Black entrepreneurs have long been at the heart of economic progress, resilience, and innovation, yet the fight for economic justice and opportunity remains ongoing. This Black History Month, REST is honoring the 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” by spotlighting Black-owned businesses and their vital contributions to our communities. Economic empowerment is key to breaking cycles of exploitation, including sex trafficking, and investing in Black businesses helps create sustainable opportunities and stronger communities. Throughout February, explore our curated list of Black-owned businesses, discover new ways to support Black entrepreneurship, and join us in building a more just and equitable future.
What if your resolution this year could help change lives? Start 2025 with purpose by joining the mission to end sex trafficking and create freedom, safety, and hope in our communities. Human trafficking impacts vulnerable populations right here in Seattle, including youth, those experiencing homelessness, and communities of color. This January, during National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, REST is hosting events, workshops, and advocacy campaigns to inspire action. Together, we can build a future where freedom and dignity are accessible to all.
From childhood trauma to years of exploitation, Queen’s life has been marked by unthinkable challenges. Yet, through sheer resilience and the right support, she found the courage to begin rebuilding her life in ways she never thought possible. Discover Queen’s inspiring journey—one of survival, strength, and a relentless pursuit of hope.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the link between domestic violence and sex trafficking. Both involve manipulation, isolation, and control, leaving survivors vulnerable. At REST, we offer support through our crisis hotline, emergency shelter, and other services. Learn how you can recognize the signs, take action, and support survivors.
We are excited to announce Elizabeth Hodges as REST's new CEO. With over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Elizabeth is deeply committed to our mission of supporting survivors of sex trafficking. Her extensive background in strengthening communities facing social and economic barriers, along with her passion for empowering vulnerable populations, makes her the ideal leader for REST. Join us in welcoming Elizabeth as she leads us into this next chapter of growth and impact!
Danielle, a Microsoft employee, volunteered her time to Hack for Good at Microsoft’s //oneweek Hackathon for REST’s Project Reach Out and met a survivor of sex trafficking and employee of REST who privately shared her story to help inform the project participants. Danielle sent us this letter about the profound impact this survivor had on her.
In 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the capital city of Port Au Prince, Haiti. More than 1.5 million people were displaced, and 300,000 structures were severely damaged or destroyed. Some cities near the epicenter reported 90% of their buildings lost. The amount of devastation was incomprehensible.
In 2011, sex buyers tipped their hands and disclosed what they believed would dissuade them from using women involved in prostitution. In the comprehensive study, Comparing Sex Buyers with Men Who Don’t Buy Sex Melissa Farley, PHD, Founding Director of Prostitution Research and Education, and Peter Qualliotine, co-founder of the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), interviewed over 100 sex buyers in hopes of discovering, among other things, any deterrents that would be effective.
Most of the photographs on this website are stock photography, featuring models used for illustrative purposes only. With few carefully evaluated exceptions, we do not publish or share photos of REST clients.
