A report from the human rights group Walk Free estimates that almost 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living in some form of “modern slavery” – an umbrella term often used interchangeably with terms like “human trafficking” or “trafficking in persons.”
Human trafficking in the U.S. can be divided further, into its two main forms, forced labor and sex trafficking, the Department of State explains.
It’s heartbreaking to think about those held captive in these truly evil situations.
Thankfully, a variety of Christian organizations are working to stop human trafficking, end sexual exploitation and minister to those rescued from this abuse.
One such group, Reclaiming Hope, focuses on providing resources and support for survivors of sex trafficking.
The Daily Citizen sat down with Reclaiming Hope Executive Director Sues Hess to discuss this unique ministry to children, women and men rescued from sex trafficking.
Hess explained that the ministry, based in Colorado Springs, has two main ways to serve survivors, the national Hope Bag program and a local Mentor Program.
In its national program, Reclaiming Hope works with law enforcement agencies across the country as they arrest traffickers and set their victims free. Hess told us:
Typically, when they are recovered, the only things survivors own are the clothes they’re wearing that they have been sold in. So we’re offering them brand new items because they have worth and value.
Law enforcement agencies don’t have the money to buy new clothing for survivors, so each Hope Bag includes athletic pants, t-shirt, a hoody and slider sandals. Because “survivors have typically been on display,” Hess said, the new gifted clothes are modest and looser fitting.
The ministry packs bags in 14 different sizes – from 2-toddler to extra-large – with a male, female and universal version of each size.
Each bag includes a blanket, hygiene kit, journal and a handwritten note with words of encouragement for the survivor.
Hess told us:
We’ve been doing this now since 2011. We’ve shipped out over 8,000 of these to all 50 states and three territories. We used to be the biggest non-governmental partner of the FBI because we launched our program with them. They have given us the input as to what to include in our bags.
Since victims are often sex-trafficked in hotels, they don’t provide hotel-size toiletries, only travel size items. The ministry keeps a list of what’s needed to fill the bags, including playing cards, “fidget toys,” coloring books and pencils, blister bandages, and hair brushes, combs and picks. Reclaiming Hope also has an Amazon Wish List of current Hope Bag needs.
A comforting stuffed animal is included in each bag. Hess explained the importance of this for victims:
The most popular thing in the entire bag is a safe hug. Our animals have met the need for that safe hug. This becomes a symbol of courage for many.
We’ve heard stories of people, adults in their 30s, 40s, hugging that animal through all the investigative work that the law enforcement take them through. Because they derive courage from a safe hug.
Each bag, including shipping, costs about $140. In 2024, Reclaiming Hope worked with the FBI, local police departments, the Department of Homeland and State Patrols to distribute 1,579 bags.
In addition to the Hope Bags, Reclaiming Hope’s Mentor Program helps survivors reintegrate into the community. Hess told us they choose mentors with care – and a lot of prayer – providing a full day of training and follow-up training every month. She explained:
We want to show grace and mercy and Christ’s unconditional love to the survivors. So we train and train. Most survivors have been so deeply traumatized, and many have some mental health issues. And we also train about that.
Acknowledging our volunteers and staff are not licensed therapist. We will link them up with the right trauma therapist if they’re not already linked up.
Survivors who are being mentored can also qualify for the ministry’s housing program and job program.
Reclaiming Hope points to Scripture as the motivation for serving those who have suffered and endured the evil of sex trafficking. In their 2024 Impact Report, the organization quotes from the Psalms and Prophets:
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. Psalm 140:12.
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8.
The Daily Citizen is thankful for Reclaiming Hope’s work.
Related articles and resources:
Reclaiming Hope – Hope Bags and Mentor Program
Reclaiming Hope – Journeying With Survivors of Sex Trafficking
The Justice Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888). The Trafficking Hotline also connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services they need to get help and stay safe.
Related articles and resources:
Reclaiming Hope – Hope Bags and Mentor Program
Bongino Announces FBI Apprehended 449 Child Predators, Rescued 224 Kids in 3 Months
Facts and Research on Human Trafficking
Focus on the Family With Jim Daly:
How to Stop Human Trafficking: Pregnancy Help Centers are a New Answer
Human Trafficking: Is My Daughter a Target?
‘Operation Hope’ Leads to Recovery of 32 Sex Trafficking Victims
Sex Trafficking and Abortion: The Silent Public Health Crisis
