Nonprofit Spotlight: Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries

Beauty From Ashes Ministry

In 2002, Julie began her non-profit outreach ministry, Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries. Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries (BFA) is one of the first human trafficking community service agency that is lead by an overcomer. In her outreach ministry, Julie and her team would visit strip clubs with gifts for the girls. They would gift clothes, shoes, perfumes, and devotionals, for instance. BFA’s main goal is to prevent, reach and provide restoration services to human trafficking victims.

The ministry also seeks to educate, train and bring awareness to the dangers of human trafficking to service providers, youth, teens, parents, and churches. BFA ministry consists of various programs such as Human Trafficking Awareness and Training, Equine Program, Art Program, Retreats, and Art and Horse Camp. BFA is utilizing these separate programs as a fundraiser to help continue its mission. However, all the Sessions are FREE of charge to survivors of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and high-risk populaces.

Human Trafficking Awareness and Training

BFA has been educating and raising awareness about commercialized sexual exploitation and trafficking through means of the internet, workshops, training seminars, speaking engagements; churches, organizations, radio and television since 2005. Most importantly, Julie’s ultimate goal is to sever the industry as a whole. She aims to protect potential victims from having to experience modern day slavery. Each workshop and training will equip you with knowledge about the industry. As part of the workshop, you will learn how to recognize and restore a victim of human trafficking. HT Awareness and Training program is available year round.

Equine Program 

The Equine program offered at BFA is led by experienced, trained, certified, Master’s level, Equine Specialists. The Equine program has many benefits such as building confidence, learning self-efficacy, learning social skills, increasing effective communication and building trust. The Horsemanship program focuses on teaching young girls responsibility, leadership, confidence and building trust and healthy relationships with other women.

Art Program

The Art Program utilizes evidenced based therapeutic interventions to individual and groups. Students utilize the creative process to encourage self-expression, managing behavior, develop interpersonal skills, and manage stress. In the Art Instructions courses, Julie teaches ‘mixed media and adapts lessons to student’s skill level and interests while providing Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE).

Art and Horse Camp

The Art and Horse Camp is typically offered to children during their long vacation time like Spring Break or summer. The program incorporates aspects of the Equine program and Art program. Campers will produce creative artwork as well as learn horsemanship.

Retreats

Shematz Sanctuary is the ideal place to unplug, relax and refresh. During retreats, you will be provided with southern hospitality while you engage in creating art and loving on horses.  You will learn proper horsemanship and have a chance to bond with one of God’s majestic creatures. This program is open to everyone.

Our Experience

Last month, my older son and I were able to visit Shematz Sanctuary with Julie Shematz, at Eagles Landing Ranch. Shematz Sanctuary is a private and secluded 5-acre ranch. It is home to three horses, three miniature horses, two cows, a bull, a donkey, some rabbits, chickens, a rooster, two cats, and three dogs. There is also an amazing art studio where all the creative processing happens. My son and I were in LOVE with every aspect of this ranch.

Julie and her husband, Steve took the time to teach Malachi about the rules of the ranch. Malachi learned how to approach the animals and was educated on rules to keep him safe while out on the ranch. Malachi was in heaven. He was introduced to Spirit, the main therapy horse, Fancy, the female miniature horse and Gus the residential donkey.

Malachi was able to pet, feed and love on the animals.  Malachi had lots of questions and a very active body. In turn, Julie had a lot of patience and a lot of answers.

When I first heard of Julie Shematz, it was through an ad for her Art and Horse Camp. I was very excited to find a program that incorporated horse and art. I had to check them out because my son loves to draw and has always been fascinated by horses.

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries Founder Julie Shematz

Julie Shematz is originally from Indiana and grew up on a large farm. She is an artist, an ordained minister, a therapist, an Equine specialist, an educator, a leader, a mentor, and an overcomer. Julie has an amazing story of how she has conquered and overcome sexual and domestic abuse, addictions, homelessness, and human trafficking victimization. She has over 20 years’ experience working with this populace and is recognized as an expert nationally for the development and training of survivor-centered outREACH and afterCARE programs.

Julie now identifies as an artist. Online and on social media, she is best known as JulietheArtist. She uses her art as a fundraiser to help fund her ministry. As an artist, Julie gets to combine two of her passions…teaching and creating art. Julie has over 30 years of experience as an educator teaching in public, private, homeschool and universities.

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries Donations

Beauty From Ashes™ Ministries is 100% volunteer driven and is funded through donations. You can find a BFA’s wish list here. You can also give a monetary donation electronically and securely online with a one time or monthly gift through PayPal. Tangible donations can be delivered to their ranch in Zephyrhills, FL. All gifts and donations are tax deductible.