All the latest news from Eden House

July 20, 2022

The latest news from Eden House...

Welcome New Staff!

Our staff is growing! Eden House recently welcomed three wonderful new staff members who have already brought so much energy and love to our program. Read about their life and work experience below!

Katherine Gallagher, MSW, MPH

CLINICAL CARE ADVOCATE

Katherine received both Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health degrees from Tulane University. She is trained as a practitioner of Trust Based Relational Intervention through the Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU. Her professional interests include working with survivors of complex trauma, and the intersections of child development, trauma, and public health. Before joining Eden House’s clinical staff, Katherine was a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand, and studied trafficking in the context of Southeast Asia while at Chiang Mai University. She earned her BA in Sociology & Anthropology from Pace University.

Belinda Varnado-Wilson

RESIDENT SUPPORT MANAGER

Belinda V. Wilson is a certified Peer Support Specialist and Adult Mental Health First Aider. She has worked in this field for over 6 years, assisting the community through Brothers of Service Serving (B.O.S.S.), which works to feed the homeless and supply them with resources. Belinda herself is a recovering addict of 21 years, and has firsthand experience in human trafficking. At Eden House, Belinda says, “I would like to assist these ladies in getting their voice back. I want to show them we no longer have to be in bondage of our circumstances and can overcome and empower ourselves. We have value and worth.”

Christina Young

RESIDENT NIGHT MANAGER

Christina Young is a certified Peer Support Specialist and a member of the Human Trafficking Task Force in the Greater New Orleans area, where she advocates for at-risk women and children in her community and victims worldwide. She was the first graduate of Eden House in 2015 and she is thrilled to be giving back by way of serving and mentoring Eden House residents as Eden House’s Night Manager. In her spare time, Christina likes reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and great friends.

We Love Our Volunteer Drivers!

Thank you so much to the wonderful volunteers of Saint Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, who have been lending their time this summer to help transport our residents to and from their various appointments throughout the week. Special shoutout to Karen Donaldson, Louise Therapondos, Liz Artigues, Kathryn Prechter, and Catherine Dunn for all your time and effort. You are so appreciated!

Fall Internship Applications Are Open!

Click to Learn More

The semester is right around the corner - click the link above to start your application now!

Intern Testimonies:

As one of two male interns, I commenced my internship with a bit of trepidation and anxiety as I did not want my presence to be triggering to the residents. Earning the trust of the residents took time and patience. The greatest gift of this internship was when the residents brought me a cake and celebrated my 23rd birthday. I was utterly moved. These women have taught me what hope and resilience look like. They have taught me that even after the most horrific crimes have been endured, a person can still smile and laugh and celebrate and learn to trust another human being. My internship has been uniquely humbling and has brought to the surface aspects of myself that I never knew existed. It has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life.

-Kamran Sakhitab, Spring 2022 Intern

In early 2021, I moved to New Orleans and wanted to connect with the community. I found Eden House and immediately knew that I wanted to spend my time with the women and the staff. I have been an intern with Eden House for over a year and each time I walk in the door, I feel the love and support this organization grows. Eden House is more than an organization, it's a fresh start.

-Scotlyn Sunkel, Spring 2021-2022 Intern

Fashion for a Cause

Eden House Resident Support Manager, Belinda Varnado-Wilson (Left) and Eden House Night Manager, Christina Young (Right) shine on the catwalk.

This past month, our residents had a blast cheering on staff members Christina Young and Belinda Varnado-Wilson at a community fashion show, raising funds for a local nonprofit. The event was an exciting opportunity for our residents to come together with their New Orleans community and celebrate the beauty and joy of life!

Collecting Donations for Emergency Center

The renovations for our forthcoming Emergency Center are underway! There, Eden House will provide short-term emergency housing and services for human trafficking victims who need immediate assistance in the Greater New Orleans area. This will be the only emergency center in our region designed specifically for adult victims of human trafficking.

In order to open the much-needed Emergency Center, we need YOUR help! Please consider making a donation to help support the opening of this essential service for survivors in New Orleans!

If you are able to donate any of the needed items below, please call Eden House at (504) 407-0943 or email [email protected].