FSL Receives Award from Montclair State University Global Center on Human Trafficking

Family Service League (FSL) is proud to be the recipient of the Smith/Wellstone Award for Outstanding Efforts to Address Human Trafficking, presented by Montclair State University's Global Center on Human Trafficking at its third annual Legislative Breakfast. This award honors individuals and organizations in the community working with victims and survivors of trafficking and fighting to bring more awareness to the issue of trafficking in our state and nation. FSL's Executive Director, Nur S. Kalyoncu received this award from last year's award recipient, Julie Einbond, CEO of Covenant House NJ. Kalyoncu stated "This award belongs to the incredible team at Family Service League—our clinical and direct service staff, volunteers, and advocates—who bring unwavering dedication, skill, and heart to this work every day. Supporting survivors requires deep compassion, persistence, and the willingness to stand with those rebuilding their lives after trauma. I am grateful beyond words to work alongside such a remarkable group of people."

FSL staff therapist, Stephanie Koeller, also participated at the panel titled “Building a Framework for Healing: Trauma-Informed Policies and Long-Term Mental Health Support for Survivors of Trafficking” that followed the award ceremony. Stephanie spoke alongside several other mental health professionals in addition to lived experience experts to provide input on how we can continue to fight for victims and survivors of human trafficking and incorporate trauma-informed practices into state and federal policy. Thank you to MSU GCHT and all of our dedicated community partners in this work!