The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. wishes to congratulate the 2010 Empowerment Award Recipients, Living Water for Girls- a program of Circle of Friends: Celebrating Life, Inc. and Shantique Wallace.

From the words of her sponsor, Lisa Williams, from Living Waters, “Shantique has shown such tenacity in the midst of unthinkable and unimaginable circumstances. She not only survived being kidnapped, sex trafficked and commercially sexually exploited at the age of 12, but she also survived being jailed for four months for crimes that were committed against her. While incarcerated, those who had trafficked her purposely had other exploited girls arrested to deliver a loud message that under no circumstances was she to testify against those who brutalized and traumatized her. Even with all that, she never backed down from speaking her truth. Because of her courage and testimony, Atlanta’s most notorious pimp at that time was convicted and sentence for the heinous crimes he committed against her mind, body and soul. Shantique is a strong tower of strength, dignity and courage and truly embodies the word, empowerment. She encourages other victims to deal with that which has happen to them so that they too one day can live a victorious life and not a victim’s life. She spoke her truth even when her voice was shaky, and helps others to do the same. “

The drive to start Living Water for Girls came from the experiences and compassion of Lisa Williams, Founder and Executive Director. “From the moment I read the article, ‘The Selling of Atlanta’s Children’, I found that a fire had been lit within me and a fight roared within my heart to make a difference in the lives of commercially sexually exploited girls. Immediately, I gathered friends together and shared what I had learned about this modern day slavery. They too were outraged and Living Water for Girls was soon birthed. The story of American girls being sold and rented like a commodity in communities we call home was unbelievable to many, but I knew it to be true, because it to was a part of my life story.”

WE CAN SAVE HER—this belief guides and shapes the effort of Living Water for Girls (LWG) a program of Circle of Friends: Celebrating Life, Inc. LWG is committed to addressing the safe refuge and critical therapeutic needs of American girls who have been brutalized and traumatized by sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. The program offers services designed to help each resident identify their options post-placement and to fortify these choices to give the best chance for future success. They place an emphasis on empowerment. The program is designed to provide support to residents as they collaborate with law enforcement, testify in court, and find personally meaningful ways to advocate for themselves and, if they choose, others. (Source: Circle of Friends Annual Report 2008-2009)

Shantique was awarded with a cash award from the Junior League of Atlanta, a $1000 shopping card from Belk, a style consultation from Belk, a makeover by Carter Barnes, swim lessons from Aquatic Consultants of Georgia, massage and yoga studio membership from Urban Body, a pearl and natural stone necklace from Naturally Me LLC, Marta card and a summer camp gift certificate from Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, an entrance ticket to Fernbank Museum, and a gift basket of pampering products from JLA Community Outreach Council. Living Waters for Girls was awarded with a cash award from the Junior League of Atlanta.

Members of the Junior League of Atlanta, Living Waters for Girls, and Belk, Inc. with Shantique Wallace (3rd from right).

The recipients of the 2010 Kids Who Care Awards are:

Jordan Alexander is a senior at Alexander home school. Jordan believes one case of child abuse is too many and as the number one issue facing Rockdale County he knew he wanted to help. Jordan is a certified trainer for Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale. He facilitates classes in the “Our Growing Kids Club” program, a program he designed at 13 years of age. He teaches nuturing, choices and consequences, self-awareness, self esteem and dealing with fear and stress. Jordan also serves as president of the Four-H Sigma Lamda Chi Club.

Max Barab is a freshman at Pace Academy. Helping others has been a focus for Max since he was 9 years old. His latest endeavor was a two-day yard sale to raise money for “Hope for Haiti Now”. Max raised more than $8300. But this is just the latest in a long line of giving back. He and his sister raised over $7000 for a Midtown Atlanta homeless shelter as well as pitching in to paint walls in the shelter and serve meals. There does not seem to be a limit on Max’s initiative.

Daniel Feuer is a junior at the Weber School. When he was just 12 years old Daniel started an organization that brought cookies and cake to cancer chemotherapy patients. It was decided a healthier alternative was needed and “Smoothie Kidz” was born. Daniel and his more than 70 volunteers, deliver smoothies to two major hospitals and two major oncology practices. Just last fall Daniel was contacted by Planet Smoothie who has become an official sponsor of “Smoothie Kidz”.

Christine Lyles is a senior at Grayson High School. Four years ago Christine started the foundation t.h.i.n.k. which stands for teens helping impoverished neglected kids. Christine works to supply hundreds of children with the necessities of life. From school supplies to toiletries, Christine has helped the impoverished children of Gwinnett County on a continuous basis. She also volunteers at the Bread of Life, Food Pantry and is a mentor for special needs students.

Parris Scott is a senior at Cedar Grove High School. Parris is all about helping. She created the “Free Pampering Day” for senior citizens at the East Lake Senior High Rise and once a month she and her mother “pamper” the deserving seniors. Parris also started the “Support Our Graduating Seniors” fund and raised more than $900 for students who cannot pay for graduation. Parris is always looking to see how else she can help those in need.

Please join us in congratulating the 2010 Kids Who Care Award recipients!

2010 Kids Who Care recipients with Junior League of Atlanta and WXIA representatives.  From left: VP of Community Outreach Krystal Diaz, 11Alive's Donna Lowry, Macie Thompson, Kids Who Care Winners Jordan Alexander, Christine Lyles, Max Barab, Parris Scott, Daniel Feuer and JLA President Susannah Balish