My Unexpected Encounter with Trafficking

I’ll never forget the first time I realized how close child sex trafficking really is. I have lived in North Texas for nearly 20 years—all of my adult life. I am raising my children here and have served my neighbors and community through more than a decade of nonprofit work and ministry. I have heard the statistics, the headlines, and the horror stories. But even working at Traffick911, it was hard to comprehend until it was right in front of me. 

Our Executive Leadership Team went out to dinner to celebrate the year. It had been a memorable one with our team nearly doubling in size and serving more kids than ever before. As we were talking, a woman came up to us and began chatting with our team. She seemed like a close friend to a few people at the table and shared openly about her family and her daughter. As she spoke, I realized that I’d heard her story and name dozens of times. She wasn’t a close friend—she was a parent who had leaned on Traffick911 advocates time and time again through the many years her daughter fought for freedom. At a popular restaurant in Plano, I was met with a parent whose child had been trafficked multiple times in her young life. At that moment, it occurred to me both how prevalent and how hidden child sex trafficking truly is. 

Since then, I’ve had many more encounters with the youth we serve, each time putting together more of the humanity represented in each survivor. Experiencing the resiliency and humanity of each of these youth is something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

After a presentation or training, I like to tell people, “Now that you know, you have a responsibility to share.” I believe that is why you are here with us, friend. I believe that you connected with Traffick911 for a purpose and a reason.

This holiday season, I urge you to generously give and share the message of freedom. Speak up for the youth that our communities have forgotten, give in honor of the resilient survivors in our neighborhoods, and support Traffick911 as we grow to meet the increasing need for advocacy and empowerment.

We need you with us.

Until all are free.