John,
 

Many of you have already met Yvonne. She is a wife, and a Mom, a small-business owner and active in her church. But she is also a survivor of domestic minor sex trafficking, and a consultant for Shared Hope.  

Running from a childhood of abuse and exploitation, Yvonne ran to the streets, doing what she had to do to survive. Yvonne overcame who she thought she was, and learned who she was meant to be. And today, she has a message to share with you from her heart...

Today, Shared Hope is boldly asking for your support because the power of your generosity, your joy - your sacrifice - is so evident in the lives of survivors like Yvonne. 

We are inspired as we walk alongside these brave and resilient young people; helping them identify their strengths, gifts, dreams and what they are passionate about – what makes them feel connected and excited about life. We love to celebrate, watch them bloom and grow. Ultimately, survivors know best what they need to survive, to heal and to achieve greater independence. These stories of hope are an incredible testimony of your love in action!

Right now, Shared Hope is learning about survivors in desperate need with the most prevalent issue being significant financial problems due to loss of work, wage cuts, loss of childcare and illness. Their very livelihood is shaken…what they have worked so hard for is at grave risk. As the pandemic has continued, so has our communication with our community partners and boots on the ground, who are telling us that predators are not being dissuaded by the dangers of the virus. Traffickers or pimps are still preying on vulnerable people. Buyers may have paused momentarily in mid-March, but law enforcement is telling us that purchasing online, and on the streets, continues to be in motion.

As we move into May, along with our partners, we strongly believe the situation and need will worsen before it begins to get better, meaning we expect to see more people have financial issues due to the amount of time unemployed, being recently laid off and/or having children out of school.

But in times of crisis, Shared Hope’s resolve is only strengthened to stand in the gap... to keep hope alive!
 
In response, several Shared Hope friends and donors have come together to offer a $104,000 Matching Challenge to help meet these needs…and to ensure Shared Hope's crucial work of preventing trafficking, restoring and empowering survivors, and bringing justice continues. 
 

Please join with us if you can. Whatever you can give today, your sacrifice of compassion will make a difference and bring hope. Any gift you give, the impact will be doubled.

Thank you for your support. We believe that together we can and will provide safety and stability to survivors weathering the COVID-19 storm. We will keep hope alive – one life at a time!