Movement 10K winner aims to end sex trafficking
An organization with a goal to put an end to sex trafficking is using a Movement 10k grant to help achieve it.
The Atlanta-based Out of Darkness ministry received $10,000 thanks to the nomination from Movement Branch Manager John Bohannon.
Movement's 10k Challenge awards ministries and nonprofits that are addressing needs in the community. The campaign aims to give $10,000 each month to nonprofit organizations that matter most to Movement team members.
Out of Darkness was founded in June 2011 and strives to expand resources and volunteer opportunities to victims of sex trafficking. Bohannon felt strongly about the organization's mission. That's why he nominated them for the 10k Challenge.
"It gives me hope that a person who is trapped by a terrible lifestyle can break free and start a new life that is safe and fulfilled," Bohannon says.
The average cost of services per woman is $2,000 and the ministry is using the 10k Challenge to sponsor five women.
The ministry provides encouragement in many forms. It runs a rescue hotline for victims to call for support. Volunteers, such as Bohannon, spend time in the city to find victims on the street and give them flowers and cards of encouragement. Also, the ministry hosts rescue responder teams to bring women to Solomon House.
Solomon House is a residential refuge for women to receive essentials such as clothing and medical exams. They are also assigned a case manager who helps with their rehabilitation, such as substance abuse counseling, church and Bible study, creative activities and tips for how to prepare for a better future.
The ministry also provides outreach to women in jail for prostitution. Volunteers visit them weekly to provide support and to be there when they are released to transport the women to a safe environment.
Jeff Shaw, director of the ministry, was shocked when he received the news his organization would receive the money. CEO Casey Crawford and fellow leaders recently visited the ministry to hand them the check in person.
"We couldn't believe the executive team would take the time and effort to come down here," Shaw says.
To nominate a nonprofit group for the Movement 10k Challenge, team members can submit a short video about group. The a group of Movement team members chooses a winner each month based on how the $10,000 will be used to bring light, life and hope to those in need.
To learn more about Movement 10k, visit Movement.com/10k. For more information about Out of Darkness, visit its website.