2025 Executive Summary
Bianca’s Haven has received approval from the States of Michigan and Nevada as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to combating human trafficking through a triad of education, advocacy, and empowerment. This noble initiative is spearheaded by a distinguished board of directors, each member bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to address the multifaceted needs of human trafficking victims. The board includes notable figures such as Dr. Vernal T. Tiller (CEO and Founder), Dr. Danielle J. Bastien (Vice President), Wendy M. Tiller, RN, BSN (Secretary), Bianca J. Reaves, PhD(c) (Treasurer), and Erick Haynes, BBA PMP (Vice President). Their collective knowledge has significantly propelled the impactful trajectory of Bianca’s Haven.
Monthly board meetings (excluding December) facilitate strategic planning and oversight, ensuring that the organization remains aligned with its mission. Funds generated through our fundraising endeavors are judiciously allocated to community organizations that play a crucial role in assisting victims on their journey to becoming empowered survivors and thrivers. Through these collaborative efforts, Bianca’s Haven is making strides in transforming lives and fostering resilience within the community.
On August 9, 2025, we successfully held our second annual fundraiser, generously sponsored by Henry Ford Health (Gold Sponsor) and Dean Sellers Ford (Bronze Sponsor), along with additional donations from private citizens and organizations such as BCBSM, See Eye Wear, Wenderski and Associates, the Art of Custom Framing, Billie Times Enterprise, Feel Good Cookies, Alice Huang’s Chinese Natural Therapies, LLC, Skate World of Troy, Eddie V’s, and MJR Theaters.
Our distinguished speakers included Undersheriff Timothy Willis from Oakland County, Ms. Cynthia A. Brown, Section Leader of the Trafficking Unit at the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, Ms. Karen G. Moore, Executive Director of Sanctum House, and Ms. Samantha Mansfield, Lived Experience Expert at Sanctum House.
The collaborative efforts and support from numerous individuals and organizations across Oakland County and the state of Michigan, who contributed raffle items, played a pivotal role in the event’s success and in advancing the vital cause of combating human trafficking.
We are currently in the planning stages for our 2026 fundraiser, which promises to be an exciting event scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Detroit Shipping Company from 4 PM to 7 PM, featuring the Hula Michigan Dance Troupe. We look forward to another impactful gathering that will further our mission and engage the community in meaningful ways.
Empower
- Successfully held our inaugural fundraiser, attracting 130 attendees, during which the Bianca’s Haven board approved donations to Sanctum House to support their annual fundraiser and dental services.
- Honored to be the recipient of the Azal Benne Lockett Foundation Heart Award, accompanied by a generous $500 financial donation.
- Our mission is dedicated to empowering survivors to achieve academic and educational milestones, starting with the completion of their General Educational Development (GED). Additionally, we are resolutely committed to addressing the pressing need for vision and dental services. We have forged a partnership with a local dentist to help restore smiles and dignity, as many victims of human trafficking have tragically had their teeth removed by traffickers. This loss profoundly impacts their sense of dignity, self-esteem, and self-worth. Individuals with missing teeth often encounter significant obstacles in integrating or reintegrating into society, as the absence of teeth serves as a constant reminder of their past, hindering their present and jeopardizing their futures. Moreover, we have collaborated with See Eye Wear to provide comprehensive vision examinations and eyeglasses, acknowledging that many victims have been deprived of essential eye care, which is vital for restoring their eye health.
Advocacy
- Bianca’s Haven was approached by the University of Phoenix to host an intern for one semester. Ms. Tya-Quea Parrott, a master’s public health intern from the University of Phoenix, co-lead a human trafficking training session held at Incubizo, which was attended by 25 participants. An additional training focused on self-defense techniques took place at the Boombox Gym. Kurt Cornwell, the owner, provided valuable awareness and self-defense training to a group of 25 attendees.
- Successfully established a partnership with See Eye Wear and Sanctum House to provide eye examinations and eyeglasses for residents, enhancing their access to essential vision care.
Educate
- Bianca’s Haven continues to be listed on the IRS Publication 78 (Pub78), a publicly accessible list maintained by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that includes organizations granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- The Troy Times featured an update in their September newsletter highlighting the outcomes of the second fundraiser, showcasing the impact of our efforts within the community.