magdalene graduate, Shana, feels very passionately about giving back to to this special organization that helps women who are in the same situation that she was once in.

"The Hannah Project is very close to my heart. Sure, it is Informative. They dispense information from The Sexual Assault Center, provide S.T.D awareness, and H.I.V testing for the ladies who are still 'out there.' But for me, it's personal. People often ask me what to say or do in a situation where so many women need so much help. I tell them not to think about it that way. Most of these women are used to being lied to and hurt. A small gift or kind word from an open heart can replace that despair with hope.  

I know this because I see my own face looking back at me every time I visit The Hannah Project. I am proof, that the women there can see with their own eyes, that a loving community can help us overcome."

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

As we are seeing record breaking cold in Nashville, hope can be as simple as a new hat, or gloves, a pretty new scarf, or a nice warm sweatshirt.  If you would like to help Shana gather these items for The Hannah Project, please drop off at Thistle Farms, 5122 Charlotte, any time between the hours of 9AM-3PM by Friday, January 25th.