We can’t wait to welcome you to our open house on Sunday, November 15! Our new office location is a combined warehouse, office and gathering space designed to serve human trafficking survivors better and move our mission forward.
Respecting COVID precautions, our “open house” will be simple. We would love for you to drop by for a few minutes between 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, November 15 to say hello and see the wonderful space this community of believers provided for and prayed for.
If you feel called to do so, please consider dropping off an item from our open house registry or bringing an item for a Restoration Bag (age-specific shopping lists here).
As awareness of trafficking increases, so do the number of law enforcement task forces created to rescue survivors. We’re always in need of items to fill our bags so officers can provide sources of hope to survivors across the country. Also, once we’re in our new space, we’ll have a short turnaround time to stuff and distribute Christmas stockings to our partners working with survivors. Every donation makes a huge difference!
Here is what one of our Restoration Bag distribution partners shared the following: “A Victim Specialist with the FBI sends a big thanks for the toddler bag that was used for a missing 2-year-old who was a victim of kidnapping. Upon return of the child to their searching parent, the child was hungry, had a dirty diaper, and was improperly dressed. The Victim Specialist was able to provide the searching parent with the Reclaiming Hope bag, which was invaluable in providing a warm sweatshirt, a clean pull up, yummy snacks, a truck and coloring supplies that made the recovery process smoother.”
Thank you for your support and generous hearts. We’re excited to see you next month!
“I have learned that healing is a long, hard journey. Through this journey, I know that I am no longer a victim. I have learned that I get to have my own thoughts and feelings, and I get to make my own decisions. I am no longer scared of those who hurt me so profoundly.” -A Survivor’s words from our Stories of Impact
Before we see one another on November 15, I wanted to share some encouraging news: In January 2021, we will be launching a Family Support Group.
The Family Support Group will give family members of survivors, and those supporting victims, a place to talk about and work through their experiences. They will have the opportunity to set goals, explore tools and coping strategies, and learn how to identify their own needs in a safe and confidential environment.
A complex trauma therapist is working with Reclaiming Hope to ensure that the group meets real needs. Please pray for wisdom and a successful launch of our Family Support Group in the new year.
Please pray for those who will be a part of this initial group. And let us know if this type of group would be helpful for you or someone you know.
Sincerely and in Christ,
Sues Hess
Executive Director
#WEARBLUEDAY IS JAN. 11.
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As we approach the new year and these annual observances, take a moment to plan how you will take action against human trafficking in January and beyond. On Jan. 11, wear blue and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to do the same, to raise awareness of human trafficking.
STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN EXPOSES TRUTH ABOUT TRAFFICKING
The State of Colorado launched a multi-year campaign that aims to increase awareness about many forms of human trafficking and promote a statewide culture that does not tolerate human trafficking.
According to the Pueblo Chieftain, the Pueblo Police Department joined this campaign to raise awareness on human trafficking.
CREDIT CARD COMPANIES CUT TIES TO PORNHUB
Mastercard, Visa and Discover are blocking customers from using their companies’ credit cards to make purchases on Pornhub after they received allegations of child abuse and nonconsensual sexual behavor on their website. According to CNBC, the site received more than 42 billion visits in 20219, so this is a huge accomplishment in the recognition of inapproriate sexual behavior to the general public.
TRAVELODGE PROSTITUTION RING SHUT DOWN
Twelve people were arrested, including the lodge manager and maintenance staff, for numerous reports of ongoing criminal activity, violent crimes, human trafficking and narcotics violations.
|