How are things going? | Looking back | Strong together in the field

newsletter

How are things?

I’m often asked: “How’s Bright Fame getting on?” This is often followed by the question that’s actually even more important: “How are the women getting on?” My answer is usually the same: many of the women aren’t doing well. Their earnings are often barely enough to make ends meet. Debts are piling up, worries are mounting, and the prospect of change sometimes seems a long way off. At the same time, I can say that Bright Fame is doing well. Not because the need is diminishing, but because we’re able to support more women and make a real difference to their lives.

Since January of this year, we’ve come across 24 new women alone. Each woman has her own story, struggles, dreams and challenges. For example, there is a woman in her mid-thirties who has been subjected to abuse since she was five. When she was thirteen, she was taken from Romania to Italy to work in prostitution. She suspects that her mother sold her to her pimp. Her life has been characterised by rejection, violence, prostitution and, above all, a sense of hopelessness. Just before Christmas, she rang me to ask if she could pop round in January. Since that first meeting, she has not returned to working behind the window. She visits the office regularly, has found other work and is, step by step, rebuilding her life.
We helped another woman to get her son back to the Netherlands after her ex had taken him abroad. She is now working with a coach from our network to set up her own business. Her coach is extremely enthusiastic about her talents, dedication and vision. He sees her as a true businesswoman.

We were also approached for help by a pregnant woman. She is looking forward to motherhood and is taking steps towards a more stable future. The person who put her in touch with us is going to take Dutch language lessons with us so that they can support her better.
On the other hand, there are also the difficult stories. A young woman aged 24 is struggling greatly to make ends meet. Then she was told that her mother has cancer. The costs of treatment are enormous. As an only child, she feels responsible for helping. We can see how her worries are weighing on her more and more and how she is slowly sinking into feelings of depression. Yet she occasionally finds the strength to pop into our office.
Two women were keen to leave prostitution. As they live in the Hague area, we were able to refer them to Stichting De Haven, so that they could receive appropriate support there.
And then there are the women who, after a period away from prostitution, have returned to working behind the window. Not because they wanted to, but because debts in their home country were mounting, because their children needed care, and because the financial pressure simply became too great. Now they are discovering once again that debts in Amsterdam often grow even faster than before.

These stories show just how complex reality is. Sometimes we see major breakthroughs. Sometimes women take small steps forward. And sometimes it seems as though we are actually taking steps backwards. Yet we believe that no step is taken in vain.

As Bright Fame, we can say that things are going well, because we are able to do what God has called us to do: stand alongside people. Offering practical help. Listening. Bringing hope. Nurturing the belief that a different life is possible.

We are grateful to everyone who supports this work. Through prayer, involvement or a financial donation, you help us to remain present in the lives of these women. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope where it is often hard to find.

A look back at the first half of 2026

As the summer approaches, it is a good time to look back on the past few months. We are grateful for everything that has happened and for the many women we have been able to meet, support and guide.
Over the past year, 44 women were involved in a social work programme and 19 women took part in a transition programme. In addition, 23 women attend our living room activities. For many of them, the living room has now become a familiar place.Some have been coming for years and see Bright Fame as family. As well as providing a place to meet and socialise, we also help them with practical matters, such as correspondence from official bodies or other everyday challenges.
Through our street outreach work, we had no fewer than 4,663 points of contact. Of these, we were able to refer 167 women to our office for further help and support. Our outreach activities also enabled us to make contact with 146 new women.
What is striking is the growing demand for help. Since January 2026, 24 new women have already come forward to us. Often, the issues they face are already highly complex and urgent by the time they approach us. Not every woman who attends an initial consultation returns afterwards. Although this can sometimes be difficult, we respect their choice and remain available should they wish to seek help again.

Meanwhile, we are also seeing encouraging progress. For example, one of the women is about to start language lessons, three women are taking part in a DISC training course, and we have been able to accompany one woman to a safe shelter due to an acute situation of insecurity. Another woman is in the process of leaving her current situation, whilst yet another is receiving support in setting up her own business.

In addition, we are supporting various women through social work programmes and pastoral care processes. One of these women will also be taking part in the ‘Coming Together’ meeting, an important step in her personal development and recovery.
Behind every figure lies a unique story. Stories of vulnerability, courage, hope and change. We are grateful that, together with our volunteers, partners, donors and supporters, we are able to stand alongside these women.

Strong together in the field

This month we’ve had the national OverHoop Day, an inspiring event organised by a partnership of organisations dedicated to supporting people in prostitution and victims of human trafficking: Scharlaken Koord, Stichting De Haven, El Roi, the Salvation Army and Bright Fame. A day full of inspiration, encounters, connection and the realisation that, together, we can make a difference.
The day began with the impressive story of a woman who, with help, left prostitution and now works as an expert by experience. She spoke candidly about her difficult childhood, the path that led to addiction and prostitution, and ultimately her recovery. What particularly moved me was her remark that all those visits to her window over the years had been ‘seeds’ that later contributed to her escape. A wonderful source of encouragement for everyone involved in outreach work: even if we don’t see immediate results, an encounter today can have a major impact later on.

I also attended two workshops. The first was about the signs of human trafficking. It became clear once again just how significant the Netherlands’ role is in this regard and how important it is to recognise the signs and respond to them carefully.
The second workshop was about intercultural communication. It provided valuable insight into how cultural differences influence communication and relationships. In our work with women from all sorts of different backgrounds, this knowledge is incredibly helpful.

Perhaps the best part of all was meeting staff and volunteers from other organisations. Different backgrounds, different workplaces, but one shared desire: to see people, to love them and to bring them hope.
I am grateful for this day full of new insights, encouragement and connection. Together we are stronger.

Tineke van Vulpen, staff and outreach worker