This week, April 24-30, is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a week dedicated to bringing appropriate, fair and timely justice to all victims of crime. The enforcement of crimes, such as domestic abuse and trafficking, and the equity of accessibility to victim resources is extremely important to Survivors of human trafficking. 

This week is especially important for victim advocates who work frequently with victims here in El Paso County. While we send our Hope Bags (in 13 sizes, male, female and universal versions) across the country, it’s important to remember we serve many women and girls who are sexually exploited here in our own county and state.

We are able to respond to the needs of Survivors because of your donations. Thank you.

This week, we hope to empower everyone reading this newsletter to save the following information in case you ever suspect trafficking here at home.
  • The direct line to the Colorado Springs multi-agency Trafficking Task Force is: 719-444-7512. Email:  cspdtraffickingtipline@coloradosprings.gov
  • The Colorado Hotline is: 866-455-5975
  • The National Hotline is: 888-373-7888
  • To report problems and/or tips related to children, contact the DHS Hotline: 1-844-CO-4-KIDS
Thank you for your ongoing support for Survivors in our community who often rely on Victim emergency financial assistance and our resources when they need it most. We’re honored to have partners like you! 

In prayers and in Christ, 
Sues Hess
Executive Director

IN THE NEWS AND RESOURCES

Trafficking Reports in the Ukraine 
There are many troubling reports from Poland and Romania, neighboring countries to Ukraine, of human trafficking occuring. It is not uncommon for traffickers to thrive and take advantage of refugee crises and the forced travel of thousands of people. 

Read about Senate Bill 183
This bill is dedicated to setting aside $35M from the Colorado ARPA funds to continue funding the Colorado crime victim services for the next four years. Part of that money would be allocated specifically to Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. 

Three Massage Parlor Owners Charged 
After a year-long investigation, three different massage parlor owners were arrested for coercing their employees into having sex with customers in exchange for money. 

Internet Crimes Against Children Unit Arrests Two People 
After an investigation was opened in August of 2021, the unit has been tracking the activities of an active duty army soldier, who was one of two people recently arrested for sexual exploitation of a child.

Colorado Springs Massage Parlor Ordinance
The Colorado Springs City Council proposed a draft ordinance this month that would crack down on massage parlors that offered illicit services. Colorado Springs police estimate there are between 25 and 30 illicit massage parlors in the city that offer sexual acts to their clients.

PRAYER REQUESTS 

Thank you for being our prayer warriors! Please join us in praying for the following this month:
  • Survivors have so many needs! We have added a part-time staff member, Jamie Smith, to help manage their needs. Please pray for Jamie as she begins her ministry work with us.
  • Pray for Survivors who are calling in to get connected to resources. (We refer to them as Hope Seekers.) We need wisdom to know when to help, and when to refer them to others for help.
  • Praise for community organizations who helped pay a delinquent bill for a Mentee.
  • Praise for a Mentee is feeling back to herself after having medications adjusted
  • Pray for the women in our program who live in our apartments. May this stable housing lead to healing and peace.
  • Several of our Mentees need jobs; may they find work that is healthy for them, both psychologically and financially.
  • Pray for our Mentees who struggle with substance abuse.
  • Pray that our Mentees who are single mothers be surrounded with support.
  • Pray for justice in the court cases our Mentees are a part of.

HOPE BAG REQUEST

We could use your help! We have already shipped 225 Hope Bags to our law enforcement partners this year! This is amazing! It also means we are in need of items for our Hope Bags. A special need is for Fleece Blankets. We need them to be 50” x 60”, one layer. More details can be found on our website! 

JOIN US MAY 21, 2022

Join us at the Norris Penrose Event Center on May 21 for the Triple J Rodeo! The bulls are back and part of the proceeds are going to Reclaiming Hope. We’ll have a booth at the rodeo and we’re excited to see you there! You can purchase tickets on their website!

THANK YOU

Reclaiming Hope can only meet the needs of Survivors as our community equips us to do so. We are grateful for each person who helps – through donations for our mentees, our Hope Bags, and financial donations, and by volunteering.

And we’re grateful for the following groups and organizations that have worked with us in the last few months! Thank you!

 

  

DONATE HERE