From Resistance to Revival: How One Volunteer Sparked Change in Her Faith Community
Volunteer Spotlight: Laura’s Story
Laura didn’t expect to lead a movement. But when she watched Sound of Freedom in late 2023, something shifted.
“I couldn’t unsee it,” she said. “It was heartbreaking. And I couldn’t just sit still.”
As a lay member of a Catholic fraternity, Laura knew her group needed what’s called a community apostolate—an outward-facing mission of justice, service, or spiritual outreach. Human trafficking, she believed, was exactly the kind of issue they were called to confront.
So she brought the idea of starting a Rescue America Outreach Hub to her fraternity.
The response? Silence. Resistance. Uncertainty.
“One person flat-out said, ‘I’m not going to do it,’” Laura recalled. “They didn’t understand it. Some thought we were just calling prostitutes. They didn’t yet see the humanity behind the hurt.”
But Laura didn’t give up. She prayed. She created a PowerPoint presentation. She quoted Pope Francis and Rescue America materials. The group even committed to a novena—a nine-day prayer to seek wisdom and discernment about what their apostolate should be.
And slowly, hearts began to change.
Launching the Hub: From Hesitation to Holy Boldness
In 2024, Laura and her small group of 7–8 fraternity members held their first Outreach Hub. Because most were still nervous, they made calls together, one phone at a time, while the rest prayed.
That first live conversation changed everything.
“One young woman we reached was so humble,” Laura said. “She asked for prayer to help her see where God was leading her and to do something better with her life.”
The room fell silent. Some cried. Even the most hesitant members were moved. And the volunteer who once said he’d never participate? He made calls at the next hub.
“I watched the Holy Spirit move,” Laura said. “I watched hearts soften and fears fade. We went from strong resistance to full acceptance. That’s what God does.”
What’s an Outreach Hub?
Outreach Hubs are local volunteer teams who meet for 2 hours, once a month to call individuals being advertised online for sexual services and offer them a way out. Using Rescue America’s hotline and training resources, these volunteers plant seeds of hope—leaving voicemails, offering prayer, and connecting women to exit strategists who can help them begin a path toward freedom.
While most calls result in voicemails, the hotline number left behind can become a lifeline.
“You never know which message might be the one that sticks,” Laura said. “It’s not always immediate. But every message matters.”
The Reality of Trafficking in the U.S.
Sex trafficking isn’t just a problem overseas— sadly it’s thriving in U.S. cities, suburbs, and small towns. According to the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report:
In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 16,229 reports in the U.S.
Of those, nearly 73% involved sex trafficking.
The top venue for sex trafficking was online exploitation—including escort services and illicit ads.
(Source: National Human Trafficking Hotline – 2023 Data Report)
Survivors often feel trapped by fear, manipulation, poverty, and lack of alternatives. Many are recruited by someone they know—like a friend or even a family member.
That’s why our Outreach Hub volunteers like Laura matter.
From One Call to Ongoing Change
After a brief pause on Outreach hubs at the end of 2024, Laura’s fraternity is relaunching their hub this summer with excitement and momentum.
This time, they’re especially grateful for Rescue America’s new direct transfer system, which allows volunteers to immediately connect someone to the hotline mid-call.
“It’s like having a fish on the hook—why throw it back?” Laura said. “Being able to transfer someone to help right away is huge.”
What started as one woman’s burden has become a group’s shared mission.
Why Volunteer with Rescue America?
At Rescue America, we believe everyone can do something. Whether you feel called to make phone calls or sit beside someone and pray, there’s a place for you in this fight.
Volunteers like Laura remind us that bold obedience can shift cultures—one heart, one call, one ‘yes’ at a time.
“We didn’t have to force anyone to change,” Laura said. “We just prayed, and the Lord did the rest.”
Get Involved
Want to start or join an Outreach Hub?
You don’t need a seminary degree or years of experience—just a willing heart.
👉 Start or Join an Outreach Hub Today
Together, we declare war on sex trafficking—and fight for every survivor’s freedom.
If you or someone you know have been sexually exploited and want out of the life, please call Rescue America’s 24/7 Rescue hotline number at 833.599.FREE.
To report a trafficking tip, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888.373.7888.
Save these numbers on your phone for later reference!
