Survivor Stories, Survivor Voices
REST
Queen’s Path: Cultivating Purpose from Pain

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.

Queen’s Path: Cultivating Purpose from Pain
Education
REST
Understanding the Link Between Domestic ...

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.

Understanding the Link Between Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking
REST News, REST Staff
REST
Welcoming Elizabeth Hodges as REST’s New CEO: A ...

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!

Welcoming Elizabeth Hodges as REST’s New CEO: A New Chapter of Hope and Leadership
Events, Give REST
REST
Experience A Night of REST: A Transformative ...

Guess what?! A Night of REST is just one month away on Thursday, October 17th! This year’s theme is “Cultivating Courage & Strength,” reflecting the incredible resilience of survivors and our shared commitment to walking alongside them on their healing journeys toward independence. Don't miss out on this inspiring evening—dinner, storytelling, and community, all in support of a powerful cause. Seats are going fast, so secure your tickets before they're sold out. Purchase your ticket today!

Experience A Night of REST: A Transformative Evening for Change
Education
REST
The Silent Suffering: Suicide Risks Among Sex ...

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and it's crucial to recognize the high suicide risk among sex trafficking survivors. These individuals face severe mental health challenges, with many suffering from depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation due to the extreme trauma they've endured. Effective prevention requires trauma-informed care, accessible mental health services, supportive communities, and crisis intervention. Let's raise awareness and support survivors by advocating for better mental health resources to help them heal and prevent suicide. Together, we can make a difference.

The Silent Suffering: Suicide Risks Among Sex Trafficking Survivors
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Decide to Put Slacktivism to Death

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Decide to Put Slacktivism to Death

There is a lot of talk in recent years about the rise of “slacktivism.” As social media has grown and become an awareness-raising machine, this idea of “slacktivism” has emerged. In short, it is being willing to post/share/comment/like—but be unengaged otherwise. Slacktivism is talking big game about your feelings about issues—but ultimately doing nothing. It is akin to a boat that is ashore. It has potential, but it needs to be brought back into the water to really make the difference that it was intended to.

“The World's Terrible Truths are Never Solved by Turning a Blind Eye,” & Other Important Lesson's Learned at Microsoft's 2016 //oneweek Hackathon.

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.

We've Begun Our Year with a Real Game Changer

At REST, it seems like we’re always up to something big: a resident finishes school and gains a degree, a survivor joins our support group and finds a meaningful community or we celebrate another survivor who has successfully escaped the sex trade for 30 days, 6 months or a year. These last few months have been no different. There is a lot to catch up on, and so much to celebrate!

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.

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