Today we’d like to introduce you to Somy Ali.
Somy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am originally from Karachi, Pakistan and grew up in a home of severe abuse. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I wanted to start a nonprofit to help victims escape physical and sexual violence.
In 2007, I established No More Tears, a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization with the mission of rescuing human trafficking and domestic violence victims from their abusers. No More Tears (NMT) works with all victims of relationship violence; however, the majority of its clients are trafficking victims brought to the United States from all over the world by traffickers and subsequently subjected to extreme physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Our youngest victim of trafficking was a two-year-old girl.
NMT provides direct, immediate support to victims with no absolutely no waiting lists. In 2017 alone, the organization saved the lives of more than 100 victims of physical and sexual violence. Since its inception in 2007, NMT has provided the resources for housing, legal counsel, therapy and/or medical support, jobs to over 25,000 women, children and men.
Has it been a smooth road?
Running a nonprofit just like any other business has its ups and downs. The biggest obstacle for No More Tears has “victim blaming.” The most problematic question people ask is, “why couldn’t he or she just leave?” There are numerous reasons why a human trafficking victim or a domestic violence victim can’t just walk out. This is where it has been challenging to get more people to donate to No More Tears’ mission. All nonprofits suffer from fundraising challenges, however, our mission is more difficult as we can’t show the faces of the victims we assist on a daily basis. Nonetheless, in 11 years has assisted over 25,000 victims, makes every struggle worth it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with No More Tears (Non-Profit Organization) – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I personally respond to 20-30 crisis calls a day including weekends and work for hands-on with each victim. I accompany them to court to file restraining orders, I take them to our doctors for check-ups, grocery shopping, enroll them in English classes, provide immediate shelter, basic needs, education, legal assistance, and ultimately jobs to make them independent. I am basically a case manager for each survivor. What sets us apart from other agencies is that we are a hundred percent salary free and we provide immediate assistance. We solely work with the aid of interns and volunteers. We do not have any waiting lits, hence the minute we get a call for help, they are assisted immediately with numerous services.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I absolutely love Miami because it has significantly helped my organization grow. With the help of many Miami residents, we have been able to save numerous lives.
My least favorite part of Miami is our traffic.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6815 Biscayne Blvd Suite 103-388 Miami, FL 33138
- Website: NoMoreTearsUSA.Org
- Phone: 954-494-3657
- Email: Somy@NoMoreTearsUSA.Org
- Instagram: @nomoretearsusa
- Facebook: NoMoreTears
- Twitter: @NoMoreTears
Image Credit:
Christina Lilly, Somy Ali
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