Thank you for praying for human trafficking survivors and Reclaiming Hope. The global pandemic has forced additional layers of isolation upon victims of trafficking and domestic abuse, and has increased the risks for vulnerable women, men and children. Yet, the LORD is a refuge for the oppressed and we are witnesses to His work.

In the last few months, we’ve heard from women in our Mentor Program who have expressed immense gratitude for the mentors in their lives. We’ve also accepted incredible donations: a $7,500 YES Grant from Ent Credit Union and a $1,780 donation from The WireNut and Fox21 (see article link below). 

We are using this unprecedented time to “reset” Reclaiming Hope and be more efficient with the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us. We have established an interim executive director: Sues Hess, a board member for Reclaiming Hope. This prayerful decision allows us to invest more in our current programs which directly impact the daily lives of human trafficking survivors: Survivor Care and Restoration Bags.

RESTORATION BAG NEEDS
Since Colorado established a Front Range Human Trafficking Task Force nine years ago, law enforcement has rescued 600 children from human exploitation. That’s right: 600 children – and that is in addition to the hundreds of women and men rescued. Reclaiming Hope works closely with law enforcement teams like them to provide comfort bags to survivors at the moment of their recovery. So far this year, we have sent 332 comfort bags and that has depleted our stock. We are in need of MANY items (travel size shampoo/conditioner, huggable stuffed animals, XL t-shirts and more!) to fill bags for the summer. 

If you’re able to visit the store, or enjoy online shopping, please consider buying a few of these items and donating to Reclaiming Hope during the month of June. (Please let us know what you plan to donate and when we can expect the items.) Email info@reclaiming-hope.org for more info.

If you’re social-distancing from home, please consider providing a donation to cover shipping costs of our bags. Our average shipping cost is $10 per bag. 

Thank you for walking with us through this time – in prayer, donations and communication. We’ve heard a few of you request the return of our Monthly Prayer Nights. Email info@reclaiming-hope.org and we’ll get you on the Prayer Night mailing list for when they begin again. We’re also here to answer any questions you have about our updates and/or needs.

Blessings, 
Sues  

NEWS AND RESOURCES

Reclaiming Hope AWARDED “3-DEGREE GUARANTEE” 
“3-Degree Guarantee” is an initiative where Wirenut Home Services, along with Fox 21’s weather team, contributes a donation to a deserving local organization. Each time Matt Meister’s daily forecasted high is within 3 degrees of the actual high, both The Wirenut and Fox21 News make a donation. 

COVID-19 AND TRAFFICKING
Get an in-depth look at the ways COVID-19 has worsened the risks for vulnerable populations around the world. This PDF (created by a collaboration of organizations) shares guidance for businesses and governments wanting to respond to the pandemic while prioritizing human and civil rights.

BLACK CHILDREN GO MISSING AT A HIGHER RATE
As we collectively mourn the experiences of our black brothers and sisters who face microaggressions and disproportionate violence, we must confront another truth: Racism also plays a role in human trafficking. 

In 2018, 37% of missing children were black, even though black children only make up 14% of all children in the U.S. This article breaks down the reasons why this may be, and reaffirms why black children – missing children – are at a higher risk of trafficking. 

Our friends at the Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation say:
“Commercial sex buyers are predominantly white, while victims of sex trafficking are disproportionately women and girls of color. Predators prey upon the people society has marginalized, which means minority communities are a prime target. Addressing sexual exploitation means addressing racism and the systems that allow oppression and marginalization to continue.”  

 PRAYER REQUESTS

“I am thankful for the unconditional love and support I get from my mentor who never gives up on me.”
-Survivor 

Please pray for: 

• Survivors struggling with addiction
• Survivors in dysfunctional relationships which keep them trapped in making poor choices 
• Those triggered by protests and aggression seen in the media and on the streets
• Every Restoration Bag that is distributed: May each bag be a symbol of hope to survivors and let them know they are loved, valued and thought of often.
• Grace, truth and compassion to be at the center of every mentee/mentor relationship
• Today: June 12 is World Day Against Child Labor. Pray for the 152 million children around the globe forced to work, many in hazardous conditions.