Phoenix

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The Phoenix Division honors Maraion Douglas, founder and chief executive officer of MOMA’s House, a non-profit organization established to help victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking.

Ms. Douglas opened MOMA’s House in 2009 to provide victims with a safe environment and access to resources such as education, career training, counseling, and religious and spiritual services. By forming partnerships with other community groups and services, Ms. Douglas is able to provide mentoring and employment opportunities to women who, in many cases, do not have financial or emotional support. Through her relationships with local and federal law enforcement agencies, Ms. Douglas is able to support law enforcement efforts by helping investigators understand the unique issues connected with human trafficking. In return, the FBI has beds reserved at MOMA’s House for when a human trafficking victim is rescued and needs somewhere to stay while being offered counseling and other services.

In addition to running the shelter, Ms. Douglas regularly holds events in conjunction with local churches. One event, the Free to Laugh comedy fundraiser, raised more than $15,000 for MOMA’s House. Ms. Douglas has been recognized by John Shimer’s Angels Among Us Project and has been featured on local news stations sharing the shelter’s motto: “When one door closes, another opens.”