FLINT, Michigan — Whether sitting in their garages with their families, gardening, or just taking in the sun’s warmth, you can feel a strong camaraderie illuminating each block in the Sarvis Park neighborhood. Each smile has a story, a memory, and a sense of pride that is exclusively trademarked by the city of Flint, and Mrs. Brenda Anderson is no exception.

As a Sarvis Park resident, advocate for human trafficking, and founder of Motivated by Faith Inc., Mrs. Anderson welcomed me into her home with open arms and was delighted to tell me about the projects she’s been working on. Because of her tireless work, limitless empathy, and bravery, she is a modern-day superhero who adapts, remains consistent, and puts others first to save lives.

When I asked how she was doing, without much thought, she replied, “When the sun is out, I am alright.” In that brief exchange, I noticed that she appreciated the small things others may take for granted. One such thing is life.

Before this chapter of her life, she worked in Human Resources for two large companies for over 30 years. Since retiring, she has sat on many boards in Flint.

Today, as an advocate for human trafficking, she raises awareness and educates the community as an intervention and prevention method. She believes that the more informed the community is, the better off it will be.

When she had the opportunity to join in on the “What’s wrong with Flint?” bandwagon, she made it her mission to be what is right for the city, and she’s just getting started.

Jerimiah WhiteheadIt is important to Mrs. Anderson to have handouts written in different languages to better serve all members of her community.
This past February, Mrs. Anderson founded her non-profit organization, Motivated by Faith Inc. The organization not only brings awareness to human trafficking but also intervenes by eliminating any barriers that can potentially lead to falling victim to it. In addition, the organization focuses on promoting faith, hope, and love as the core values to drive personal and collective transformation.

Motivated by Faith Inc. engages in various activities such as community outreach programs, charity events, and spiritual development initiatives. It seeks to bring people together, foster a sense of unity and purpose, and encourage individuals to make a meaningful difference in the world around them.

Flintside caught up with Mrs. Anderson inside her home to discuss how she spreads the word and stays vigilant against human trafficking.

Flintside: What are some of the patterns and early signs of a potential victim of human trafficking?

Brenda Anderson: “Mental health, addiction, clothing insecurities, bullying, and housing insecurities — all that can play a role in your community. So, I incorporate that into my advocacy.”
 
Flintside: How do you get the word out about it?

B. Anderson: “[I attend] events, partnering with other organizations. Last week, I was invited to talk to a group of young ladies a part of Peckham Youth Services. I was able to talk to them about human trafficking. When our youth get on social media and talk about their problems, that’s what traffickers want. Those are the individuals they reach out to. They can play the role of a friend, [hoping] they will quickly forget that they are talking to a stranger.”

Jerimiah Whitehead”Nobody is gonna give you any money if you’re not doing the work. So, it was more important to me to start off doing the work. Then worry about the money for my organization later.” - Mrs. Brenda Anderson
Flintside: From your experience, is there a certain demographic that’s more prone to being trafficked?

B. Anderson: “It could happen anywhere. Sometimes, people misconceive that it [only] happens in poor communities. It happens everywhere, from fluent communities, rural areas, inner cities, and suburbs. It can happen to anyone at any age. The top cities [in Michigan] for human trafficking are Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, and Mackinac Island. And most of the time, it’s not a stranger our kids are involved with in trafficking — it’s somebody you know close to home.”

Flintside: What do you tell the youth who have been talking to a stranger online and want help but are too afraid to tell their parents?

B. Anderson: “If you don’t feel comfortable telling your parents or guardian, tell another trusted individual you have a strong relationship with, or call the local police and they will take over. But they must tell somebody.”

Jerimiah WhiteheadA banner sits as a reminder to Mrs. Anderson of her mission.
Flintside: The horrendous stories you hear can be a lot for one person. How do you separate your advocacy mission from your personal life?

B. Anderson: “I work in the yard. I’m the flower queen around here. My neighbors come to me for advice, that’s my relaxation. Also, planting flowers and having regular conversations with my husband about our children and grandchildren. But at the same time, [hearing those stories about human trafficking] gives me the fuel to work harder.”

Flintside: Why are you so passionate about this?

B. Anderson: “Because my children may be grown, but they were small once upon a time, and when they would leave the house, I [worried] about them. As a parent, you never stop worrying about them. I never would want anything to happen to somebody else’s child. We are a community, and we’re supposed to love each other. I credit my mother and grandmother for a lot of my values.”

For partnerships, donations, or other forms of support, follow Mrs. Brenda Anderson on her advocacy Facebook page.