The Everyday Advocate

What if the most powerful thing you could do for someone is simply slow down, be present, and give them the space to share their story? Storytelling has the power to change perspectives, build connection, and help us see people beyond the assumptions we make about them. But telling someone's story comes with a responsibility to listen carefully, create a safe environment, and honor the person behi...

In this best of episode sharing our journey through the Allies story, Sarah Christofis joins Jessica to reminisce on the early days of Allies (known then as Purchased) and how God used a group of friends with a lot of passion and love to build something bigger than themselves through a lot of trial and error. Episodes we recommend checking out next: 84 - Treading the Water Forever with Jamie Hergo...

What if human trafficking is happening in places you visit every day, including the airport? In this episode of the Everyday Advocate, Jessica Evans sits down with Cynthia Schwomeyer, Community Outreach Program Manager for the Indianapolis International Airport Police Department, to talk about the intersection of human trafficking, crisis intervention, and community awareness. Hear about Cynthia’s...

Fifteen years can change a lot. For Allies, it has meant growing from prevention education into a mentorship-focused organization, building relationships that last for years, and watching a community come together around young women who deserve support, connection, and hope. In this solo episode of the Everyday Advocate Podcast, Jessica Evans is celebrating 15 years of Allies as a nonprofit and sh...

Special guest, Amanda Welu, joins Jessica and Audrey to share how she has learned to use conflict as a tool to build a healthy work environment. Her practical takeaways will inspire all of us to lean into healthy conflict and create a safe space to rumble in our everyday lives. LOVE. RESPECT. COMMUNITY Allies empowers survivors of trafficking & sexual exploitation through mentorship and family...

What if the person sitting next to you is experiencing abuse, trafficking, or violence, but doesn’t even recognize it themselves? In this episode of the Everyday Advocate Podcast, Jessica Evans sits down with Shonda Davis, Program Manager for Prescription for Hope at Eskenazi Health, and Drenda Bell, Program Manager for the Center of Hope and a forensic nurse at Eskenazi Health, for an important c...

This week launches a new series called "How to Be a Friend 101," unpacking the SEARCH Institute's Developmental Relationships Framework.  Jamie Hergott joins Audrey and Jessica to talk about practical ways to provide support in mentorship and in everyday life.  What You Will Learn: Why mentorship begins with being a good friend. How to help someone navigate difficult situations witho...

What happens after mentorship ends? For many youth survivors of trafficking and exploitation, building healthy relationships is only the beginning. In this episode of The Everyday Advocate Podcast, Jessica welcomes Allies Program Coordinator Amanda Sparks to introduce RISE, a new program designed to bridge the gap between mentorship and independent adulthood. Amanda shares how ten years of mentori...

What does it take to build a team that doesn't just work together but truly transforms a community? In this episode, Jessica Evans sits down with Martha Cortes, Chief Partnerships Officer at KIPP Indy Public Schools, to discuss how authentic leadership, collaboration, and shared purpose create lasting impact. Drawing from her personal journey as a first-generation Latina and her work serving s...

What happens when one caring adult believes in a young person before they believe in themselves? In this inspiring conversation, Jessica Evans sits down with three-time Grammy-nominated musician, speaker, entrepreneur, and youth advocate Saul Paul to explore the life-changing power of mentorship. Saul shares his remarkable journey from foster care and incarceration to performing on global stages,...

What does a successful mentoring relationship really look like? In this episode, Jessica and Audrey sit down with longtime mentor Kathy and her mentee, G, to share the story of a relationship that has grown over five and a half years. What began as a mentorship through Allies has become a lifelong friendship rooted in trust, consistency, and unconditional support. Together, they reflect on first i...

What role does healthcare play in identifying and supporting survivors of human trafficking? In this episode, Jessica sits down with Beth Petrucce, a longtime advocate and healthcare leader, to discuss how hospitals, healthcare professionals, and community partnerships are helping strengthen the response to human trafficking across Indiana. Beth shares how her background in social work led her int...

What if one trusted teacher could change the trajectory of a child’s life? In this episode, Jessica and Audrey sit down with Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High School, to explore the powerful intersection between education and anti-trafficking work. Together, they unpack how schools can become protective spaces for vulnerable youth, why relationships matter more than ever, and what...

Most parents think human trafficking looks like a stranger in a van, but today, it’s happening through screens, games, and social media. Alyssa Van Vactor, Executive Director of kNot Today works to share knowledge and resources that educate families and parents about human trafficking. Join hosts Jessica Evans and Audrey Hood as they share stories and resources for you to learn and be an everyday...

Season four of The Everyday Advocate Podcast is here. In this episode, Jessica Evans shares a powerful update on Allies Inc., celebrating 15 years of impact while stepping into a new season of growth, expansion, and deeper community connection. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, this conversation will show you exactly where to start. What You Will Learn: How Allies Inc. has gro...

In this heartfelt wrap-up to our mentorship series, host Jessica Evans sits down with mentor coach Lisa Pirinelli to explore what it really means to support a mentor-mentee relationship from behind the scenes. Lisa shares how she became involved with Allies in a nontraditional way, what she’s learned about herself through coaching, and the powerful impact of simply showing up consistently and comp...

In this heartfelt episode, longtime mentor Julie Snider opens up about her long time journey with her mentee through the Allies program. Julie shares how a simple coffee meeting led to a deep and lasting relationship that has touched both their lives. From first meetings and creative outings to learning how to model healthy motherhood, Julie reflects on the powerful transformation that comes from...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with one of our incredible mentees as she reflects on her journey and the life-changing impact Allies has had along the way. Through seasons of transition, healing, and growth, she shares how the unwavering support and community at Allies became a constant in her life, offering hope, stability, and the reminder that she’s never alone. Get Your Ticket to Illumi...

In this episode, a longtime mentee reflects on the journey they’ve shared with their mentor — the trust they built, the moments that mattered, and the lessons learned along the way. They offer honest reflections and words of wisdom for new mentees just starting out. Get Your Ticket to Illuminate Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.allies-inc.org/illuminate/⁠⁠ Learn more about becoming a mentor with Allies: ⁠⁠⁠⁠...

What is the scope of homelessness in our city? Elliot Zans of CHIP helps us broaden our understanding about the reality of homelessness in Indiana, and the role housing insecurity plays within the issue of human trafficking. CHIP: ⁠https://chipindy.org⁠ Homeward Indy Podcast: ⁠https://homewardindy.org⁠ Get Your Ticket to Illuminate Here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.allies-inc.org/illuminate/⁠ Learn more about...

Often, human trafficking, substance use, and mental health are so intricately connected, that in order to serve survivors, all of them must be addressed together. Elizabeth Benitez joins us to share about this important intersection and how trauma-informed practices help facilitate the opportunity for healing. Get Your Ticket to Illuminate Here: ⁠⁠https://www.allies-inc.org/illuminate/⁠ Learn more...

Brian Carter joins Jessica to share about how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) create vulnerabilities for trafficking and why healthy community and safe adults are the most important protective factors we can give our children. Get Your Ticket to Illuminate Here: ⁠https://www.allies-inc.org/illuminate/⁠ Learn more about becoming a mentor with Allies: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.allies-in...

Diving into a series on challenges survivors of human trafficking face, Sarah Daniel, CEO of Unconditional, joins Jessica to share about the intersection of strip clubs and human trafficking, and the beautiful work Unconditional does, offering relationship and new opportunities to those they serve. More about Unconditional: https://unconditionalindy.com/ Learn more about becoming a mentor with All...

Wrapping up our series on commitment, Tracy Nasser joins Jessica to share why she is committed to Allies, and how her faith has motivated her to continue to learn, share and be invested in the mission. Learn more about becoming a mentor with Allies: https://www.allies-inc.org/becoming-a-mentor/ LOVE. RESPECT. COMMUNITY Allies empowers survivors of trafficking & sexual exploitation through ment...

Serving as a mentor and coach for Allies, Julie Deem shares about the ups and downs of these relationships, and why commitment matters. Learn more about becoming a mentor with Allies: https://www.allies-inc.org/becoming-a-mentor/ LOVE. RESPECT. COMMUNITY Allies empowers survivors of trafficking & sexual exploitation through mentorship and family support Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Allies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn mo...