Help

You can make a difference and so can I.

It’s happening all around us. Women are trapped in unimaginable situations. Maybe they walked into it willingly. Maybe drugs dragged them in. The internet. Deception. Or an intense need for love, or some other unmet need.

So many have trauma histories. Foster care. Sexual abuse. Violated boundaries. Horrible pain that they try to numb out. Or poverty leads them in, a way to pay their overdue bills and fines, to take care of their children.

There are some who choose it, or believe they do. For a time. But most are filled with shame, feel trapped, traumatized, want out. Their brains actually deceive them, like an addiction. They are manipulated, deceived. They believe they are being loved or are being taken care of.

Sex trafficking.

So what can we do? The statistics are staggering. For every one who applies to our program, there are so many we turn away. I try hard not to think about it. We try so hard to make a difference. But we have six beds, very limited funds. We do make a difference with each one who comes.

Tons of people care. Changes are happening. Laws are changing. Funds are coming in. But the problem is growing faster than the help is coming in. I’d like to quote stats but those are impossible to keep up with, too. And they are so depressing.

I go back week after week and lead the support group. I go to the graduations, keep in touch with the graduates. I SEE and FEEL the difference God is making in the lives of these women. They stay for a year, more or less. It costs a huge amount to help each one. Dollars, hours and hours of volunteer time and other resources.

It isn’t enough.

How can you help them?

Like the starfish. One at a time. By raising awareness. One story at a time.

The girls bravely tell their stories. They speak out. Every person who hears, who is moved, hopefully is spurred on to figure out what their role is, how they can help. Maybe you can’t lead a support group or write a book. But you can give. Time, resources, money. You can sign petitions, speak out, attend events.

I wrote a book. I helped Sophie and Emma and others tell their stories. Now I’m trying to get their stories read. I’ve never written a book and never promoted one. Many in my circle are buying and reading the book. From all the research I’m doing about promoting a book, I understand I need reviews on amazon and Goodreads. I need you to tell your friends about the book. Help me get the word out. Outside this small circle. Word of mouth, social media. Tell everyone.

You can help.