Thousands of people came to the city that summer day for the annual Air & Water Show. A handful of us had traveled by van into the city that same day, but not for entertainment. We had come to see first hand how several groups were tackling the seemingly overwhelming task of making a dent in the world of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Our first stop was New Moms – a beautiful new building that
felt welcoming and warm as soon as we entered. It is a place where young,
at-risk pregnant single moms can stay for 2 years as they learn basic life
skills; including parenting and job skills. The waiting list to get in is long,
and those who do get in express their desire to stay beyond the two years. It
was not hard to see why as we toured the facility and heard of the brokenness
the young women came out of. What an oasis of hope and second chances this
place is.
Our next stop was at Emmaus House, where they reach out to
men who are sexually exploited. The outreach includes going out on the streets
to meet with them EVERY night, all year long, no matter the weather, because
that’s what “their” guys have to do, and if their guys are out there, then they
are out there. It was moving and humbling to hear of that depth of caring – that
these men would know they are not forgotten and that they matter. Wow. Emmaus also provides family style meals, and is a place for the men to hang out and be safe and accepted. And while the facility itself was quite humble, the care
and love found there was quite rich.
We had lunch at Inspirations Kitchen in Uptown. Not only
does Inspiration Kitchen serve amazing food (at reasonable prices), it is run
by individuals needing a second chance; some of them formerly homeless or
incarcerated. From there we went to Cornerstone Shelter, which reaches out to
the homeless in the Uptown Community and provides emergency shelter to
families.
It was all incredibly profound, moving, humbling, inspiring.
So much need – right here, in our own backyard – and so much dedication, care
and determination in those we met that day. People, who are indeed, making a difference,
one life at a time. A reminder that each of us can make a difference, each of
us can make a dent in this fight against human trafficking/exploitation.
Join us on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28th as we embark
on another Partner Visit trip. Come and see first hand organizations that are
fighting human trafficking and helping those at risk. The trip may include visits to:
- Pastor Choco’s Outreach Ministry: Pastor Choco's team prays on the streets with the homeless, trafficking survivors and under-served people in the community, directing them to resources at the Dream Center. At the Dream Center they get connected with faith-based services and programs that help them become self-sufficient.
- Bright Endeavors: A non-profit enterprise of New Moms Inc., young moms receive employment training here while manufacturing and marketing soy candles and bath products. This provides them a way out of poverty and moves them toward permanent employment.
- Lydia Home: With a vision of having every child loved and cared for, Lydia Home provides an alternative to state-run foster care and family assistance agencies.
Upcoming Events:
New Name Call Center – pray for women as we offer resources
and outreach over the phone to women posted on online ads. Wednesday, February
4th, 7:30-8:15 pm at Willow Creek Community Church in the Link (F
Lot Parking).
Book Discussion Group - We will be discussing A Walk Across the Sun, by Corban Addison. Join us on Wednesday, February 18th, 7:30-9:00 pm at Willow Creek Community Church in the Link (F Lot Parking). For further details, please email Holly at: hkoehler@ameritech.net
Card Making! - Get your creativity on and make cards for our outreach teams to share on their spa visits. Saturday, February 21st at 1:00 pm. For further details, please email Holly at: hkoehler@ameritech.net
Book Discussion Group - We will be discussing A Walk Across the Sun, by Corban Addison. Join us on Wednesday, February 18th, 7:30-9:00 pm at Willow Creek Community Church in the Link (F Lot Parking). For further details, please email Holly at: hkoehler@ameritech.net
Card Making! - Get your creativity on and make cards for our outreach teams to share on their spa visits. Saturday, February 21st at 1:00 pm. For further details, please email Holly at: hkoehler@ameritech.net
Spring Anti-Human Trafficking Community Awareness Form:
Ministry Fair! - Representatives from our various local and international
partners will present us with opportunities and ways to connect or serve on
Wednesday, March 18th at 7:30 pm.
Click on the Calendar of Events tab for the full year calendar!
Click on the Calendar of Events tab for the full year calendar!
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