MILWAUKEE — Franciscan Peacemakers, a nonprofit in Milwaukee, is receiving recognition for their efforts to end sex trafficking and exploitation of women in the city.
Franciscan Peacemakers provides resources and help for women engaging in prostitution due to trauma, human sex trafficking or drug addiction. This includes daily outreach, a two-year residential program, employment and advocacy work.
Thursday, the FBI honored them by presenting an award for their work in the Milwaukee community to end abuse against women, specifically sexual violence, homelessness and other types of trauma.
Shinichi Hamilton is a production manager at Franciscan Peacemakers’ retail store. She said this job means the world to her. Just a few years ago, life was very different.
“I took it upon myself, being sick and tired of being sick and tired,” said Hamilton. “Someone reached out, and I reached out and grabbed it. I took a hold of it and ran.”
Hamilton battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol for many years, which landed her in some unsafe situations. She’s a recent graduate of one of the treatment programs, which she said transformed her outlook on life.
Now as production manager at the retail store, she also gets to work with other women who were once in her shoes.
The nonprofit works to end abuse against women, specifically sexual violence, homelessness and other types of trauma. This includes daily outreach, a two-year residential program, employment and advocacy work.
“Who would’ve known that I would be someone’s role model?” said Hamilton. “You get relationships with the ladies and it’s an awesome feeling.”
She said her new positive and healthy lifestyle has allowed her to make up for lost time. She’s been able to travel, restore her relationship with her daughter, and play an active role in her grandchildren’s lives.
Hamilton said recovery has been a journey. It’s one she encourages other men and women to explore by taking advantage of help in the community.
“You got to give yourself a chance and find some type of inner peace and listen to that little voice in the back of your head saying you can do this, because you can,” she said.
She’s glad to be one part of a grand solution, helping people in the community to find the hope they need in their lives.