June Newsletter

Dear Friends,

In any given month, I talk with a wide variety of folks. One common question I get is: Is there an increase in the number of trafficked victims due to the border issues?

This question confirms: Most people don’t know the truth about trafficking.

So, what is that truth?

• 97% of the people trafficking in the US are US citizens (1). Only the remaining 3% are from other countries.

• There may be a ripple effect of the trafficking happening at the border, but most of the trafficking at the border happens on the Mexican side while they are waiting to get into the US.

The hard truth?

• Sex trafficking is an American story.

• US citizens are the ones paying for sex, driving the “need” for a supply of sex slaves both in the US and globally.

• The US is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. We have more disposable income than most people do. As a result, more money is spent on “entertainment”, including sex.

Let’s break that down:

• Sex trafficking is happening in every neighborhood in the US.

• Over 60% of the victims are trafficked by their own families or significant others.

• Porn is an addiction. It doesn’t take long to “get hooked”. And once someone begins viewing porn, they begin to fantasize. Then there’s a growing desire to realize those fantasies. Porn addicts purchase sex.

What’s the solution?

• We must value and respect others enough that it becomes unthinkable to enslave someone for our own gratification, to fulfill our fantasies.

• We have an opportunity to show the world what healthy intimate relationships look like.

At Reclaiming Hope we also believe that we can help those who have been enslaved to find freedom – psychologically, emotionally, economically, and spiritually. Care to join us?

We’re working hard, with select partners, to develop a job training program – one of the ways we address the economic needs of survivors. This program is designed to be trauma-informed, empowering the survivors we work with to develop real tools to use to realize new futures. If you’re an employer who’s willing to learn more about possibly hiring a survivor, please contact Samantha Caputo, our Case Manager: samantha@reclaiming-hope.org

(1) 2022, DiRienzo, Human Trafficking: What the New IOM Dataset Reveals, Journal of Human Trafficking.

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We’re grateful for those of you who walk with us along the path to provide opportunities for survivors to find healing, hope, and community, even families sometimes. If you’re ready to befriend a survivor, and want to learn more about our Mentor Program, let us know!

As we head into the summer, there’s lots going on:

• We’re working with a variety of mission teams this summer to refresh our office space. (Fill holes in the walls, paint, build a ramp, etc.). Due to the “mess” that involves, we won’t be “open” for normal activities June 10-13 and June 24-27.

• Join us this Saturday for the benefit concert, as listed below!

• If you’ve been volunteering with us, please reserve August 11 to allow us to celebrate you with a picnic at the office.

• We’re seeking sponsors for our October 11 annual fund-raising dinner. (Please connect with me if you’re curious to know more!)

We invite you to join the Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado, which meets in our office (615 Wooten Road) the 2nd Tuesday each month, 5:45-7:15 pm!

We are grateful for you.
Blessings,
Sues Hess, Exec. Dir., and the RHope Team