How Traci Found Hope and Made an Impact in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Traci’s Journey: Finding Hope and Impact in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
In late 2023 when Traci and her husband found themselves sitting in a movie theater, watching Sound of Freedom. As the credits rolled, a feeling of helplessness washed over them—how could they possibly make a difference in the fight against something as massive as human trafficking? What could ordinary people do to change this overwhelming reality?
Weeks later, while attending church, the couple heard about Rescue America. They learned about an opportunity to start an outreach hub, it was as if everything they’d felt after seeing the film clicked into place. They didn’t fully understand what an outreach hub involved, but they knew they had to act. That day, they signed up and joined Rescue America’s fight to bring freedom to survivors.
At first, Traci admits, the work felt awkward and uncomfortable. Sitting in small groups with fellow volunteers each month, making calls to people they didn’t know—it wasn’t easy. But over time, as they became more familiar with the routine and began to connect with others in their hub, something shifted. What once felt intimidating became a mission filled with hope. They began to see their role in the outreach hub as more than just making calls—it was about providing a lifeline to those searching for a way out.
“You feel this rush of excitement when someone answers the phone,” Traci shared. “Even though we know the voicemails are important, too, it’s amazing when you connect with someone who’s ready to make a change.”
Traci’s story is just one example of how outreach hubs work to prevent trafficking. Outreach volunteers play a key role in initiating contact with individuals trapped in exploitation, and in the U.S., an estimated 100,000 children are trafficked into the sex trade each year.
Volunteers like Traci are part of the front lines in combating this epidemic.
From Outreach to Hotline: Deepening the Impact
It wasn’t long before Traci and her husband took their commitment one step further. After receiving an email from Rescue America and completing the necessary training, they joined the hotline volunteer team as Hotline Advocates. The hotline work provided a more direct connection to survivors ready to exit the life, which they were excited about.
“Once a week now, I get a call from someone on the hotline who received a voicemail from the outreach hub,” Traci said. “It’s the most rewarding thing—knowing that the work you’re doing is truly helping someone take that first step toward freedom.”
Yet, as impactful as the work was, Traci quickly learned that this journey was not without its challenges. “Some weeks are tough. There are calls that break your heart. But what keeps me going is the hope that one day, I’ll see their name on the list of people being helped by an exit strategist.”
The Power of Prayer and Perseverance
For Traci, the work isn’t just about the calls—it’s about faith. Prayer is woven into every shift, every interaction, and every intake form she submits. “I pray before the shift, during the calls, and after. It’s self-talk and constant prayer to stay focused and present.”
In the beginning, Traci admits it was overwhelming. The weight of hearing survivor stories and the urgency of their situations could be emotionally draining. But with the support of her husband—who joined her in volunteering—and the understanding of the Rescue America team, she has learned to navigate the difficult moments.
A Long-Term Commitment
Coming up on their one-year anniversary as volunteers, Traci reflects on how far they’ve come. Initially, they thought they’d re-evaluate after a year, but now they don’t want to stop.
The work, Traci admits, is not for everyone, but for those who feel called, it’s a deeply rewarding experience. “Some people are hesitant because they’re not comfortable making calls, but there’s a role for everyone. Whether it’s praying, supporting, or making the calls, it all makes a difference.”
Faith, Hope, and Impact
For Traci and her husband, the fight against human trafficking is about more than just volunteering. It’s about hope, faith, and making a real difference. “We all want to live in our bubbles, but this work is uncomfortable because it’s necessary. And knowing that there are survivors getting help because of what we’re doing—that’s what keeps us going.”
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!
