Over 300,000 children are trafficked in the United States every year. This isn’t a “somewhere else” problem, it’s right here in our communities. 85% of children rescued were born in the US and the average age of children when they are trafficked is 11 or 12. This is a huge and devastating problem that requires multiple approaches to combat it. Here in Colorado, Sarah’s Home is fighting the problem by serving rescued girls and helping them in their recovery.

Sarah’s Home provides sanctuary for girls ages 12 to 18 to help them realign with the life they were meant to have. In addition to being a residential facility, services include an accredited school catered and individualized for each girl, mental health support, medical, vision, and dental care. A mentoring component teaches girls how to have healthy and trusting relationships with adults. Girls are taught life and relationship skills. In addition, for kids who have had their childhoods stolen from them, they are given the opportunity to have fun and be kids again.

Currently this organization is in the process of developing and opening Daniel Academy. Approximately 35% of children rescued from trafficking are boys. Community Engagement Coordinator, Jillian Winters, tells me that they believe theirs will be the only facility in the country serving boys recovering from trafficking. In order to meet this tremendous need they have received a donation of land and are currently in a season of growth and evolution as they figure out this next challenge.

I asked Jillian what they wished more people knew about Sarah’s Home. Her reply was focused on the problem. She would like to see more awareness of sex trafficking. The more people know, the smaller the world becomes for sex traffickers. Education is not the primary focus of Sarah’s Home; however, they work to empower people to be part of the solution through education. Ideally they would love to be forced to close their doors because there is no longer a need.

There are many ways that you can get involved. Check here for upcoming trainings to learn more about the problem and what to look for. You can also host a Fireside Chat to educate you and your friends or family. And if you would like to financially support the work of Sarah’s Home or Daniel Academy you’ll find a variety of opportunities here.