Made Strong, INC.

I am sad to share the news with you. Unfortunately, Made Strong will be closing in January 2024.

An organization that advocated for the rights of s*x workers in Northeast Indiana was always going to be an uphill battle. But, we ran our race well and did everything we could to confront the discrimination our clients face and open doors for them in this community.

Thank you for running with us!

Social media posts are great. Petitions are great. Marches are great. But do you know what makes an even bigger impact... voting! Given the harmful city ordinances surrounding s*xually oriented businesses, we can't afford to be silent.

So much of how laws are carried out and how funding is distributed comes down to our local elected officials. If you want to see the candidates and their stances, check out https://www.vote411.org/indiana.

Early voting has already started at The Rousseau Center, and more satellite locations are opening on November 1st. Local elections can come down to just a few votes, so don't miss your chance to make a difference.

Made Strong started a blog for people in the s*x work community to have a safe and anonymous place to share their stories, insights, and experiences.

We named the blog TAKE IT OFF to help remove the stigma and secrecy around s*x work. Our goal is to provide a platform for clients while humanizing the perception of s*x workers in Northeast Indiana.

We are excited to share our newest post with you! “Ron” is a wonderful client and overall great guy. We are thankful for you, our supporters, who allow us to serve him. We are also grateful to “Ron” for sharing his perspective!

Ron — Made Strong Ron graciously agreed to share his insights and life experience for the benefit of other members of the s*x work community as well as for people who have never met someone in his profession.

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne today announced cooling stations will be open Wednesday and Thursday due to high temperatures and heat indices forecasted to impact our area.

-The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

-Weisser Park Youth Center, 802 Eckart St., from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Salvation Army at 2901 N. Clinton St., from 8 am to 4 pm

Services being provided by the City are in addition to the proactive efforts led by The Rescue Mission downtown. The Rescue Mission has an indoor day shelter open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily regardless of outside temperature.

It's not uncommon to hear someone use the phrase "selling themself" when talking about s*x work or s*x trafficking... but let's unpack that.

This phrase implies that s*x changes an individual's personhood... the s*xual partner owns the person, or at least a piece of them.

Is that true? Are we ever "owned" by our s*xual partners?

NO!!!!!!

People don't "own" people. Everyone has ownership of their s*xuality AND no one is defined by s*x. No situation, circumstance, or amount of money can ever change that.

Let's stop using this phrase.

Many rescue organizations promise that if you just donate to them, you can help end s*x trafficking. But, can you prevent s*x trafficking?

The answer is yes and no.

S*x trafficking = abuse + profit from someone else's s*x work

No one can completely prevent abuse from happening. But together, we can affect the social inequalities that help abuse and trafficking thrive.

Support human rights when you vote, Practice fairness and empathy in everyday life. Listen and believe the stories of survivors (even and especially when they challenge pre-held beliefs).

*xworkerrights

Anti-trafficking media is out there! But is it true...

Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Is the story told from the point of view of the trafficked person?
- Is it promoting a religion or political affiliation?
- Is the hero of the story a rescuer?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", please think twice.

Movies like "The Sound of Freedom" and conspiracy theories like "Q'anon" actually harm trafficking survivors. Let's help instead of harm!

*xtrafficking