Redeeming JoyIt’s Front Line Friday!

I’m so excited to be able to introduce you to Redeeming Joy and its founder, Lanie George. Lanie and I originally met through another anti-trafficking organization and quickly became friends. She’s based in Charlotte, North Carolina (my home state). We had the opportunity to attend an event in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She is fierce and has a passion to see human trafficking eradicated from our nation. It’s my pleasure to share some of her thoughts with you today.

Lanie, when did you first learn about trafficking taking place in America?

This is a tough one because I am a second generation sex trafficking survivor. I knew what it was, but I didn’t ever know it had a title. I didn’t know of the term until two years ago.

How did you first get involved in the fight?

Fifteen years ago I began with rescuing my mom out of the life and have been rescuing others ever since.

Do you work directly with survivors, and if so, what do you do?

I am the founder and president of Redeeming Joy, a Safe Place to Heal for women. We’ve been an official organization for a year now.

Have you ever worked with other organizations?

I’ve worked with Rise Up Ministries and Justice Project.

What is the hardest part of what you do?

Watching women you work with make poor choices and go back to the life.

What is the greatest blessing you’ve experienced?

Watching women become set free and redeemed, to see them realize they’re worth it.

What do you feel is the weak link in the fight against sex trafficking?

Financial support and then people being aware of the problem and what they can do to help.

What studies stand out to you on the issue?

For me, there isn’t a particular study that stands out. It is having lived the life and seen myself redeemed.

If you could share one thing with readers, what would it be?

I wish people would look at us differently. I wish they had more of an understanding of what its like to be trafficked.

Do you see any commonalities among the victims you serve?

I see a lack of knowing their worth and value. I see wounded, hurt women using whatever they can to numb the past pains and the current trauma from being trafficked.

What is the greatest need for you and your organization at this time?

Financial support and volunteer support.

Thank you, Lanie, for sharing your heart on such a personal issue. For those of you in the Charlotte area, consider plugging in and volunteering with Redeeming Joy. To learn how to do so, go here. If you’d like to support Redeeming Joy financially, you can do so here.

No matter where you live, get informed. Get connected. Raise your voice for hope.

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