But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and will give you a complete account of the system and expound the actual teachings of the great explore
Our founder, Shana Pederson, established Life Preservers Project in 2009 with a bold and compassionate vision: to unite individuals from both the arts and legal professions in a common cause—raising awareness about human trafficking and creating pathways to healing for its survivors. Shana recognized that by combining the power of creative expression with the influence of the legal community, it was possible to spark meaningful dialogue, educate the public, and advocate for real change.
At the time, New York City was the largest port of entry for human trafficking in the United States. Despite this alarming reality, there was only one halfway house available to support survivors in the entire city. Shana saw a heartbreaking gap in services and understood the urgent need for a community that not only informed people about this hidden crisis but also took tangible steps to support those affected by it.
From its earliest days, Life Preservers Project has been driven by the belief that survivors deserve more than just rescue—they deserve hope, dignity, and a real chance at rebuilding their lives. That mission continues today as we work tirelessly to provide resources, raise critical funds, and foster a supportive network that empowers survivors on their journey toward healing and independence.
