Investing in futures: Supporting careers for survivors of human trafficking

By Chad Previch, Senior Communications Manager

Norfolk Southern grant funds workforce training

A graduate of Wellspring Living’s Women’s Academy celebrates after completing a career readiness training program. Photo courtesy of Wellspring Living.

For survivors of human trafficking, economic stability is a key pillar to recovery. Norfolk Southern recently supported that pillar through a $10,000 Thriving Communities grant to Wellspring Living, an Atlanta-based nonprofit serving human trafficking survivors and those at risk. The grant benefited Wellspring Living’s 2025 Women’s Academy, which offers career readiness training. 

The funding provided six Women’s Academy participants with stipends to help cover transportation and other essential needs — practical barriers that often prevent consistent participation in workforce training. Because of this support, all six women in the fall program completed the training, gaining confidence, stability, and momentum as they work toward sustainable employment.

Zooming out: The support followed a $400,000 donation to Wellspring Living’s “Welcome Home Campaign” in 2023 which expanded residential and community care for women and children affected by or who are at risk of sexual exploitation.

Why it matters:

• Economic empowerment: Career readiness programs help survivors build skills, confidence and pathways to financial stability.
• Access to opportunity: Removing everyday barriers like lack of transportation and providing support for basic needs make it possible for participants to consistently attend training and fully engage in career development.
• Path to rebuilding: Meaningful employment is a critical pillar of long-term recovery, helping survivors build independence and security in their lives. 

What they’re saying: 

“Survivors and those at risk deserve pathways to economic stability that eliminate barriers to opportunity. With Norfolk Southern’s financial support, Wellspring Living helps ensure that the people we serve can prioritize education and workforce development without the stress of unmet basic needs.” — Andrea Hipwell, Senior Director of Adult Services, Wellspring Living Women’s Academy Career Development Manager
 

“Wellspring Living understands that healing happens when women have practical tools and meaningful opportunity, not just short-term support. We’re proud to walk alongside an organization that’s investing in people as they rebuild their lives.” — Kristin Wong, Director of Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact

The bottom line: When survivors no longer must choose between survival and opportunity, transformation becomes possible. Norfolk Southern’s Thriving Communities grant is helping ensure survivors have the support they need to take the next step forward.

Learn more about how Norfolk Southern supports community organizations through its Thriving Communities program here.

 

Chad Previch leads external communications for Norfolk Southern in the areas of Sustainability, Community Impact and Technology. He also manages messaging related to the company’s Government Relations and Investor Relations priorities. He joined NS in 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of PR and corporate communications experience.