{"id":1028044,"date":"2026-08-27T20:04:29","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T20:04:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1028044\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T20:04:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T20:04:29","slug":"new-friends-new-life-names-2026-protecther-award-honorees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1028044\/","title":{"rendered":"New Friends New Life Names 2026 ProtectHER Award Honorees"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Janet Jensen and Elizabeth Carlock Phillips are among the 2026 ProtectHER Award winners. [Photos: NFNL]<\/p>\n

In memory of her brother, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips of Dallas passionately advocated for passage of Trey\u2019s Law<\/a>, which took effect in 2025. Now the Dallas nonprofit New Friends New Life will honor that work with one of its 2026 ProtectHER awards.<\/p>\n

The state law prohibits using non-disclosure agreements in civil settlements to silence survivors of child sexual abuse and human trafficking. Phillips\u2019 brother, Trey Carlock, was forced to sign an NDA after pursuing legal action over child sexual abuse he suffered at a summer camp.<\/p>\n

In the aftermath of the abuse and the NDA, Carlock died by suicide in 2019 at age 28.<\/p>\n

Exhibiting \u2018courage and tenacity\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Six other states have adopted versions of Trey\u2019s Law, and an additional seven states are considering similar legislation.<\/p>\n

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Bianca Davis is CEO of the Dallas-based nonprofit New Friends New Life. [Photo: NFNL]<\/p>\n

\u201cAt New Friends New Life, we recognize the courage and tenacity required to impact legislative change,\u201d NFNL CEO Bianca Davis said in a statement. \u201cElizabeth has transformed personal tragedy into meaningful action, creating protections that will benefit survivors for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

The awards recognize people, companies and agencies that strive to protect women and girls in Texas, in the U.S. and around the world.<\/p>\n

NFNL will honor this year\u2019s award recipients Sept. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas during the annual Stand for Her Luncheon. NFNL\u2019s work centers on rescuing and empowering trafficked and sexually exploited teenage girls, women and the women\u2019s children while raising awareness.<\/p>\n

Other 2026 ProtectHER honorees<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joining Phillips as 2026 ProtectHER honorees are the Baker Botts\/Toyota Motor North America Pro Bono Legal Clinic and The Jensen Project<\/a> founder Janet Jensen.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach year these partnering entities show up with expertise wrapped in empathy, lighting the legal path forward for our members,\u201d Davis said. \u201cTheir unwavering commitment helps remove barriers that too often stand between survivors and the fresh start they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Baker Botts\/Toyota Motor North America Pro Bono Legal Clinic<\/a> earned a ProtectHER Award for offering free legal services to members of NFNL\u2019s Women\u2019s Program. Lawyers hosted the legal clinic during the charity\u2019s Fashion Friday event. The clinic handled issues like housing, employment, child custody and divorce.<\/p>\n

Jensen\u2019s Irving-based nonprofit helps women and girls affected by gender-based violence. The project\u2019s funding for agencies nationwide supports leadership development and other initiatives.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Jensen Project\u2019s advocacy, investment and commitment to collaboration have strengthened the anti-trafficking movement and created meaningful, measurable progress for survivors nationwide,\u201d\u00a0Davis said.\u00a0\u201cJanet understands that lasting change happens when organizations are equipped to work together, and her leadership continues to elevate the entire field.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stand for Her Luncheon<\/strong><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Stand for Her Luncheon, NFNL\u2019s biggest annual fundraiser, will feature Golden Globe-winning and Emmy-nominated actress and producer Tracee Ellis Ross. She starred in the ABC comedy \u201cblack-ish.\u201d NBC 5 anchor Laura Harris will moderate a talk with Ross.<\/p>\n

Toronto-based information and technology company Thomson Reuters, which maintains an office in Frisco, is the presenting sponsor for the 2026 ProtectHER Awards. The awards program launched in 2013.<\/p>\n

Heather Panton, senior adviser for social impact and human rights at Thomson Reuters, said this year\u2019s honorees \u201creflect the values we champion \u2014 truth, justice and human dignity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tickets and sponsorships for the Stand for Her Luncheon<\/a> remain available.<\/p>\n

Founded in 1998, NFNL served 320 teen girls, women and their children last year. The nonprofit offers education, counseling, job training and other support to survivors. NFNL also works on legislative reforms, community education and strategic partnerships aimed at ending sex trafficking and exploitation.<\/p>\n

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