Different Day is a supportive residential community dedicated to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. Founding Director Marcy Bartula witnessed a rise in cases, prompting Marcy to take action in the fight against human trafficking. Marcy, a social worker, in 2015, she recognized significant gaps in resources for survivors. It became clear that there was an urgent need for safe and stable housing in our area. Located in the triangle formed by Dallas, Austin, and Houston, Bryan/College Station began to see an increase in cases, prompting Marcy to take action. She understood that survivors needed a space to find stability, heal, and secure employment. Fast forward to 2020, when Brandi Johnson and Marcy Bartula initiated discussions about establishing Different Day. Marcy diligently worked to create what is now Different Day, and with Brandi's support, their vision became a reality. Officially launched in 2021, our community housing opened September 2023. In just three short years, we have made a significant impact, with over 62 interactions with survivors, 9 served within our residential community, and remarkable success stories among the women we assist. We have witnessed incredible transformations, including family reunifications, a survivor moving into a new home, 27 cumulative months of sobriety, over 150 hours of gainful employment, and countless moments of triumph. The demand for programs like ours is significant. Each year, over 310,000 Texans are trafficked yet there are fewer than 40 homes available for adult survivors. The issue is far larger than we can tackle alone. We aim to bridge the gap in our community, providing survivors with a genuine opportunity for healing. Different Day is a two-year residential community and one of five sister agencies in Texas operating under the Thistle Farms umbrella. We consider ourselves fortunate to walk alongside remarkable women. Different Day creates an environment where survivors can heal, find housing, and gain employment. Our program is designed to be survivor-driven, and we strive to celebrate each woman's unique talents. We offer life skills and experiences tailored to each individual. Our stability framework focuses on three key areas: Heal, House, and Employ. We promote healing through a variety of services, including equine-assisted therapy, one-on-one counseling, and functional medicine just to name a few. We ensure stability by providing safe and secure housing, while also empowering survivors to achieve financial independence through employment. "Love heals. Love is the most powerful force in the world for change." - TF