A Proud Day in L.A.

Dear Friends –

Abdulaye in Council Chambers

At the center of it all were the humble men and women who have courageously rebuilt their lives after enduring unspeakable horrors. As they quietly recited their stories and thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak, L.A.’s status as a haven for refugees and the city of second chances took on a deeper meaning. Here were immigrants from around the world, tortured and abandoned by their own countries, receiving a hero’s welcome from elected officials of their adopted homeland.

“Los Angeles has always opened its arms to those in need, and it is in that spirit that the Program for Torture Victims carries on its noble work,” said the mayor, whose city is home to the largest number of refugees, asylum seekers, and torture survivors in the country. Endorsing PTV's Profits for Peace campaign, the mayor said, “I hope that people around the city will join me in supporting PTV, and in so doing will help heal the victims of torture who now call Los Angeles home.” Read the mayor's press release (.pdf).

Councilmember Perry presents the certificate to PTV clients and staff

What a proud day for L.A., and for PTV.

Profits for Peace – Make Your Purchases Count

With a festive lunch at the downtown institution Takami Sushi, PTV successfully launched “Profits for Peace,” in which local businesses are donating a portion of their proceeds to support our work.

In the first week, the campaign raised several thousand dollars that will go directly toward our services for torture victims. Our sincere thanks to those who have responded to our appeal, and to all the participating businesses for their generosity.

We’re off to a great start – but we need your help to reach our goal of $10,000 by the end of July.

Rossana at City Hall

It’s easy: simply patronize any of the businesses listed in our “Profits for Peace” guide (.pdf), and you will be contributing to our life-saving work on behalf of people like Rossana, a torture survivor from El Salvador who was raped and brutalized during that country’s civil war. “I had no job, no home, no family. I wanted to die,” said Rossana,. “PTV saved my life, and I am now able to help others in Los Angeles without fear I will be tortured.”

If you can’t get to any of the participating businesses, you can still help us reach our goal by making a donation.

Together we can give hope to torture survivors.

Warmly,

Julie Gutman Executive Director jgutman@ptvla.org http://cts.vresp.com/c/?ProgramforTortureVic/303573a247/84ceeb9472/a1a361ca08

Join us in celebrating 30 years of service and rebuilding lives by donating to PTV.