New Life Center Foundation

The New Life Center Foundation works exclusively with young ethnic minority women throughout the Mekong sub-region who are at risk for, or victims of, human trafficking, forced labor, and sexual abuse. Since its inception in 1987, the NLCF has partnered with the Royal Thai Government and international NGOs to provide legal, psychological, and repatriation assistance.

The New Life Center Foundation provides:

• education (promoting literacy and life-skills from elementary to university levels)
• vocational training (providing specialized training which results in viable employment and work skills)
• therapeutic activities (art therapy, music, dance, baking, martial arts, individual counseling)
• handicrafts & income generation (cultivating traditional tribal embroidery and creative thinking skills through the production of handicrafts, home décor, and jewelry)
• housing (safe shelter, medical care, nutrition)

Anti-Trafficking Campaigns 

The New Life Center Foundation conducts community based anti-trafficking campaigns (in partnership since 1994 with UNESCO, UNICEF, UN-IAP and the US government). NLCF ethnic minority staff and residents create and lead the campaigns, which are implemented in tribal communities throughout Thailand, China, Laos, and Myanmar. Through drama, songs, skits and pictures, these ground-breaking “road shows” have disseminated information about trafficking, safe migration, and HIV/AIDS to over 50,000 minority persons.

Partnership with Upland Holistic Development Program (Fang, Thailand)

NLCF staff provide business development services in conjunction with the UHDP’s community- based micro-enterprise development program. Services include workshops in accounting, math, basic business principles, and marketing. The NLCF funds a literacy program for adults involved in a range of UNDP programs.

The NLCF believes in grass-roots activism, empowering individuals and families at a community level, and engaging local churches and other organizations to create a world without exploitation. NLCF staff, stakeholders, and former and current residents participate in numerous community networks and committees, including:

• Mekong Consortium on Safe Migration, Trafficking and HIV/AIDS (www.minorityleadership.org)
• Chiang Mai Coordination Center for the Protection of Children's Rights Committee
• United Nations Inter-Agency Project to Combat Trafficking in the Mekong Sub-Region (www.uniap.org)

*Please note: The women pictured on this website are not victims of trafficking or exploitation