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About Worthwhile

Impacting Survivors Together

From a Dream

to a Reality

Dan Emr, Founder and Executive Director of Worthwhile with his family

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I first heard of human trafficking in 2010 when a young couple visited our church. They shared about the work they were doing overseas to help young women that were caught in human trafficking. What they shared that morning took me by surprise, as I couldn't believe that slavery still existed. In my mind, slavery was a thing of the past, but as they shared about their work and the stories of the women they were helping, I felt the need to do something.

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At that time, I was working in a sales and marketing role at a local engineering and manufacturing company.  It was a position that afforded my young family comfort, stability, and even a few luxuries. Over the course of two years, I deliberated what my role should be to help those enslaved. I knew I needed to be a part of the solution and not sit idly by.

 

Growing up in Ukraine as a missionary kid, I learned from my parents what it meant to set personal comforts aside to better serve others. With God's guidance, I made the very difficult decision to leave the comfort of my sales and marketing position in an effort to fully commit myself to this cause.

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Worthwhile Wear launched in India in 2012 and then launched a variety of programs in the US in 2014. Today, Worthwhile has grown to offer the most comprehensive services to survivors of trafficking in the state of PA.

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I haven't once regretted the decision our family made to step away from a career job in order to better serve these brave survivors. Knowing that my days are spent helping women experience freedom and realize their true worth, has made each day a rewarding one.​

I have the support and help of my wife and two children, and we’ve committed ourselves to provide for and support these women. At my core I believe every person on this planet is of equal value and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It is our desire that through our actions, each woman in our programs would know that they truly are worthwhile.

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​– Dan Emr, Founder and Executive Director of Worthwhile

Worthwhile Admin Team

Dan Emr, Founder and Executive Director of Worthwhile

Dan Emr

Founder/Executive Director

Dan provides oversight and guidance for the different departments of Worthwhile, keeping in mind the big picture and long term trajectory of the organization. He works with staff to innovate and find ways to not only serve more women each year, but to continually evaluate and improve Worthwhile's services. Dan holds a BS from Clearwater Christian College, but attributes much of his education to his years spent growing up in Ukraine as a missionary kid. When Dan’s not laying the groundwork for Worthwhile's next steps, you’ll likely find him listening to a podcast and working on his latest project. Whether it be a broken engine, a circuit board that needs soldering or some carpentry work, Dan finds his happy place fixing things.

Analisa Seader, Marketing Manager at Worthwhile

Analisa Seader

Marketing Manager

Analisa plans and executes all marketing campaigns for Worthwhile and Worthwhile Thrift. She spends her days designing and scheduling emails, texts, social media content, digital and print ads and more. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Penn State University in Digital & Print Journalism and Communication Arts & Sciences. She enjoys putting the "puzzle pieces" of a campaign together to reach a larger goal. She loves her job because of the team she gets to work with every day and the never-ending opportunities for creativity and growth. When Analisa isn't coming up with the next genius Marketing campaign you can find her binging Harry Potter with her son and husband.

Brooke Engelbart, Director of Operations of Worthwhile

Brooke Engelbart

Director of Operations

Brooke helps oversee daily activities to ensure the different facets of Worthwhile are running smoothly and moving forward. A strong believer in business being used as a force for good, Brooke was drawn to how Worthwhile utilized their thrift business to support their programs. She’s worn a few hats since her early days as a thrift volunteer and now enjoys getting to be a part of all aspects of Worthwhile (and still scratch that creative itch through marketing and planning events). She holds a BA degree from Eastern University. Although she may not work at Worthwhile Thrift anymore, outside of work you can likely find Brooke scouring her local thrift stores for her next great find or convincing her dog to give up the latest sock he discovered.

Tina Tranauskas, National Engagement Manager at Worthwhile

Tina Tranauskas

National Engagement Manager

Tina engages with the community at both the local and national level to invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join in the mission of Worthwhile. Prior to joining the Worthwhile team, Tina was a part of a volunteer construction team for the Education and Counseling Center at The Well. As she learned more about the issue of human trafficking, she felt compelled to take action and be a part of the solution. Tina earned her BS degree from Kutztown University and also holds a certificate in Non-Profit Management from LaSalle University. When she puts a pause on her work, you might find her out on a long distance run enjoying God’s creation.

The Well & Worth It Teams

Allegra Cressman, Director of Programming for The Well and Worth It teams

Allegra Cressman

Director of Programming

Allegra oversees the development of Worthwhile’s housing, employment, and community-based outreach and empowerment programs for survivors of human trafficking. Using her 30 years of experience working in the field of poverty, family homelessness and housing instability, Allegra enjoys working with staff to offer compassionate and high-quality programming for survivors. When Allegra is not developing our programming, you might find her hanging out with her family, cooking or gardening. Zinnias are her favorite summertime flower but nothing beats fall and all-things-pumpkin.

Evie MacDonald, Worth It Coordinator

Evie MacDonald

Coordinator, Worth It

Evie coordinates, schedules and maintains relationships with local resources for our Worth It program. Evie has her Masters in Social Work from Temple University and is licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. She has worked in several different capacities in the past including her work with Project SHINE during grad school where she developed a passion for the role of nonprofits and advocacy work in the community. In Evie's free time, you might find her working on a creative project, grabbing the next book off her reading list or planning her next adventure with her family.

Stephanie Greene, Worth It Coordinator

Stephanie Greene

Coordinator, Worth It

Stephanie provides behind the scenes support through administrative efforts, donation management, and payroll support. Her most recent role was a Volunteer Coordinator for CASA Berks County, where she supervised and coached volunteer advocates. She worked directly in assisting in the development of advocacy plans customized to address the individual needs of children within the foster care system. Stephanie's passion for helping others began roughly 10 years ago when she started bringing groups of high school students to volunteer either at the store or at The Well. That's when she truly fell in love with both the incredible people and the inspiring mission. You can find Stephanie spending time with her family and friends and exploring local thrift stores in search of hidden gems.

Kate Kennerly, Program Manager of The Well

Kate Kennerly

Program Manager, The Well

Kate is responsible for the ongoing case management of the program participants and the day-to-day operation of The Well. Prior to joining the team, Kate provided in-home services for over twelve years as a Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapist for adults who had sustained brain injuries, as well as worked for five years in the psychiatric unit of a hospital. Both of those experiences taught her patience, empathy, teaching, and resourcefulness. When Kate is not at The Well, you might find her outdoors letterboxing or wearing a twirly skirt while contra dancing!

Katie Racilla, Worth It Coordinator

Katie Racilla

Coordinator, Worth It

Katie connects with and schedules local resources for the Worth It program. Katie has a Master's degree in Counseling from Missio Seminary and a School Counseling certification from Gwynedd Mercy University. Her previous experience as a School Program Coordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters helped her grow her skills in managing community programs and gave her the foundations she needs to be successful in her position with Worthwhile. In her free time, Katie enjoys hiking, listening to podcasts and playing with her cat, Belle.

Katrina Crumlish, Program Coordinator of The Well

Katrina Crumlish

Program Coordinator, The Well

Katrina supports, creates and maintains schedules for participants at The Well. Prior to joining the Worthwhile team, Katrina worked as an EMT for almost 10 years. In this role, she was introduced to people with trauma, and she learned how to better understand individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. When Katrina is not at The Well, you might find her reading a book, practicing embroidery, or taking her dog on long hikes.

Elizabeth Deaton, Worth It Coordinator

Elizabeth Deaton

Coordinator, Worth It

Elizabeth coordinates, schedules and maintains relationships with local resources for our Worth It program. Previously, Elizabeth worked as a Program Leader for the Bucks County Free Library and as a Special Education Teacher for the Souderton School District. She enjoyed building meaningful relationships with the families and community members. She graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's in Elementary and Special Education. You can find Elizabeth playing pickleball and spending time with her family.

Worthwhile Thrift Team

Josh Hilliker, Director of Worthwhile Thrift

Josh Hilliker

Director of Thrift

Josh oversees thrift store operations and the development of new Worthwhile Thrift stores around the country. With a degree in Business Management from Davenport University and many years of experience in ministry and retail, Josh uses his expertise to advance the work of helping survivors of trafficking. In his role, Josh enthusiastically works to expand the Worthwhile Thrift network. When Josh is not bouncing between our thrift stores, you might find him hiking, spending time with his church community, or hopping on a plane to visit his hometown in the midwest.

Kim McCoach, Worthwhile Thrift Store Manager - Collegeville

Kim McCoach

Store Manager, Collegeville

Kim works alongside the management team, staff and volunteers at Worthwhile Thrift Collegeville. Kim connects with customers to share our mission and ensure their satisfaction on a daily basis. Kim enjoys working with a team of people who share the same passion to help end human trafficking. With a Business Associate's Degree from Montgomery County Community College and 3 years of experience managing a coffee shop that she and her family opened in her hometown, Kim is equipped with the skills needed to ensure the success of the thrift store. She enjoys going hiking with her family and friends. Her favorite spot to hike is Acadia National Park in Maine where she has been visiting since she was a kid. She also finds joy in playing the ukulele and painting in her free time.

Olivia Lapp, Worthwhile Thrift Store Manager - Plumsteadville

Olivia Lapp

Store Manager, Plumsteadville

Olivia works alongside the team members and helps with the daily operations of our Worthwhile Thrift in Plumsteadville. Olivia’s favorite part of her role at Worthwhile is working with so many great people who are passionate about ending human trafficking. Olivia has a desire to help others, and she is excited to further the mission of Worthwhile alongside like-minded individuals. When Olivia is not at the thrift store you might find her studying for an upcoming college exam, designing florals, enjoying the outdoors or caring for animals, especially chickens which are her favorite!

Worthwhile logo

Noah Kemmerer

Assistant Manager, Collegeville

Noah manages the production and flow of the Worthwhile Thrift Collegeville warehouse and promotes seamless relationships between staff and volunteers. Noah has experience as a fork lift driver and a shipping clerk. Both positions gave him the warehouse management skills and knowledge that are crucial to his success in his current role with Worthwhile. Noah has an Associate’s of Arts degree in Business Administration from Bucks County Community College. In his free time, Noah enjoys building furniture with a purpose and finding cheap and meaningful ways to improve his life.

Holly Thorrington, Worthwhile Thrift Assistant Manager - Plumsteadville

Holly Thorrington

Assistant Manager, Plumsteadville

As the Assistant Store Manager of the Plumsteadville location, Holly assists the store manager in leading the store team and volunteers. Prior to joining the Worthwhile Thrift team, Holly worked as an Administrative Assistant for 21+ years at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. She believes she has been called to love and support those around her and leads by that example. Holly has an Associate Degree in Computer Applications Management from Lansdale School of Business. It's no surprise that she graduated Summa Cum Laude and had the highest GPA in her class! When she isn't sharing the mission of Worthwhile, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading and being outdoors.

Core Values

Our core values shape our goals and the culture of our organization, and they are reflected in our programs and care for survivors of human trafficking.

1. Faith

This shapes our view that all people deserve dignity and respect.

2. Equality

We treat others as equals, plain and simple.

3. Innovation

We’re always looking for ways to grow.

4. Knowledge

There’s much to be learned from each other.

5. Humility

We're not here to "fix" anyone.

6. Integrity

We do as we say.

7. Encouragement

It’s free to give, so we give generously.

8. Flexibility

We’re a small, but scrappy team.

9. Communication

Clear communication is our backbone.

10. Accountability

We understand that our choices can affect the entire team.

The Worthwhile team

Our Board

Meet the minds that help lead and guide all the big decisions of Worthwhile. We are very grateful for all the time and resources that our Board of Directors & Advisory Board selflessly donate to help Worthwhile succeed.

Board of Directors

John Wahlers, Board Chair | President, Summit Financial Group

Stacey Delong, Board Secretary | Owner, The Stacey Delong Group with Keller Williams

Derek Loux, Board Member | President, Integrated Security

Dan Crissman, Board Member | Global Head Cross-Therapeutic Project Management , Janssen Research & Development

Erik Kratz, Board Member | MLB Catcher for the New York Yankees

Leah Triola, Board Member | Senior Director, Football Operations & Administration at the National Football League (NFL)

Dr. Deborah Nelson, Board Member | Counselor, Revivals Outreach Center

Jim Bruno, Board Member | President of Bushnell Sporting 

Advisory Board

John Whitman, Advisory Board Member | Business Professor at Wharton School of Business

Rich Reif, Advisory Board Member | Former President and CEO of Doylestown Hospital

Ricky Staub, Advisory Board Member | Film Maker, Co-Founder of Neighborhood Film Co.

Rachel Thomas, Advisory Board Member | Educator, survivor, and creator of Ending The Game intervention curriculum

Judge Robert Lung, Advisory Board Member | Judge of the 23rd Judicial District, State of Colorado

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