Elaina Catanese, a member of our team at Precision Group, embarked on a transformative journey to India with financial support from Precision Family Gives Back. Her recount of the experience offers a glimpse into the impact of compassion and community.
After two very long eight-hour flights back to back, they had been traveling for almost two days.
Elaina and her team partnered with an organization dedicated to empowering women rescued from trafficking.
“The organization helps women get jobs and homes after being rescued from trafficking,” she explains. “They provide support, education, and avenues for self-sufficiency, which many lack in India.”
Their first engagement was a retreat for the women.
“We spent time playing games, swimming, and engaging in outdoor activities,” Elaina recounts. “But beyond the fun, we aimed to remind these women of their inherent worth and the love that surrounds them.” Elaina was surprised by their attitudes, as she had expected more sadness but found an abundance of joy and hospitality instead.
“I expected there to be a little more sadness, but there was so much joy and excitement for us to be there,” she shares. “The culture in India is just different. They will go out of their way to make sure that you get everything that you need as their guests. They can’t wait for you to come back and visit them.”
Yet, amidst the celebrations, Elaina couldn’t ignore the reality of the broader issue at hand.
“The number of women at the retreat was just a fraction of those affected by trafficking in India,” she reflects. “Some women are second and third-generation. They’re born into the brothels. It was amazing to work with an organization that understands that there needs to be help afterward and that there are generational curses and pain to be broken because of something that persistently goes on in this country.”
The impact of their presence extended beyond the retreat, resonating deeply within the community.
“After their retreat was over, we headed back into the city and went to church the next day, on Sunday,” Elaina recounts. “One of the girls came up to me and said that she had been up since 5:00am in the morning because they were so excited to get to see us again at church. It was pretty great how loved we felt when we went there. It was an excellent trip. It’s a place that can change your worldview. To witness such resilience and joy amidst adversity is a humbling reminder of the abundance we often overlook.”
About Precision Family Gives Back
The Precision Family Gives Back (PFGB) initiative emPOWERs us to recognize the gifts we’ve received, be it in terms of financial resources or unique abilities, and to channel these blessings towards extending a compassionate helping hand to those in need. Matching financial resources are available to support qualified charitable endeavors of Precision Group team members. Employee service leave allows the team to actively serve in the communities they call home. This commitment reflects our dedication to making a positive impact and fostering a culture of compassion and smart philanthropy within the Precision family. Learn More about PFGB
