Can the words proud and humble coexist? For a long time, I didn’t think so—until I heard a colleague introduce herself as the “Proud CEO” of her organization. In that moment, I understood exactly what she meant. Today, as we reflect on this past year at The WellHouse, I feel both proud and deeply humbled.

This year has been extraordinary. We’ve faced challenges, learned hard lessons, and celebrated victories that remind us why we do this work. Let me share just a few highlights that make me humbly proud:

Faith and Values: We continue to honor God in what we do and how we do it. Love, grace, and excellence remain the foundation of our relationships and our mission.
Survivor Care: Our Intake Director managed a growing waiting list with skill and compassion, ensuring every survivor received attention and effective placement. More survivors came, more stayed, and many experienced true healing.
Program Success: Our team worked collaboratively to meet individual needs and goals. As a result, we end the year with graduates moving into transitional living apartments and preparing for careers.
Community Support: Our Board of Directors and volunteers provided unmatched guidance and support, strengthening every area of our work.
Partnerships: We saw growth in partnerships—new organizations seeking mentorship, education partners, after-care partners, and financial supporters who make this mission possible.
Legal Advocacy: Many survivors were freed from legal entanglements that once hindered their progress, opening doors to employment and independence.
Economic Empowerment: ShopWell exceeded all previous growth milestones, and we purchased a storefront to expand employment opportunities for residents.

These successes didn’t come without suffering. In fact, we learned that suffering in this work brings empathy and strengthens faith. Walking alongside survivors in their pain, we experienced healing with them and have learned to not waste our pain. It’s counterintuitive, but through vicarious suffering, we experience sufficient grace and improved resilience.

As we enter this holiday season, we are proud and grateful—not just for the blessings of this year, but for the peace and strength to continue the fight against human trafficking. Thank you to every team member, volunteer, partner, and supporter who made this possible. Together, we have the great privilege of seeing lives transformed.

Letter from the CEO: Winter 2025