UPDATED: August 2009
Because the need for rescuing victims from human trafficking is so great, the Los Angeles Dream Center has opened 2 temporary shelters.
Working with Project Exodus, an anti-trafficking group in L.A., girls who are rescued are being brought to these temporary shelters until the permanent shelter is completed in January.
July 2009
More than 27 million men, women and children worldwide are living in slavery today because of the growing crime of human trafficking. Even right here in America, 14,000 – 20,000 victims are trafficked into the U.S. each year. By 2010, human trafficking is expected to become the #1 crime in the world, surpassing the illegal drug trade.
What Are We Doing About It?
Together with the L.A. Dream Center, Joyce Meyer Ministries has taken the opportunity to help transform many of these women and young girls literally at the ground level. Through the construction of a women’s shelter in the heart of Los Angeles, California, we’re taking a key step forward in the fight against human trafficking and to rescue these victims from such a horrible lifestyle.
The typical victim is a 14-year-old girl. Every day, women and young girls are being tricked, kidnapped or coerced into a life of crime or prostitution – so broken by abuse they dare not escape.
“The abuse that these women and girls go through is all encompassing,” says Program Director Brittany Hernandez. “It’s emotional; it’s physical; it’s psychological."
But with our help, those rescued will receive the long-term love and support, medical care, job training and counseling they need to make a new start.
Joyce Meyer Ministries is donating $1 million toward the construction of the shelter, which is due to be completed in January 2010. What an amazing opportunity to share God’s love with those who need healing.
A Love Like No Other
The L.A. Dream Center will provide Christian-based counseling, educational programs and support groups to help women work through the spiritual and emotional traumas associated with human trafficking, doing their best to prepare them for a second chance at life.
“Because the care they require is so intensive, there aren’t a lot of shelters that can meet their needs,” says Hernandez. “But we have the resources to help them and, as Christians, we also have a responsibility to do something.”
Hernandez is looking forward to the day she can welcome the first group of survivors to their new home.
“Real healing happens when someone gets in touch with Jesus, so we want to help them get to know God personally,” says Hernandez. “We’re excited to see the healing process begin.”
What You Can Do Right Now
The L.A. Dream Center staff is asking people to pray for victims of human trafficking – one of the most important things we can all do.
Please consider donating to this project and our other vital outreaches worldwide.
You can help make a difference by learning more about human trafficking, telling other people about it, and volunteering your time to organizations like the L.A. Dream Center. It’s going to take everyone’s help to end human trafficking. Please, do what you can.