From Survive to Thrive: Laurie’s Journey of Freedom and Hope
Laurie’s story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. A survivor of human trafficking, she endured years of unimaginable pain and hardship. But with the support of Rescue America and its incredible safe home partners, she stepped out of darkness and into the light of healing and empowerment. Today, Laurie is not only thriving but also giving back, guiding others toward freedom and hope.
A Desperate Cry for Help
Laurie’s turning point came when she ran to the nearest hospital, desperate for safety and freedom. She describes her experience with deep gratitude:
“They were very supportive and kind. Many times, hospitals in bigger cities are not; they’ll bounce you right back into the trauma. But this hospital was different. They transferred me to another facility and gave me the Rescue America hotline number.”
Through the Rescue America hotline, Laurie connected with her exit strategist. Despite her fears of the unknown—where she’d go, what the program would be like—Laurie made the courageous decision to take the next step toward freedom.
A Safe Place to Heal
When a Rescue America team member, met Laurie at the bus station at 2 a.m., she was ready to start a new chapter. However, the effects of psychological abuse, brainwashing, and drug addiction had left her mind shattered.
“My mind was mush,” Laurie recalled. “I couldn’t think, I couldn’t read a sentence, and I couldn’t make basic decisions. But the team was so loving and supportive. They helped me learn to think again, step by step.”
As Laurie settled into a new safe program, in a new city, in a new state, she began to rediscover herself.
From Surviving to Thriving
Though the road wasn’t easy, Laurie gradually regained her confidence and strength. After ten months in a supportive environment, she ventured out on her own. But the challenges of living independently, as many survivors experience, proved more overwhelming than she expected. Triggered by past trauma, Laurie found herself struggling once more.
Once again, Rescue America stepped in, suggesting she join one of their trusted partner organizations. The experience was life-changing.
“My transformation wasn’t easy for them—I really gave them hell,” Laurie admitted with a laugh.
“But they believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. They empowered me to dream again.”
In this program, Laurie found stability, support, and purpose. She started working with the women in the program, teaching them practical skills like making soap and candles. Over time, she saved money, rebuilt her life, and moved into her own apartment.
A New Chapter of Giving Back
Today, Laurie is thriving in ways she never imagined. She works full-time in the program that helped her find healing. She serves as a Peer Support Certified Specialist, using her experiences to guide other survivors.
“I help the women look at things differently and see where they might be stopping themselves from succeeding,” she said. “The survival habits we develop don’t serve us in healing, and I help them let go of those and move forward.”
Laurie’s impact doesn’t stop there. She’s also a Rescue America Hotline Advocate, offering the same hope and guidance she once received. Additionally, she’s rebuilding relationships with her daughters and mother, finding healing in her personal life.
A Testament to Faith and Hope
In her own words, Laurie reflects on her journey:
“My life over the past five years has been an act of God. I thought He had forsaken me, but He was there all along. He needed me to survive the bad so I could appreciate the good—and use my story to help others. I’ve stepped from surviver into thriver.”
Laurie’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the past, there is always hope for a brighter future. Her transformation highlights the life-changing impact of organizations like Rescue America and amazing partner organizations, as well as the strength of the human spirit.
Call to Action:
Join us in making a life-changing impact. Your gift to our End of Year Campaign empowers survivors like Laurie to step into freedom and thrive. Together, we can reach our goal of [insert goal amount] and help even more individuals find hope and healing. Every dollar counts.
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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.
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