Missions Partner Highlight: Sweetie’s Story - Sons & Daughters
THIS IS HER STORY
Sweetie recalls being stuck in a room from morning to night, servicing johns. There was no respect, everyone was trying to see how they could take advantage of one another and there was a distinct lack of safety. Psychologically it took a huge toll and she was extremely depressed. She rarely saw her own children since she was working from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM everyday.
“She [an S&D outreach member] came to my place of work. At first I didn’t really take to it, but she started mentioning that she would teach us to make candles, that we would be paid to do so, I brought friends to come with me.”
Every Wednesday, Sweetie and her friends started going to Promise House and it became the highlight of their weeks. There was very little pressure and stress, everyone was happy to come and they would have a good time.
“When we’re at Promise House, there is a sense that others are genuinely concerned for us, care about us and love us. There’s a sense of safety here. When they comfort or encourage us, we can tell it’s from the heart. It’s a huge change from how we felt about ourselves before and feel like this is how work and people should be. It makes me want to change and dedicate my life to something more proper and good. I joined Sons and Daughters permanently and signed a one-year contract.”
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
“Being at Sons and Daughters and working with ReStore has shown me all the good things that people can do.”
Sweetie felt disillusioned, worthless, and wondered why she was here and why so many terrible things happened to her. Being at Sons and Daughters gave her hope, not only to press on, but to try and find a new path.
The greatest learning experience Sweetie says has been to learn to do something lasting, substantial and dignified. The biggest change for her has been and continues to be developing a mentality that there is a correct and good way to make money, conduct business, and live her life. She has learned practical and sustainable practices as well as grown in her attitude and mentality while at Sons and Daughters.
Being at Sons and Daughters also allows her to be with her kids more. She is safer and happier. When she goes out, she no longer avoids eye contact nor hangs her head down low. Now, whenever she wakes up and gets ready to come to work at ReStore, there is joy.
“I am genuinely thrilled that I can face people without being ashamed of what I do for a living.”
Although Sweetie faces challenges that lead her to feeling desperate and hopeless, going to church, being at Sons and Daughters and receiving prayers about her circumstances has guided her to feeling Jesus’ presence and love. Even though life has its challenges, Sweetie feels blessed and is determined to take a new and better path in life.
“The biggest blessing has been working here [at ReStore], having the chance to learn something new and make a better life. I know other financial and life problems are still there but I will take my time with them and I would prefer to not rely on my old methods to earn money and solve them. Ultimately it harms society, my relationships with my kids, and my own self-image.”
When asked about how Sons and Daughters has helped Sweetie, she shares that she was extremely discouraged and depressed in the past because she saw no hope or opportunity for her. But when coming to Sons and Daughters, she was able to rediscover herself, her dignity, her self-confidence, and her agency.
LOOKING FORWARD
Currently, many sisters from the industry would like to work for ReStore. However, compensating them properly is costly, and breaking even or making a profit is a challenge because ReStore is still working to increase sales.
Sweetie’s current concern has been sustaining the business while continuing to provide opportunities without incurring loss. She is thankful that there is room to learn and change regarding the direction of her life and business.
She hopes that more businesses like MODEMENT can collaborate with ReStore again so that the sisters can discover more opportunities to make a living. Sweetie shares that sisters in the commercial sex industry go through indescribable difficulties similar to her and hope that MODEMENT and other interested businesses will reach out and collaborate with them.
“It means a lot that other companies would work with us to bring new exciting projects to life. It builds our confidence to try new things, and I appreciate the opportunity.”
ReStore and Sweetie have been so thankful to everyone who has partnered with them so far- it is an encouragement and comfort that people have their trust and confidence in the company and sisters.
Sweetie’s aspirations this year is to learn to make candles well. She also hopes that not only her, but also her sisters, can learn to manage their personal finances well. She hopes that they can learn to integrate into society as a whole and help impact society for the better. After her contract with ReStore, she hopes to continue working in the candle making business elsewhere to help others turn their lives around, especially those who were in similar situations as her.
SONS & DAUGHTERS
To learn more about the work of Sons & Daughters and how you can partner with them, visit: https://www.sonsanddaughters.org.hk/
