Moving Forward: A Message from SMF's ED
June 13th, 2014
Dear Supporters,
Thank you so much for your continued support and commitment to the Foundation during this challenging time. We are so grateful for all of the calls, e-mails, and your thoughtful recognition that the eradication of trafficking and empowerment of women and girls in Cambodia is as important an issue as ever.
There is critical work to be done, and our commitment to our work and to the women and girls we serve has and will not waver.
Since I joined the Foundation in January 2013, the organization has embarked on a deep strategic assessment and has reflected on its strengths and unique skill-set. The recent past has offered an opportunity to examine that even further — and to act.
In the coming weeks we will present an expanded vision that builds on our core strengths of survivor empowerment, education and skills training, and advocacy, bringing the organization into greater alignment with our goal of eradicating trafficking and sexual exploitation in Cambodia.
We will also be rebranding, renaming, and re-launching our organization.
We also wanted you to be aware that we have received additional inquiries from media outlets including the New York Times regarding Somaly Mam’s resignation. While we do not know the exact scope of these new allegations, some may involve questions about Somaly’s life and the practices of Cambodian NGOs.
Please note, SMF is a 501c3 non-profit organization, and, as such, the organization is fully audited every year by PwC and Sacks Press and Lacher PC to ensure that our finances are in good order. This information is public and available on our website. Our 2013 audit is in progress and will be made publicly available before November 15 2014. Moreover, we continue to invest 80 cents from every dollar raised to fund our anti-trafficking and survivor empowerment efforts.
Our efforts are focused on the future, and we have been working tirelessly to chart the best path for the organization moving forward that is in the best interest of women and girls in Cambodia.
Our impactful work and effective programs are driven by your support, your passion, and most importantly your belief in a world where all human beings are safe from slavery. We look forward to your continued dedication, and we will be in touch with you soon to share our new course for the Foundation.
In solidarity,
Gina Reiss-Wilchins
Executive Director
SMF