Survivors are bringing light into the lives of others!

We get to share mere glimpses into the lives of survivors with you. You hear about a rescue, a legal battle won, or a new job. So much more goes on in the healing journey of a woman who has seen brutality and trauma at the hands of traffickers. From the rescue through therapy, training, and reintegration into a community there are many steps and many people who touch the life of one person.

Trusting, nurturing relationships are key to someone who has experienced such distrust and fear. One key component to the model of the Sanctuary is a comfortable and safe environment in which these kinds of relationships can form between survivors as they heal together. You’ve heard pieces of two women’s stories, but not how their lives have come together.

Luminita’s story begins like many others who are caught in the traps of traffickers. A Business and Management student with a bright future, she was introduced to a man visiting from another country. She believed her cousin and this man when they made plans for a vacation, and she was charmed by the man’s kindness.

But once she and her new “boyfriend” arrived in Western Europe, he changed and she was trapped, along with other women. "I had no idea that for the next fourteen months I would be dressed like them, abused by this ugly drunkard and by many other men. I had no idea that I would live in hell,” Luminita says.

Luminta was finally able to escape and to begin healing back in Romania. Over two years later, she is back on track to becoming the business woman she dreamed of being. She has participated in our “Sew Good” initiative, teaming up with other survivors who learned to sew to create business plans.

Like Luminita, Annabelle was tormented and abused by her traffickers. She dreamed of escape and was able to get to a phone to call an emergency line. Our European Director braved muddy and unpaved roads, freezing temperatures, and even wild dogs to get to Annabelle. He coordinated with our partners in law enforcement to make sure Annabelle could safely escape and her trafficker could be taken down.

Annabelle was freezing and hungry when she escaped and we ensured she received medical care, clothing, and food. She had several broken ribs and severe injuries and she weighed less than 80 pounds. Only 17 when she was rescued, she dreamed of being free for Christmas and we were able to place her alongside a loving family to enjoy a real Christmas dinner.

Today Annabelle is doing well and excelling at school. Luminita has taken her under her wing and is helping her rebuild her life. She is able to mentor Annabelle, encourage, and strengthen her through her healing process. Luminita is bringing light into another survivor’s life!

The environment of the Sanctuary is ideal for the ongoing healing of survivors just like these two. These girls can experience the beauty of nature, the comfort of a safe home, and the healthy, bonding relationships.

We can’t wait to see many more survivors like these thriving at the Sanctuary. Your support makes it possible.

Help us unlock transformation for survivors!

We Need People Like You at Our Side

Last month we shared BIG news that the Sanctuary in Romania is paid off. This tremendous step for freedom is only possible because we have incredible people at our side. Today, we want to share with you about one family who has been instrumental in unlocking the Sanctuary for survivors.

The Brittons own a manufacturing company in the midwest. They had known our founder, Kim Westfall, for years when God began placing the plight of survivors on Kim’s heart. One day, they were attending an event together when Kim began to share her passion for human trafficking with the Brittons.

“It was an immediate connection because my husband’s niece and her husband had been church planters in a Western European country where trafficking was very prevalent. As part of their church plant, they had a coffee shop where they hired young women who were coming out of the sex trade,” says Jan Britton.

The conversation with Kim left a deep impression on the Brittons. Jan and her husband, Rick, began to explore the mission of Uncaged more deeply. The vision of the Sanctuary struck a deep chord with them in particular. “When Kim found the Sanctuary, the property was perfect, and the buildings were almost exactly what designers had envisioned for Uncaged. Except it was here, already built and ready. It was clear that God had brought it together.”

Faith has been an essential motivator for the Brittons. They keenly look for what God is doing in the world and generously seek to join in. Partnering with Uncaged has only enriched their faith journey, says Jan. “I always enjoy the stories of transformation that we hear from the survivors. Now, I’m looking forward to hearing more about all of the different therapies that will be offered to the survivors. It’s amazing how God put the mind together and the tools we have to heal and transform people.”

When thinking about the future of Uncaged, Jan hopes to see even more people come to participate in the work God is doing in Europe. “Kim and Uncaged have a calling to help these women and children. Every step of the way, I’ve seen that God has prepared the people and the resources that position Uncaged to help a lot of women for a long time. Whatever you can do to be a part of that will be amplified a hundredfold.”

With your help, we can unlock transformation for trafficking survivors and work towards ending human trafficking once and for all!

Will YOU be the key?

The Impact of Art Therapy

Survivors of human trafficking have experienced unimaginable trauma. Rescue is only the beginning of healing for these precious women and girls. That is why we have crafted a program of holistic care alongside experts in trauma recovery.

The Sanctuary is a unique, holistic model that delivers the best-in-class aftercare. Now that The Sanctuary is paid off, we need your help to get ready. These preparations are key to unlocking restoration for dozens, soon hundreds, of survivors.

Survivors will receive trauma therapy, housing, and education at The Sanctuary. One aspect of this kind of wraparound care that we’ve seen make a huge impact is art therapy. The act of working with their hands can rewire some of the trauma in the minds of survivors. We have a beautiful space for art therapy set aside at The Sanctuary. As we prepare to bring survivors to the Sanctuary, we want to see this room become a welcoming, safe space for women to create, build community, and heal.

Can you see it? Can you envision a space for survivors to come and feel cared for? From therapeutic sand trays to card-making and painting to building collages, art can make a big difference. The tactile experience lets survivors feel grounded in a safe space. The creativity allows them to express emotions that are difficult to name after trauma. It can help them regain their voices. And it’s fun!

Will you help us get this important part of our trauma-informed retreats ready?

Bring healing to survivors. Give today!