“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” 

Jeremiah 17:7

Hello friends,

Much has happened in the world since our last newsletter. With so much uncertainty circulating all around us, my prayer is that you rest in God’s peace and goodness during this tumultuous time. You and I are called to be encouragers, bearers of good news to spread hope, not fear. With that in mind, I’m happy to share some good, hopeful news with you in this newsletter. Reclaiming Hope is barely three months into the New Year and God is using our staff, volunteers and donors to accomplish mighty things.

In this edition, we’ll share with you some exciting details of our assistance to federal and local law enforcement during Super Bowl week in Miami. We’ll also share about three successful events Reclaiming Hope coordinated or participated in for February, helping us raise funds for the mission of serving survivors of sex trafficking.

Our staff is encouraged at the response to our Matching Funds Challenge.  A generous donor family has offered to match up to $15,000 in contributions made to Reclaiming Hope by March 31, (deadline extended!). If you’ve already contributed, Thank You! If you’d like to help us cross the finish line, you may donate by check via mail to P.O. Box 50495, Colorado Springs, CO 80949 or online here. We’ll have a full report for you in the April newsletter to let you know the outcome.
 
Finally, I’m sending out an SOS!  May I please encourage you to join us in supporting the Restoration Bag Program? Super Bowl week wiped us out! We could certainly use your help to replenish our bags for rescued trafficking survivors. If you, your church, business or other group are able to contribute bags, please call our office at 719-425-9405 or email us at info@reclaiming-hope.org for information. Help is urgently needed, so THANKS in advance for your support.
 
Our staff is proud to be part of a community of donors and volunteers who care deeply about the tragedy of sex trafficking in America. Together we are on a mission to Reclaiming Hope to survivors of human trafficking. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining us. 
 
 
JOY! 
DiAnna Steele, CEO

SUPER BOWL UPDATE 2020 Update

Reclaiming Hope collaborated with FBI Victims Specialists to donate 207 Restoration Bags to trafficking survivors rescued in and around Miami during Super Bowl week. Under the direction of Reclaiming Hope Restoration Bag Manager, Kim Rust, a group of fine young people from Alethia Church, Colorado Springs, CO, pitched in to prepare, package and ship boxes. Dunkin’ Donuts and Home Depot donated snacks & boxes, respectively. The outcome was that 206 of those restoration bags were given for free to those in need, many of whom were children. And Bag #207? A child who had been kidnapped and was missing for two years was found and safely recovered by the FBI. He received the final bag with clean clothes, slider shoes, toiletries, snacks, a blanket, pj’s and a stuffed animal to snuggle. We are humbled to have served when needed and grateful for all our donors, volunteers and sponsors who made this possible. Because of your support, we are well on our way to our goal of doubling the number of trafficking survivors we’re serving in 2020. 

FEBRUARY FUNDRAISERS! 

Reclaiming Hope coordinated or participated in three successful fundraising events in February.

Reclaiming Hope coordinated our first, successful Valentine’s in the Rockies benefit concert with David Templeton. There was barely a dry eye in the house after David played his new composition, “Lost and Found”, written especially for Reclaiming Hope. He also composed two songs on the spot and received a resounding, standing ovation. We’re thankful for David sharing his talents with our organization and for providing a spectacular, romantic evening for so many people who care about our cause. 

Additionally, True North Chiropractic orchestrated their Second Annual Galentine’s Event benefitting Reclaiming Hope. Fifteen local vendors participated and contributed prizes for a fun drawing. Proceeds from ticket sales of 54 attendees will help support our Mentor Program serving survivors in 2-year mentor support relationships and other Reclaiming Hope needs.

Finally, Colorado Women’s Club hosted a luncheon and invited our CEO to share information about sex trafficking in America. We were able to share how Reclaiming Hope is responding to the needs of survivors in Colorado and around the nation, as well as educate attendees on how to protect their young loved-ones. Approximately 80 ladies attended and donated items for Restoration Bags, then worked to fill bags. Their generosity resulted in 40 filled bags plus funds donated to pay for shipping the bags next time a need arises.
 

 IN THE NEWS

IMPACTFUL LUNCHEON SPREADS HOPE
The Women’s Club of Colorado Springs spent a joyful day filling Restoration bags at the Pikes Peak Hospice and Pallatative Care.

TEACHERS LEARN ABOUT TRAFFICKING
Colorado Springs teachers learn how to spot signs of human trafficking among their students. 

MAN SENTENCED FOR 20 YEARS
The man who lured two teenage girls to Colorado from Las Vegas has been sentenced for trafficking.