Meet Sabrina Dorman-Andrew | Executive Director of New Creation VA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sabrina Dorman-Andrew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sabrina, how do you think about risk?

I have heard people often say, “No risk. No reward”, which makes an awesome t-shirt but often can be complicated to live out. I do believe many times that saying is accurate, though.

I have been working in the anti-sex trafficking realm for nearly ten years now, + some of the BIGGEST payoffs for our organization + business have often required a blind leap of faith to see if we can make it to the other side.

When we began our work, it was limited to the four walls of our home. That was not risky but practical. That decision was necessary at the time; however, purchasing a building was full of risks without any promise of reward.

I had my eyes set on a former pornography shop in our city.  It was not irony that I was after, but to show the community a picture of redemption, that your past does not define your future + that sex trafficking + pornography are many times the same. Wanting to purchase this property was incredibly intentional, however full of unknowns.

We ended up buying it at auction “as is,” without any idea of how horrible the property’s condition would be. I was called foolish by many + even had an attorney tell me it was, quote, “the worst business decision” he had ever seen.

I trusted that still small voice + followed it over the loud voices telling me to turn around. This Summer, we will have celebrated six years with our doors opened at this formerly condemned piece of real estate. Because of our risk, we have collectively used this building to generate millions of dollars for the global anti-trafficking movement.

Had I, all those years ago, listened + remained in our home, we likely would never have been able to make the impact we have. I will never regret stepping out + believing that risk-taking for GOOD is worth it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

What I love the most about what we do is merging the nonprofit world with business to create maximum impact in our efforts to end modern-day slavery. It’s such a brilliant way to help everyday citizens use their purchasing power for GOOD.

I have learned there is such value in creating a bridge for people to connect + make a difference. There are so many complex issues in our world, and most of us WANT to do something but have no idea where to start. We come alongside them to be their tour guide to shop + do good!

The best part is each purchase helps connect dignified work to those rescued from, or vulnerable to, trafficking! It is one of the most beautiful things I have witnessed – not giving a handout but instead leveraging our position to see women overcome things we couldn’t even imagine. Employment + empowerment go hand in hand to create another merging to make an impact!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Our city, Harrisonburg, VA, is known as the “Friendly City.” I tell people wherever I travel, “Oh, you HAVE to visit our area. Placed right in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley, with some of the most beautiful views of the mountains!  You will, indeed, meet some friendly folks.”

We would start our day at Heritage Bakery with the sweetest girls + treats around. We could shop downtown to check out my favorite small shops, The Yellow Button, with Simplicity + the Agora Downtown Market. After checking out what the city offers, we would end up in New Market, VA, to spend cash at The Buttercup, which would also put us near the most amazing fried chicken + pie around at Southern Kitchen.

After lunch, we would cross the mountain to my actual hometown, Elkton, to visit The Henhouse Shoppe, grab an afternoon coffee at Blue Elk + finish the day off with an ice cold beer at Elkton Brewery Company.

I prefer to use any + all extra time on my hands eating + shopping small whether in my community or other small places around Virginia!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our New Creation community is phenomenal. From our shoppers to team members, donors to partnerships, we link arms with some of the most incredible humans in all the world. We can make an impact at the day’s end because so many people choose to show up + come alongside our mission!

Website: www.newcreationva.org

Instagram: NewCreationVA

Linkedin: Sabrina Dorman-Andrew

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newcreationva

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOqf9rsy1FXnUwgQbKMiQQw

Image Credits
Sarah Featherstone Photography