Regional Interdisciplinary Collaborative to End Human Trafficking Summit
2022-02-09 - 2022-02-10
Human trafficking is a widespread crime and growing public health concern. This crime occurs when force, fraud, or coercion are used to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor services against their will.
Because fighting this crime requires bilateral and regional cooperation for the prevention, assistance, and protection of trafficked persons, a two-day summit will be held for representatives of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and District of Columbia to share best practices, learn from survivor experts, and explore multidisciplinary approaches to regional partnerships.
The goal of the summit is to lead a multilateral cooperation and synergy among these states as we work to ensure the safety and freedom of trafficked persons.
The Voices of Survivors Project will be on display as well as workshop Trauma-Informed Care: Peer Support & Mutual Self-Help.

Voices of Survivors Project Virtual Photovoice Exhibit
2022-02-15 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
The Voices of Survivors Project is a photovoice exhibit that testifies of the lived experiences of domestic sex trafficking survivors

About this event

Come attend a virtual walk-through of the Voices of Survivors Project Photo Exhibit and participate in a Q and A with the author. All attendees will receive a copy of the newly released photo book “From the Voices of Domestic Sex Trafficking Survivors: Photographic Expressions of Complex Trauma and Posttraumatic Growth” by Dr. Heather Evans. All ticket proceeds will go towards two organizations working with survivors of sex trafficking. Be prepared for a moving experience of learning more about the experiences of trafficking survivors through their own photography.
The Voices of Survivors Project is a platform for survivors of human sex trafficking or other forms of violence to express their lived experiences as survivors through photography.
The Voices of Survivors Project came from a dissertation study conducted to directly highlight the voices of survivors and their expressed experiences, especially after separation from the trafficker.
Seven women participated in this Photovoice study, six providing eligible photos. They were instructed to take or gather as many pictures as they wanted over 30 days, with the only limitation of no identifying information, such as faces. The prompt given was to take pictures and share a caption that expresses their experiences as a survivor.
The participants then participated in a focus group to together discuss the shared themes and messages of their pictures. Finally, they were asked how they wanted to share these photos with others. They collectively expressed they wanted a national and global reach to learn through their photo journey.
Thus, the Voices of Survivors Project became a transportable exhibit, accompanying photo book, and social media, the fruit of their feedback and their willingness to share their experiences through these photographs. The exhibit contains the submitted photos of each participant, who also chose their identifying name or number displayed throughout the study.
Visit Voices of Survivors Project to learn more

“There is hope and that it is possible to see beauty even in the midst of the horrific things that have happened. If we can see beauty, then we can communicate beauty because pictures are a form of communication. Then if we communicate beauty, that creates hope and hope then gives us the ability to take another step into the future.” -Grace, Voices of Survivors Project participant

Voices of Survivors Project Virtual Photovoice Exhibit
2022-03-09 19:30 - 21:00 UTC
The Voices of Survivors Project is a photovoice exhibit that testifies of the lived experiences of domestic sex trafficking survivors

About this event

Come attend a virtual walk-through of the Voices of Survivors Project Photo Exhibit and participate in a Q and A with the author. All attendees will receive a copy of the newly released photo book “From the Voices of Domestic Sex Trafficking Survivors: Photographic Expressions of Complex Trauma and Posttraumatic Growth” by Dr. Heather Evans. All ticket proceeds will go towards two organizations working with survivors of sex trafficking. Be prepared for a moving experience of learning more about the experiences of trafficking survivors through their own photography.
The Voices of Survivors Project is a platform for survivors of human sex trafficking or other forms of violence to express their lived experiences as survivors through photography.
The Voices of Survivors Project came from a dissertation study conducted to directly highlight the voices of survivors and their expressed experiences, especially after separation from the trafficker.
Seven women participated in this Photovoice study, six providing eligible photos. They were instructed to take or gather as many pictures as they wanted over 30 days, with the only limitation of no identifying information, such as faces. The prompt given was to take pictures and share a caption that expresses their experiences as a survivor.
The participants then participated in a focus group to together discuss the shared themes and messages of their pictures. Finally, they were asked how they wanted to share these photos with others. They collectively expressed they wanted a national and global reach to learn through their photo journey.
Thus, the Voices of Survivors Project became a transportable exhibit, accompanying photo book, and social media, the fruit of their feedback and their willingness to share their experiences through these photographs. The exhibit contains the submitted photos of each participant, who also chose their identifying name or number displayed throughout the study.
Visit www.voicesofsurvivorsproject.com to learn more.

“There is hope and that it is possible to see beauty even in the midst of the horrific things that have happened. If we can see beauty, then we can communicate beauty because pictures are a form of communication. Then if we communicate beauty, that creates hope and hope then gives us the ability to take another step into the future.” -Grace, Voices of Survivors Project participant

International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference
2022-09-21 08:00 - 2022-09-23 17:00 UTC
Uniting the global community to learn, connect, and collaborate to combat human trafficking and promote social justice.
This year’s conference will be completely virtual. With 110 breakout sessions and 175 presenters, there is something for everyone.
Join Dr. Heather Evans as she presents the workshop: From the Voices of Domestic Sex Trafficking Survivors: Experiences of Complex Trauma and Posttraumatic Growth
The Voices of Survivors Project will also be featured as one of the virtual art exhibits.

Register for the conference.

North American Association of Christians in Social Work Annual Convention
2022-10-27 08:00 - 2022-10-30 17:00 UTC
North American Association of Christians in Social Work will be hosting their 72nd Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois on October 27-30.
Dr. Heather Evans will be presenting a workshop: Experiences of Complex Trauma and Posttraumatic Growth and also participating in a panel discussion on trauma: Multifaceted Approaches United In Christ.
If you’d like to attend this conference either in person or virtually, please click here.

International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference
2024-09-18 08:00 - 2024-09-20 17:00 UTC
Uniting the global community to learn, connect, and collaborate to combat human trafficking and promote social justice.

Mental Health Mission Field: Mobilizing the Church for Healing
2024-10-12 08:00 - 15:00 UTC
Join us as we gather to empower the church to actively engage in mental health missions, spreading healing and hope to all.

Welcome to the Mental Health Mission Field: Mobilizing the Church for Healing event! Join us for a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting mental health in our communities. This event aims to equip and empower individuals to support those struggling with mental health challenges. Assisting the Church, its clergy, and congregants in embodying the compassionate presence of Jesus in a world grappling with mental health challenges. Our conferences and workshops are dedicated to addressing mental health and trauma as integral aspects of our mission. Each session is meticulously designed to provide practical tools, actionable steps, and essential resources, equipping the Church to effectively engage and respond to mental health needs within their communities.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Heather Evans, LCSWA Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private group counseling practice in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, with over 20 years’ experience providing therapy, particularly specializing in sexual trauma and sex trafficking. Heather has authored two books from her research on complex trauma and posttraumatic growth in sex trafficking survivors and is the creator of the Voices of Survivors Project. She is devoted to training and equipping service providers, organizations, and communities in trauma informed care. Heather is Co-Founder of Valley Against Sex Trafficking in Pennsylvania and fellow of Global Trauma Recovery Institute, traveling internationally to train trauma healing caregivers. Heather served on the SBC Sexual Abuse Task Force in 2021-2022 and as an advisor to the SBC Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force in 2022-2024.

Voices Conference
2024-11-09 08:30 - 16:00 UTC
Voices is an annual, day-long retreat for women survivors of domestic abuse. Our keynote speaker Dr. Heather Evans will encourage us to seek our true name in Christ. In addition to the presentation by Dr. Evans, a variety of short sessions will show us practical and creative ways to live out our new names in daily struggles and conflict.

International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference
2025-09-17 08:00 - 2025-09-19 17:00 UTC
The International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference focuses on uniting the global community to learn, connect, and collaborate to combat human trafficking and promote social justice.

Dr. Heather Evans will be delivering two workshops at this year’s conference: 1. The Integral Role of Relationship in Supporting Trafficking Survivors 2. Addressing the Impact of Trafficking on Shame and Identity Formation with Dr. Alycha Boehm, LCSW

If you are interested in attending this virtual conference, please visit the link below.

Thriving with Birdshot: Tools for Mind, Body & Spirit
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Living with Birdshot can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This interactive webinar offers a supportive space to explore the deeper impact of living with chronic illness, including how trauma and stress affect the body and mind. Together, we’ll uncover practical tools to help you move from surviving to thriving.

You’ll gain:

A trauma-informed understanding of the emotional toll of chronic illness

Strategies to manage stress and regulate your nervous system

Somatic practices to reconnect with your body and cultivate calm

Mindfulness techniques that include connecting with plants for grounding and restoration

A mindset to guide in how you care for your whole self

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with Birdshot Uveitis for years, this workshop invites you to tend to your inner life as you care for your physical health. Come away feeling more equipped, empowered, and connected on your healing journey.

BUSNA welcomes our guest presenters, Dr. Heather Evans and Lynae Martinez.

Dr. Heather Evans is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Director of Evans Counseling Services LLC, a private group counseling practice in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. She received a Doctor of Clinical Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of clinical experience. Heather specializes in counseling all people, but especially women with complex trauma, working towards healing of body, mind and spirit.

Lynae Martinez is a somatic practitioner at Evans Counseling Services. She combines her knowledge in occupational therapy, trauma-informed yoga, and somatic practices to create a safe, welcoming space for healing. She recognizes that each person’s path is unique. Lynae will lead us in unifying mind, body, and spirit to empower ourselves.

Please join us for Heather and Lynae’s interactive presentation on Saturday September 20th at 1pm ET. Learn how fun and helpful it can be to listen to and truly relax our bodies…and to thrive with Birdshot!

Bridge of Hope Conference
2025-10-02 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
At this year’s Bridge of Hope Annual Conference, Dr. Heather Evans will be presenting two workshops:1. Trauma-Informed Care in Action: Recognizing Signs & Preparing for the UnknownTrauma doesn’t always look the way we expect. This workshop takes a deeper dive into trauma-informed care, equipping attendees with the skills to recognize hidden signs and symptoms when trauma isn’t obvious. Participants will explore the guiding principles and practical strategies for responding with care, as well as tools and resources to prepare for the unknown.2. Helping While Healing: Supporting Case Managers in Cultivating Connection Case managers are tasked with supporting neighboring relationships, yet this is challenging. Sometimes their own experiences can impact how they engage with others, and sometimes this work just takes a toll. This workshop explores the personal barriers case managers may face in forming and maintaining neighboring relationships, both professionally and personally. Through reflection, discussion, and practical strategies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the reality of secondary trauma, as well as how their own struggles influence their work. Participants will engage in how to foster genuine, healing connections—even while carrying the weight of care.

To register or learn more, visit the link below.

Voices of Survivors Project Exhibit opening
2025-11-04 16:30 - 20:30 UTC
Join us for the kickoff event of LVAT Week as we present The Voices of Survivors Project, a powerful Lehigh Valley-based initiative showcasing the stories of survival from local lived experience experts. Witness the strength and courage of survivors through their own eyes, and gain insight into the ongoing journey of healing and empowerment.

Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Conference
2025-11-05 08:00 - 2025-11-07 17:00 UTC
Join this three-day conference as experts, survivors, and advocates address key topics in the anti-trafficking movement.

Voices Conference
2025-11-08 09:00 - 16:00 UTC
Voices is an annual day-long retreat for women survivors of domestic abuse. Dr. Heather Evans will be presenting a workshop: Why me? Finding Hope in a Difficult Place.

To learn more and join this amazing conference, visit the link below.

Identifying, Understanding and Ministering toFamilies Impacted by Domestic Abuse
2026-02-28 09:30 - 15:30 UTC | Salem Community Church, 2705 West Canal Street, Dover, Pennsylvania, 17315, United States
This event is designed to inform and equip pastors, church and ministry leaders, counselors, and all of those who might have the opportunity to minister to families impacted by domestic abuse.

Contact Pastor Don Clark for continuing updates and registration at 717-278-9708 or dclark7100@comcast.net.

Care For the Journey: Nurturing Mind, Body, and Spirit in Trauma Healing Work
2026-04-16 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Join hundreds of abuse survivors, advocates, allies, and church leaders in April for a two-day event centered on community, connection, and healing. Leading voices in clergy sexual abuse, trauma, church reform, and other vital topics will provide insight and in-depth sessions.

Dr. Heather Evans will be speaking at the Pre-Conference on April 16th, to include in-depth sessions for counselors, therapists, pastors, and other helping professionals.

Called to Peace Ministries: Survivor Healing Retreat
2026-04-30 08:00 - 2026-05-03 17:00 UTC
Join Called to Peace Ministries from April 30-May 3, 2026, at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, for a powerful weekend created specifically for women impacted by abuse. Whether you’re just beginning to process your story or have been walking this road for years, this retreat will equip you with the truth, tools, and support to keep moving forward—with God as your refuge, your portion, and the strength of your heart.

Dr. Heather Evans will be a breakout speaker. More information to come. To register for this conference, visit the link below.
