“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Proverbs 21:15
Add Sunday, November 15 from 2-5 p.m. to your calendars! You’re cordially invited to an Open House in our brand new office space.
We’re excited and grateful for a space that allows us to expand our office and storage/work areas under one roof. However, until that time, we’re joining many others across the country working from home. While this pandemic has given us a lot to grieve, it’s also given us more time to count our blessings.
In July, we shared findings from this year’s Trafficking in Persons report. We’d like to take a pause to reflect on the work that’s been accomplished in Colorado…
Years ago, Colorado’s trafficking “report card rating” sat at a D-. The report card considers the laws each state passes to fight child sex trafficking and each state’s emphasis placed on investigating and prosecuting cases of human trafficking. As of 2019, Colorado is now an “A” state!
What does this mean? This means, we’ve made progress!
We’ve implemented laws that impact our ability to seek justice: SB19-185 is an example of legislative success. If a minor is found to be a victim of human trafficking, they now have immunity from receiving a prostitution-related offense – something that was still happening until 2019 in our state.
We’ve also changed the way we talk and act toward victims of human trafficking. In a recent Denver sting, 14 women of international origin were rescued from exploitation. The article shares, “The victims are being connected to services, which is a shift from previous policy that would have charged them with prostitution.” Can you take a moment to join us in PRAISE?!
We know the work is not done, but we’re proud to live in a state that wants to do better. We’re grateful to have this community of people who believe in true restoration and make it possible through prayer, donations and acting out God’s love to others.
In Christ,
Sues Hess
- Continue praying for survivors impacted by COVID-19. We know this pandemic is taking a toll on jobs, mental health and well-being of those already struggling with anxiety, loneliness and/or underlying health conditions.
- Please pray for our “rolling move”. We’ve already moved out of our workroom and will release our office space on September 30. Our new space is available November 1 and we will work remotely the month of October. Please pray that we don’t miss any victims or survivors reaching out for help during this time.
- Online porn usage has skyrocketed during the pandemic. As a result, the demand for purchasing sex is likely to increase. Please pray that victims are rescued and released from bondage.
- Upcoming Mentor and Reclaiming Hope staff retreat is happening September 18-19. Please pray for rest and inspiration for finding new ways to care for mentees in the year ahead.
- We have two new board members joining Reclaiming Hope’s board in September. Pray for leadership strength and wisdom as we welcome these members to our team! (Expect bios/introductions in the next letter!)
IN THE NEWS
ILLICIT MASSAGE PARLOR NETWORK INDICTED
Jurors handed down a total of 33 felony counts to the defendants who prosecutors said trafficked woman from China to engage in sex acts in massage entities across the Colorado Front Range.
PUEBLO RALLY RAISES AWARENESS
A group of activists in Pueblo came together to highlight the issue of human trafficking in our state and world.
NETFLIX FILM PROMOTES SEXUALIZATION OF CHILDREN
People are asking: at what point does “empowerment” cross over into “objectifying women and girls”?
SATURDAY’S PASTA ON THE PORCH FUNDRAISER
On August 29 at 6:30 p.m., help raise money for TESSA, a local organization that supports survivors of domestic abuse and violence. This virtual fundraiser will include a live virtual cooking competition, cocktail demonstrations and more.