Since the fall of 2022, Bharat Sanka has been a dedicated volunteer at Sanctuary for Families, generously contributing his time and energy to support both children and adult clients. Bharat first joined Sanctuary through NYU’s Dean’s Service Honors Corp, eager to engage with an organization making a tangible difference for families across New York.

Bharat explained,

“I was immediately inspired by the good work Sanctuary for Families does—supporting victims across the city through educational and charitable programs—and I wanted to be a part of it.”

Over the past three years, Bharat has volunteered in multiple roles, leaving a lasting impact on both young learners and adult clients. He has been a consistent presence in the after-school program at Sarah Burke House, Sanctuary’s large transitional shelter in the Bronx, and helped the Economic Empowerment Program team launch their English Conversation Group for adult learners. Additionally, Bharat coordinated volunteer efforts through NYU’s premedical fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon, organizing his group to help with holiday gift wrapping, back-to-school drives, and educational workshops for residents at Sarah Burke House.

Bharat shared,

“I have always been passionate about educating others, and Sanctuary has given me amazing opportunities to do just that. Whether it’s teaching a new vocabulary word in the English Conversation Group or getting children at Sarah Burke House excited about science, I feel like I can make a difference.”

Bharat’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Staff and fellow volunteers have recognized the enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership he brings to every program he’s involved in.

Reflecting on his impact, Bharat shared,

“The most rewarding part has been meeting people from all over the five boroughs, learning about their unique backgrounds, and inspiring others from my undergraduate community to also volunteer. It’s been incredible to see the energy and knowledge that a small group of committed volunteers can bring to Sanctuary’s programs.”

Bharat’s dedication to the children in our after-school program at Sarah Burke House has been truly uplifting. The children always look forward to Bharat’s visits, and his consistent, empathetic presence has greatly benefited their social-emotional growth. “His patience and genuine care have made a real difference in their lives,” explained Heidi Gomez, Program Coordinator, Children and Family Services Program.

Bharat recalls many memorable moments, including teaching children about topics close to his heart—from Diwali and Indian culture to medicine and sports. “Seeing their curiosity and excitement during these lessons is always a highlight,” he said.

“I am so appreciative of the opportunities Sanctuary has provided and the wonderful support they give their volunteers. As I prepare to leave New York in a few months, my time with Sanctuary has been one of the most meaningful parts of my experience in the city over the last five years.”

Sanctuary for Families is deeply grateful to Bharat for the lasting impact he has had on survivors, staff, and volunteers alike.

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To learn more about Bharat Sanka and his work, please join us on April 23rd from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pillars of Change.

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Since 2021, Naomi Gans has been a committed volunteer, devoting her time and skills as a tutor in various roles at Sanctuary for Families. Naomi joined Sanctuary’s volunteer team as a weekly virtual tutor through NYU’s Presidential Honors Scholar Program and Dean’s Service Honors Corp. At this time Sarah Burke House, Sanctuary’s large transitional shelter, needed virtual support for their after school program.

Naomi stated,

“I volunteered and worked with children throughout high school, and always wanted to continue doing that kind of work in university. Living in New York provides me with so much, and I wanted to be able to give back to my community in return”.

Over the last four years, Naomi has given back to her community, specifically to the youngest survivors at Sanctuary.

Naomi shared,

“I started tutoring with Sanctuary during the pandemic, when kids were really struggling with learning and online instruction. Even now I notice that many of the kids in the Homework Lab face challenges with learning at the level of their peers. Having a weekly time set aside for one-on-one support has been so helpful for kids who might not get that kind of attention in their classes, not only for learning math concepts or reading but also for their confidence levels and willingness to ask questions and engage with others”.

Naomi’s current student meets with her weekly and stated, “Working with Miss Naomi is so good. My favorite thing about Miss Naomi is she is really kind, and she is teaching me very well”.

Hope Faison, Manager of Volunteer Relations, has witnessed Naomi’s dedication to Sanctuary’s young clients: “Naomi deserves this recognition for her unwavering commitment to the students she tutors, consistently going above and beyond to support their learning and personal growth. Her dedication extends far beyond academics – she fosters confidence, inspires curiosity, and encourages a love for learning that will have a lasting impact on the students she engages. Through her patience, encouragement, and personalized approach, she not only helps students overcome challenges, but also empowers them to believe in their own potential. Her positive influence reaches beyond the classroom, shaping brighter futures and leaving a meaningful legacy in the lives of her students”.

Sanctuary for Families is so grateful for Naomi’s commitment to the educational needs of our clients.

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To learn more about Naomi Gans and her work, please join us on April 9^th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pillars of Change.

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Agnes Szanyi was introduced to Sanctuary for Families in 2019 by a friend who worked at the agency. The friend thought Agnes could be a great fit as a volunteer interpreter for a family receiving services within Sanctuary’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative (ATI). Agnes agreed to interpret for one in-person meeting, but after learning more about the family and their case she decided to continue.

Over the past six years, Agnes has provided ongoing and invaluable support to this family and the team members within ATI. She has assisted the family through immigration proceedings, obtaining public assistance, and many court proceedings.

Agnes shares,

“I believe it is very helpful to have a reliable interpreter who understands and knows the story of the client. For the clients, it is also very important to have an interpreter who they can trust (which in human trafficking or domestic violence cases is extra important) and who follows their case throughout the years, so they don’t need to rely on a new interpreter every time, who might not understand their situation and misrepresent them. It makes a difference – they don’t feel alone any more”.

Agnes reflected on her time volunteering with the family and the most memorable event when they were reunited with their child after a battle that lasted many years. She shared how hard the staff at Sanctuary worked on behalf of the family, and how much their dedication and kindness allowed her to also not feel alone, especially in hard times, similar to the survivors they jointly support.

Sophie Chalfin-Jacobs, a Case Manager within ATI: “Agnes is one of the most thoughtful, intentional, and compassionate people I have worked with in my time at Sanctuary. In her work with this family, she has served not just as their translator but as their advocate and friend. Agnes’s work both embodies and exceeds trauma-informed care, as she has held with them their suffering and fought in-step with them for freedom, justice, healing, and self-sufficiency. She has worked alongside Sanctuary staff to secure the family stable housing, public benefits, healthcare, mental health services, and more. She has helped them to navigate several incredibly complex legal processes while ensuring the family maintains full understanding and involvement at each step. She has also held other providers and translators working with the family to a trauma-informed standard, and has called out language inaccessibility at every turn. As the fourth case manager from Sanctuary working with these long-term clients, Agnes ensured that I was up to speed and that the case transition would not undo any progress made for the family. Agnes intuitively and empathetically does what I and Sanctuary staff always strive for: sees our clients in their full humanity and centers their agency and empowerment above all else”.

Senior Director Program Director of the Anti-Trafficking Initiative, Jessica-Wind Abolafia, shares additional glowing remarks about her time working with Agnes, “Few individuals have the dedication, compassion, grace and perseverance to walk beside survivors, almost every day, for six years, through every turn, rise and challenge in their journey since their escape from their traffickers. Agnes’ commitment to a family of Sanctuary clients was more than advocacy, more than translation. Agnes was a life-line; she supported the family in accessing justice and healing, to be free from violence, isolation and desperation – experiencing joy, health and safety. She became to them, like family. We, and the family, are forever grateful for Agnes, a shining example of an exceptional volunteer and person”.

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To learn more about Agnes Szayni and her work, please join us on April 9^th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pillars of Change.

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Lawrence Savell has practiced as an attorney for over 40 years. He was first introduced to Sanctuary for Families when he started working on a pro bono case with his firm, Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), in late 2016. Lawrence recalls working with a “courageous and determined indigenous woman from Central America who was seeking asylum in the U.S.”.

HSF worked with Sanctuary on the case for two years, and after “compelling and poignant testimony of the client, who detailed the horrific abuses she had experienced in her country, and her genuine fear that an order returning her there would result in her suffering further violence and likely death”, the judge granted the asylum claim which was upheld after the government counsel declined cross-examination of the client. Lawrence shared, “It was a tremendous victory for our client, and many in the courtroom (including us) were visibly moved”.

In addition to his impactful work as a pro bono attorney, Lawrence has volunteered for several years doing interview preparation with participants in Sanctuary’s Economic Empowerment Program (EEP). Without fail, Lawrence has volunteered for every date, for both cohorts each year.

Lawrence shares of this experience,

“We provide interview preparation/practice to our clients – brave individuals seeking to return to the work force after suffering and escaping domestic abuse. Over the course of each four-session cycle, and due to the determined efforts of our incredible clients, the progress they make in terms of their interviewing skills and overall optimism and self-confidence is huge. At the beginning, some clients – given their history – can be hesitant, unsure, and insecure, and even sometimes self-pejorative. Over time, however, as their confidence and self-assuredness grow, their performance dramatically improves, and their winning personality, positivity, and even humor become increasingly evident. By the end of the cycle, one would never discern from them the horrors of abuse they had survived before the Program or that they were any different than interview candidates who had not experienced such traumas. To see firsthand their striking progress in effectively conveying their strong qualifications and qualities to potential employers is a tremendous joy”.

Lawrence’s skills and longstanding volunteer commitment has been noticed and so appreciated by the EEP staff as well. Sarah Hayes, Senior Director of Economic Empowerment Programs, shared, “Lawrence has been steadfast, compassionate, and truly dedicated to our mission. He has always been a steady presence in interview prep – always shows up and is willing to be simultaneously flexible and present. We know that change happens not in grand gestures, but in small, consistent acts of care and belief. Lawrence’s service is a testament to that truth and reminds me that empowerment is not a one-time act—it is a process, nurtured by people like him, who choose to show up again and again”.

Lawrence stated,

“I hope that my volunteer service positively supplements all the great work, guidance, and support that Sanctuary’s staff provides their clients, and I hope that my efforts assist in helping the clients achieve the positive outcomes they desire. My work with Sanctuary is some of the most rewarding work I have done in my career”.

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To learn more about Lawrence Savell and his work, please join us on April 9^th from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pillars of Change.

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