Tens of thousands of Americans and millions of persons worldwide are trafficked each year and compelled into labor or the sex trade. Ginger Coakley, co-executive director of Eden's Glory, a rehabilitation center for exploited women, and Winda M., a trafficking survivor, describe the situation and offer some suggestions on how teachers and schools can help identify victims and prevent human trafficking through education. To report suspected trafficking, call 1.888.373.7888
Ginger Coakley: "I am humbled that God called me to lead something like this. Eden’s Glory is an act of courage and obedience, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. It is also an honor to have a front row seat to the transforming power and grace of God. In 2010 I was completely unaware that slavery still existed. When I heard, I devoured information from statistics to documentaries, to narrative accounts. I was heart broken at the reality. I was angered by the injustice, and I was CALLED to do something about it. So I quit my job, moved to Illinois, got married, bought a house, had a baby, and started a ministry all in the same year. Crazy! We have been open since September 2015 and have served 15 women so far. Come, let us tell you so so many stories!"
Winda: "I am a survivor of human trafficking from the age of 4 until age 25. Currently I serve as a peer support mentor at Eden’s Glory. In 2016 I came to Eden’s Glory and that program gave me a second chance at life. Eden’s Glory is a place that helps me encounter God, that erased the lies and wrote truth in my being."
SHOW NOTES / RESOURCES:Eden’s Glory
US Department of Homeland Security
US Dept. of Labor Resources for Educators
United Nations Office on Drugs, Crime, and Human Trafficking
Shared Hope International
Polaris Project National Human Trafficking Hotline
Polaris Project 2018 Hotline Statistics