Letter from the CEO - Fall 2020
When I was 15 years old, I felt the gentle nudge from my God calling me to serve those who seemed helplessly disadvantaged. It never crossed my mind how far this “calling” would take me into a dark world of evil, egregious behavior! What vulnerable human beings are forced to endure defy anything I could have ever imagined. When the assignment came to serve at The WellHouse on behalf of those who have been sexually exploited, more often than not beginning in their early childhood, I found myself continually amazed at the inherent resilience of a victim who has survived and longs to overcome. It gave me hope!
But, the fact that the majority of human sex trafficking has its roots in the childhoods of the victims, still literally and figuratively brings me to my knees! I have repeatedly shared that those of us working in this field must look past the behavior of a traumatized victim who often resists our offers of help, and see the child they once were before the atrocities of child abuse and then trafficking became their reality.
As I have said many times before, I am privileged to serve alongside many caring professionals, both directly and indirectly, whose commitment to be ever diligent in offering the best person-centered opportunities for healing, known, has been transforming. Even with all the challenges regarding the latest terminology most appropriate to use, what therapeutic modality is of most value, or how best to not re-traumatize a victim, I have witnessed an impressive measure of care, concern and commitment. I can say with everything within me that I love those I serve and those I serve alongside, as I have made lifelong friends, both those who have been exploited and those who help them.
And yet, it continues! The battle remains great! Actually, it may be even worse as the underlying issues of pornography, society elites who promote and participate in the evil, and the ever present struggle to not be drawn in to the nonchalant attitude in society that tells us that things once thought vulgar and profane are Ok. They aren’t. We have let down our guard and the most vulnerable among us suffer. Children, young children, carry cell phones where predators are preying with ease. Movies, such as the latest “Cuties” are esteemed as documentaries instead of the blatant exploitation of children. And, so much more is happening.
This is a battle that can be won, but not without work. Not without our willingness to pay attention and take a stand! Protecting our children will go far toward the eradication of this evil of trafficking. Let’s ask ourselves what we as individuals can do. What stand we can take. What opportunity is waiting for our involvement. WellHouse does what it does and does it well because people, like you, have taken a stand and are willing to continually be vigilant and open to needed change. Let’s don’t stop! Let’s keep seeking the best means to remove this scourge from our communities, nation and world. We must!