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Former Homeless Victim of Modern Slavery Nabs Excellent Job

Will was a victim of contemporary slavery for many years until he was able to get a job. However, he now has a job and a place to live thanks to a partnership with a charity in Birmingham.

The now 38-year-old Polish immigrant first arrived in Birmingham from the city’s suburbs 17 years ago. Using his fluency in English, he hoped to find work in a country with more chances than his current one. After landing a job at a construction company, he was able to find a place to reside.

His sister died in an accident and his housemate refused to pay his portion of the rent, which led to him being despondent and being kicked out of the house.

As a result, he ended up on the streets, staying nights at the Digbeth Coach Station as well as days at the libraries. Finally, he learned about Sifa Fireside, a non-profit organization that assists those who are homeless or in need of rebuilding their lives. After starting to sell Big Issue, he was able to stay off the roads for seven years with the help of charity and other employment.

He then found work inside a warehouse, where he rose through the ranks to become a team captain. When two of his so-called friends started looting from the workplace, Will lost his job. He wasn’t able to disprove his involvement.

How the Downturn Happened

With some time to heal from his “moderate” despair, he obtained factory work in Walsall as well as made friends with a young married couple.

Due to social housing problems or something, they kept asking if I could loan them some funds. I had no problem with that. “As a token of appreciation, they provided a sumptuous supper for my enjoyment. That’s all there is to say about the good news.

My money and identification were stolen and I was forced to work for roughly two years after they poisoned me.”

Will claimed that he was forced to run errands or perform translations after his documents were confiscated and his meals rationed.

A few times, Will claims, he tried to run away, only to be caught and injured, leaving him feeling helpless. His library card was the only item he was permitted to keep. He stayed in bed all day reading books since he didn’t want to bother his parents.

An allowance of 2 loaves of bread, 2 soft kinds of cheese, and one lunch meat pack was given to him for a week. He was able to get goodies only with the help of occasional stray coins.

Will explained that even if they didn’t go shopping with him, they had several friends in the town center that they wouldn’t have the opportunity to leave if they didn’t want to.

The Escape

He said the couple drank heavily, which helped him get out of the house one night while they were drunk. He trudged from Walsall’s side.

Aside from serving as a drop-in center with hot food, showers, and other support services, Sifa’s employees strive to place their customers in jobs.

Sifa is putting out a program to entice business partners to join the effort. The Building Employability initiative consists of the following:

  • Finding employment and educational possibilities
  • Assisting employees in spotting and reporting indications of homelessness
  • Contributing to the funding of initiatives and organizations

Making a New Start

When Will returned, he started to sell the Big Issue as well as volunteer at Sifa again. He claimed he had not requested any action from Sifa other than bringing up numerous benefits concerns with Sifa or Job Centre officials.

The privilege of working at Birmingham’s Urban Emporiums came to him through Sifa, who was living in a tent in Aston. The charity lent him a suit for the interview.

He was hired as a pot washer for 15 hours a week. Now, after five years with the company, he is in full control of the kitchen at its Jewellery Quarter location.

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Biggest Sea Turtle Release Ever on Georgia’s Jekyll Island

Kelly Taylor

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In two days, Georgia will witness its largest sea turtle release ever on Jekyll Island. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center announced that over 30 turtles will be returned to the sea. These turtles come from various places like Turtles Fly Too, NOAA, Mystic Aquarium, New York Rescue Center, and New England Aquarium.

Many of these sea turtles needed help because they were cold-stunned, but now they are better and ready to go back to the ocean.

Sea turtles are fascinating creatures. They live in oceans around the world and are known for their long migrations. Some species travel thousands of miles to lay their eggs on the same beaches where they were born. They are also ancient animals, having been around for over 100 million years, which means they shared the planet with dinosaurs.

Sea turtles like to eat a variety of foods. Depending on the species, their diet can include jellyfish, seaweed, crabs, shrimp, and even small fish. They have a unique way of navigating the ocean, using the Earth’s magnetic field to find their way.

Unfortunately, sea turtles face many challenges. They are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and accidental capture in fishing gear. That’s why the work of rescue centers and rehabilitation programs is so important to help these vulnerable sea creatures survive and thrive in their natural habitat.

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Drones Are A Powerful Ally For Animal Right Campaigners

Kevin Wells

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Drones have become powerful allies for animal rights campaigners, offering a bird’s-eye view that’s hard to beat. These flying gadgets are not only affordable but also simple to operate, making them perfect for keeping an eye on illegal activities like fishing, hunting, and deforestation. They’re also great for monitoring conditions in zoos and aquariums.

A striking example comes from UrgentSeas, an organization that sprang into action after hearing about a lonely manatee at the Miami Seaquarium. Using drones, they captured footage of the manatee, named Romeo, in a neglected pool. The video went viral, leading to public outrage and eventually the relocation of Romeo and his mate Juliet to a sanctuary.

Since their introduction in the early 2010s, drones have been revolutionary for groups like PETA, who’ve used them to uncover illegal hunting activities. In marine conservation, drones offer an unparalleled view of the living conditions of sea creatures, highlighting the cramped spaces in some facilities.

Sea Shepherd, a marine conservation group, utilizes drones to document illegal fishing activities in international waters. The advancements in drone technology have made these devices quieter and more discreet, crucial for documenting illegal actions without alerting the perpetrators. Simon Ager of Sea Shepherd emphasizes the effectiveness of drones in these operations, noting their ability to capture evidence of illegal activities from a safe distance, thus reducing the risk to conservationists.

In essence, drones are more than just tools; they represent a shift in how activists and conservationists can safely and effectively gather evidence, raise awareness, and prompt action to protect animals and their habitats. They enable discreet observations and can reach places that are otherwise inaccessible or risky for humans, proving to be an indispensable asset in the fight for animal rights and environmental protection.

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New Bazaar Blends American & Indian Cultures

Shannon Jackson

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In Buffalo’s East side, something exciting is happening at the Buffalo Trade Center! It’s becoming a bustling market, blending Indian and American cultures, thanks to Samad, a visionary with Indian roots but raised in the U.S. This new market isn’t just any ordinary place; it’s a vibrant bazaar with 30 vendor stalls, offering a sneak peek into a future filled with shops, a halal supermarket, offices, a playground for kids, a restaurant, a food hall, and a community center.

Samad, together with his uncles Khaled Ali, Iqbal Ali, Moynul Samad, and Faisal Ahmed, owns this center. They’re embarking on an ambitious project, starting with the vendor stalls and a retail liquidation center, all set to open this summer. But the excitement has already begun with a pop-up vendor festival, especially timed for Ramadan, attracting thousands of people and giving a taste of what’s to come.

This market is more than just a place to shop; it’s a springboard for aspiring business owners. Samad’s idea is to create a space where anyone with a dream can start their business journey with minimal initial costs and supportive surroundings. Last year, this place drew in 5,000 visitors, and it’s clear it has a special vibe that people love.

Samad’s vision extends beyond business. He aims to build a community that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of Buffalo itself. He’s looking for vendors who are not only entrepreneurial but also kind and welcoming to everyone, reinforcing that the Buffalo Trade Center is a place for all, not just for the Bangladeshi community.

Through Samad’s efforts, the Buffalo Trade Center is set to be a hub where different cultures meet and mingle, proving that despite our diverse backgrounds, we share more similarities than differences. This market is shaping up to be a place where community, culture, and commerce come together beautifully.

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Eagle Rescue: Maryland Officer Saves Bald Eagle Trapped in Car Grille

Kevin Wells

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In Calvert County, Maryland, a bald eagle had a close call after it got trapped in the front grille of an SUV. This unusual rescue story started when a driver hit the eagle on Route 4 last weekend. Despite the scary collision, the eagle survived, but its legs were caught in the car’s grille.

The driver quickly called for help, and Animal Control Officer Hannah Neel rushed to the scene. With her background as an emergency veterinary technician, Officer Neel was well-prepared to help the eagle. She even contacted a local veterinary hospital right away, just in case the bird needed immediate medical care.

When Officer Neel arrived, she found that, thankfully, the eagle wasn’t hurt. She carefully checked the eagle to make sure it wasn’t showing any signs of injury or illness. Neel found that the eagle could move all its legs and was responding normally, which was a good sign.

With help from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and the driver’s permission, Officer Neel managed to free the eagle from the grille. After making sure the eagle was okay, she released it back into the woods, where it could fly free again.

Julie Yingling, a county spokesperson, praised the teamwork that led to the eagle’s safe rescue. She expressed gratitude for the community’s support and concern for the eagle, as well as for everyone involved in the rescue effort.

This incident shows how quick action and collaboration can lead to a happy ending, even in unexpected situations like an eagle getting stuck in a car grille. Thanks to Officer Neel and the team’s efforts, the bald eagle was able to return to the wild, safe and sound.

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Girls Auto Clinic: Empowering Women One Car at a Time

Renee Yates

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Imagine going to get your car fixed and getting a free manicure or pedicure while you wait. Sounds too good to be true? Not at Girls Auto Clinic in Upper Darby, PA! This unique auto repair shop is run entirely by women and has become famous for its trustworthiness and extra perks like manis and pedis for customers.

The auto repair industry has been mostly male-dominated, with women making up just 12% of the workforce. But Girls Auto Clinic is changing that. Patrice Banks, the founder, was once an engineer who felt intimidated by traditional repair shops. She said, “I was tired of feeling helpless and having to go talk to a guy. I was afraid I was going to be taken advantage of.” So, she decided to make a change.

While still working at DuPont, Banks began teaching herself car mechanics. She realized that finding a female mechanic was tough, so she took matters into her own hands. She enrolled in a night school for mechanics, where she was the only woman among younger male students. Banks eventually left her high-paying job to dive fully into the world of auto repair, gaining experience by working in garages around Philadelphia.

At Girls Auto Clinic, not only do customers get their cars fixed, but they also enjoy free manicures or pedicures. Banks got the idea from her own experiences. “Me and my girlfriend would go to a Jiffy Lube next to a nail salon on our lunch break, get our oil changed, and then get our nails done,” she recalls. This efficient and enjoyable routine inspired her to offer similar services at her own auto clinic.

Banks emphasizes the importance of empowering women to understand their vehicles better. She believes in teaching customers about their cars to help them feel more confident and knowledgeable. “Mechanics do a lot of diagnosing from hearing, seeing, feeling, and smelling. So if we can hear, see, feel, and smell it, so can you,” Banks explains.

Girls Auto Clinic isn’t just an auto repair shop; it’s a place where women can feel comfortable, understood, and empowered. With its unique blend of automotive services and beauty treatments, Girls Auto Clinic is redefining the auto repair experience and proving that women can excel in this field.

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