From the Community: "On This Journey Together"

By Carrie Smith Community-based Case Manager “Mary” has a long history of running away and being gone for months on end. She frequently spent her time on the run with dangerous men. In October, she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy which has changed her life for the good. She is pursuing an education and learning how to make healthy choices. She recently told me, "I used to feel like I could do whatever I wanted, but now I understand that I'm a mom first. I need to make choices that make sure my son is safe and healthy." Gracehaven has helped by providing baby clothes and items, taking her to doctor appointments and helping teach her about her vulnerabilities to being trafficked. But more importantly, we have discussed how God can be an integral part of her life and help her and her son lead positive and fulfilled lives. She's been to a YFC club meeting and is thinking about what God wants for her life. Mary is working hard to be a good mom, and we're excited to walk this journey with her. Please pray for Mary and her baby boy, that they would grow into all God wants them to be!

Exciting News from the House

Thank You to everyone who helped make the holiday season so special for the girls! The girls have enjoyed many fun activities recently: Wildlights at the Zoo, the Harlem Globetrotters, roller skating, tubing, singing at church and dancing in a recital. Many of our girls have never had the opportunity to just "be a kid." These outings allow them to feel like a normal teen, at least for a while. One of our girls came to us with zero high school credits at 15 years old. But she has worked diligently on her studies while with us. She has completed six classes, accumulated five high school credits, earned a 3.6 GPA and received an academic achievement award through her school. We are so proud of her ! Girls can choose to participate in a Bible study. Sam Arnold, Gracehaven Mentoring Coordinator, taught a lesson about Jesus on the cross. During the discussion one girl asked, "You mean Jesus died for nothing?" And Sam replied, "No, He died for You!" Her response was priceless -- "Wow!" We have moved to our new campus. The girls are very much enjoying their new rooms. Eventually we'll be able to house up to 24 girls. A big thank you to everyone who helped to make this a reality. And if you'd like to help with material needs, see our Amazon Wish List .

Meet Stephanie Rollins: Prevention Education Coordinator

We're so excited to welcome Stephanie Rollins to the Gracehaven staff as our Prevention Education Coordinator. Stephanie brings a unique perspective to this position. She is a 20-year trafficking survivor herself...an experience that allows her to share on a level most people will never understand. Stephanie teaches Gracehaven's Trafficking 101 seminar in schools, churches, community groups -- anywhere people want to learn more about trafficking. And she works directly with the girls in group settings with curriculums designed to speak to their trauma experience. "I can relate to the girls on a deeper level because I've lived it. I love being able to turn my darkness into light. I tell the girls if God can restore me He can restore them too." If you would like for Gracehaven to speak to your school or group, contact Brooke Pollard at [email protected], or call 614.302.9515. And if you'd like to learn more about Stephanie's story, CLICK HERE to watch her video.

Want to Be a "House Mom"?

We're starting an exciting new volunteer program called "House Moms." These House Moms will help clean the house, make afternoon snacks, help the girls with chores, cook healthy meals and enjoy evening activities. Day or evening shifts available. If you'd like to work hands on with the girls, this is for you. Please reach out to us at [email protected] for more information.

2019 Trafficking Report

The Ohio Governor's Office just released the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force Report for 2019. Among many statistics and information it says: "In 2019, more survivors are accessing services, more traffickers are being identified, and more community members are reporting suspected cases to the National Human Trafficking Hotline." This is encouraging news. But the work continues. Gracehaven is on the front lines of this response, and will continue to serve survivors and educate the public to help end child-sex trafficking in our state. We invite you to read this report and ask how you can join the fight.

CLICK HERE TO READ AND DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

Gracehaven on TV Brooke Pollard, Gracehaven's Resource Coordinator, was interviewed by Cameron Fontana on Channel 6's GoodDay Marketplace. We're always thankful to share our story. For the full interview, click HERE

How You Can Help!

PRAY - Managing a house of teenage girls can be exciting as well as challenging. Pray for the girls and the staff to create a healthy and positive living experience. SHARE - Tell others about Gracehaven and the plight of these special young ladies. GIVE - We always need funds to help facilitate our many outreaches. Please consider a gift today to help victims of human trafficking. CLICK HERE VOLUNTEER - If you have a heart for the mission and want to use your talents to help, please contact us. CLICK HERE SEE THE STORY - Come to a one-hour presentation on Gracehaven and other key parts of YFC's Social Impact outreach. CLICK HERE

GRACEHAVEN | 614.302.9515 | [email protected] | www.gracehaven.me