Our Story
Seeing the need
In 2015, we faced the realities of the refugee crisis in Greece, and the startling number of women traveling alone and vulnerable to trafficking and abuse. This birthed the dream to see our women equipped with gospel-centered training to enter into the hard places. All of us on the Restore team developed a passion for ministry to women at risk through our own stories and the ministry God called us to.
Forming a foundation
In 2017, it was proposed to the Destinations International Board that they oversee a subcommittee of women focused on proactive solutions to the problem of trafficking and sexual trauma. This developed into a committee of women who compiled outsourced materials from experienced professionals to provide a multi-faceted, holistic approach to caring for the abused.
Training is launched
In 2020, our training was launched! We accepted applications for trainees and coaches, and matched them for the training ahead of them. In the next 3 years, 60 alumni graduated from the program, some stepping into new ministry fields and others receiving tools for places they were already serving in.
Terms Begin
Restore Training transitioned into terms, approximately 7½ months in length, operating from September through April, bringing 20 new trainees to graduation each spring. We envision an alumni of trained women who will network with existing anti-trafficking initiatives, and commit long term to the fight for freedom and restoration.
Our Mission
Empowering women with Christ-centered training to facilitate restoration.
Verse
“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, because you are called an outcast.”
Jeremiah 30:17
Our Vision
A network of trained women who commit to engage in anti-trafficking and restoration efforts.
About Restore Training
We ascribe to the Anabaptist perspectives of the Christian faith.
Oversight Committee
Deborah Blank
Chairman
Deborah is passionate about assisting her husband Henry with the work of Destinations International, as well as mentoring women and girls around the world.
Cheryl Newswanger
Oversight Committee Member
Cheryl resides in Myerstown, PA where she has worked as a secretary at the family business for over 30 years. She loves spending time with her family and caring for the elderly as well as teaching and mentoring young women. She also loves sunrises, sunsets, good books, the ocean, and laughter.
Janae Byler
Administrative Secretary
Janae Byler and her husband Kendrick live in the culturally rich neighborhood of Elmhurst, NYC. From her own experiences, she is passionate about broken people experiencing the power of redemption and freedom. Janae loves deep connections with friends, drinking big cups of tea, and making food for people.
Administrative Team
Jen Miller
Team Director
Jen Miller is a messy, redeemed daughter of the Most High who is passionate about women living in their true identity in Him. She lives in Westcliffe, Colorado with her husband and two children. Jen loves making spaces beautiful, spending time in nature, and having heart connections with other women. She also has a heart for grieving families and longs for heaven, and the reunion with her three daughters who beat her there.
Tricia Hershberger
Office Manager
Tricia and her husband live in Wayne County, OH where her husband helps to pastor a local church. Tricia started as a Restore trainee while working with vulnerable women overseas. She transitioned to coaching for Restore and finally to office manager because of her love of organization. She also loves to read, write, travel, and meet with women--young, old, and in between--for honest talks and steaming cups of tea.
Kary Martin
Coach Coordinator
Kary and her husband, Jason, live in NE Ohio. She homeschooled their five children through graduation, and is now embracing the "Grandma role" to five sweet little people. Their family has been involved in prison ministry over the past ten years, serving as a singing team. Kary enjoys sewing projects, traveling, inspirational reading, and making beautiful cheesecakes for special events. She considers it an honor and privilege to walk alongside younger women on their journey.
Alyssa Martin
Events Coordinator
Alyssa lives in Québec with her husband Josh and son Raphael. She is passionate about exemplifying Jesus and caring well for the hurting and broken. Alyssa is the youngest of five sisters - walking with women in the struggle of life was something that began organically in her own family and through her own experiences. She is also a licensed funeral director and professionally trained to coordinate events and serve the vulnerable in times of grief.
Jamila Kurtz
Admissions Coordinator
Jamila lives in Kenya with her husband Luke and nine children. She's passionate about celebrating everyone's story and using her home and family and food in the caring process. She spends her days supporting her husband, who is the country director for Christian Aid Ministries, nurturing her children and loving whomever God sends to her gate.
