Different Day Foundation

Different Day is a residential community, housing survivors of human trafficking, exploitation and prostitution. Our mission is simply to heal, house, and employ. Our Different Day community is built on love, grace, and unwavering support, as we believe that love is the most powerful force in the world for change.

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

Testimonials

In our first year, without housing we served 34 survivors to date we have had over 50 interactions with survivors while housing 9 women in the year of 2023-2024.

SURVIVOR STORY: "Celeste" joined us in June 2023 following a presentation by our Founding Director at a nursing professionals' event. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Celeste. Recognizing her need for resources and support, we welcomed her into our residential facility, which was nearing completion. Becoming the first survivor in her new home, Celeste found solace, love, and stability after more than a decade of uncertainty. Each passing month saw her grow and address her trauma, revealing her natural talents as a leader and nurturer. Progressing through the program, Celeste transitioned into the Resident Advisor role, demonstrating exceptional dedication to her responsibilities. After six months of diligent effort, she advanced to the "By Your Grace" phase, granting her more freedom and the opportunity to reunite with her family for Christmas. Transported to her hometown, Celeste surprised her children with her newfound health, sobriety, confidence, and healing. The heartwarming video of their reunion captured a moment of pure joy and love, showcasing the power of resilience and light in dark times.

With 14 months of sobriety, Celeste continues to make strides in her personal growth and healing journey. Her unwavering strength, inner beauty, and courageous pursuit of a fresh start exemplify the incredible transformation she has undergone. Conquering the darkness of her past, Celeste now shines brightly, illuminating the way for others on their own paths to healing and recovery. Celeste is almost at her one year in residential. She moved into the third phase of our program Human,. Where we all learn how to be human, a place where she continues to make progress and has been promoted to assistant store manager moving out of her RA role. It has been a beautiful journey to watch her grow. We cannot wait to see what her future holds.