The survivors of child trafficking in our care have a very difficult time trusting anyone. When we come into the lives of survivors, they are initially cautious. They’ll even ask: “Will you be here tomorrow? Will you be there if I move across the state? Will you be here next week? next month? next year?” Thanks to your support, we can answer with a resounding: “YES.”

...We’ve never had a youth ask us if we’ll be there when a pandemic strikes. But the answer is still yes. Yes, of course. This is our mission.

Last week, one of the youth who we sent a grocery store gift card to said, “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you help me out no matter what comes up.” I would say the same thing to you: 

The hardships we are all dealing with because of COVID-19 are particularly fraught for children who have experienced the trauma of being exploited. They’re cut off from many of their supports and may feel more anxious, worried, trapped. Some may want to run from the situation, others may feel the pressure to provide. But the children in our care know: We will always be there for them.

When we attached the word “love” to our name as an organization, we didn't do it lightly. We define love as journeying with children on the long road of recovery, doing whatever it takes, going wherever we need to go. The children we care for have lived through horrific experiences. And too often those who should be helping them fail to do so (or are unable to, as is sadly the case during this pandemic). 

But love involves building trust through showing up again and again and again. It involves consistency, commitment, and following through. Because of your donations, we’re able to hold steadfast to this promise even during COVID-19. Our safe homes in the Philippines are homeschooling and quarantined. Our connection with children in our US Survivor Care has continued through phone calls, texting, and video chats. We’re meeting their immediate needs with food, gift cards, and Amazon packages that respond to the challenges they’re facing.

Because of your gift, children affected by trafficking are more equipped to navigate the challenges of today and tomorrow no matter what’s happened to them in the past.