It was a “full circle” moment to interview Dan Emr from Worthwhile Wear (http://worthwhilewear.org/), which “target[s] highly trafficked areas both internationally and domestically, and offer[s] women the opportunity to overcome two primary factors which are at the root of sex trafficking; poverty and lack of education.” When I was trying to decide whether or not to quit my job to produce the documentary, Dan shared the story with me at an anti-trafficking event of his journey from the corporate world to putting it all on the line to help victim survivors who have been trafficked in India. His story encouraged me to step out in faith to produce “From Liberty to Captivity.”
Dan’s efforts have now extended into Bucks County with the opening of The Well aftercare home (http://thewellusa.com/) and the establishment of a store, Worthwhile Thrift & Freedom Boutique, where Worthwhile Wear merchandise is sold along with donated items to raise money for the organizations that he leads. He is also very involved in Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (http://www.novabucks.org/getinvolved/bcat/.)
His story is also a great example of the power of partnerships, as he and Congressman Fitzpatrick worked closely together to make The Well become a reality. Many people and local businesses also came together to volunteer their time, services and goods to complete renovations and furnish The Well.
It was a privilege to capture Dan’s inspiring story on film!
It was also an honor to shoot Dan’s interview at the Continental Tavern in Yardley (http://www.contav.com/about), which is believed to be an Underground Railroad location for slaves who fled the south in their search for freedom. Thank you Frank Lyons for opening up your wonderful restaurant to us to film this important interview.
