Our favorite moments of 2021 have been when we were able to “gather” together. Whether it was the Reclaiming Hope launch and ten-year anniversary, our revived monthly prayer gatherings, mentorship training or simply fellowship over coffee, gathering together has tasted a little sweeter since the start of the pandemic. We’re grateful to live, work, pray, volunteer and gather together with you all. We’re grateful to live, work, pray, volunteer and gather together with you all. 

In spite of the busyness this season brings, we’re taking a whole day to gather together with even more Coloradans to raise funds for local nonprofits. Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, Dec. 7 and it’s a whole day dedicated to celebrating the mission work being done right here in our city. 

Thank you for sharing the news about Colorado Gives Day and for your generosity this season. Most importantly, I hope you’re able to appreciate every moment you spend with a loved one or a friend this holiday season. When our cup overflows, more people are witness to the joy and love only Jesus makes possible. 

In prayers and in Christ, 
Sues Hess
Executive Director

IN THE NEWS AND RESOURCES

COLORADO REPORT CARD
Shared Hope International has been gathering data on human trafficking practices, policies and trends for the last decade. This month, the organization launched its first Child and Youth Sex Trafficking Report Cards for every state in the country. Colorado did not do well. 

Colorado scored a “D” in the 2021 Shared Hope Report Card. While our state scored highest in “Criminal Provisions,” we have a lot of room to improve in the following areas:

  • Tools for a victim-centered justice response. The card states: “Gaps remain in areas related to alternatives to live, in-court testimony, victim supports, and privileged communication.”
  • Prevention and training: The card states: “Gaps remain in all areas, including training for child welfare, juvenile justice agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, and school personnel as well as prevention education in schools.”
There are huge opportunities for Reclaiming Hope to expand into these gaps and provide the care and attention that is missing. Download the report card toolkit to learn more. 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Don’t forget you can join us on December 18 for our final monthly prayer meeting of 2021! It’s at 6 p.m. at our office. May the Lord protect our office, staff, volunteers, Mentees, board and community surrounding our mission. 
  • Pray our Mentee who had a baby in November to have confidence as a mother.
  • Ask the Lord to bless and strengthen each Victim Advocate/Specialist we ship our Hope Bags to. May they find rest in their downtime this holiday season and may they stay safe while working.
  • Pray that each Survivor will have access to and receive any help they may need, for both physical and mental health. Mentees easily feel overwhelmed over the holidays. 
  • Pray for new housing options to be made available to our Mentees in the new year.
  • Pray for the holiday season. May we reach out, rather than withdraw. May we gather together, rather than let differences drive us apart. May we give willingly and generously, rather than withhold. 

HOPE BAGS

We marvel at the generosity of groups, individuals and churches who have donated Hope Bags and stockings just this month alone! If it wasn’t for you, there would be many girls and boys who would go without the comfort that the Hope Bags and stockings bring them. A big thank you goes out to
     BV Hope (shown with 2 staff members, Abby and Lisa)
     Living Hope Covenant Church
     Austin Bluffs Evangelical Free
     Focus on the Family
     Emma and Grace Bridal (Denver)
     Mountain Springs Church
     Sage Creek Church 
     Academy Christian Church (pictured below)

These and others have truly equipped us with their donations! We are done collecting stockings for this year, but we would love to have you join us in spreading hope by donating bag items. You can find the lists of items for Hope Bags on our website. Please continue to pray for the distribution of the bags and stockings, and that each one will hold special meaning for the survivors who receive them.