Human Freedom from Trafficking and Exploitation: The Intersection of Church and Non-Profit

Human trafficking is the second-largest criminal industry in the world, with over 800,000 people trafficked against their will across international borders each year.  Surprisingly, human trafficking is occurring everywhere, and over the last five years, 1,096 human trafficking offenses were charged in the state of Pennsylvania. For those who escape, many are left with the scarring aftermath of trauma and addiction from being treated like a commodity.

 Men and women alike in the town of Wayne, Pennsylvania, are being called to action and are finding answers to these questions: How can I help bring freedom to victims?  What would Jesus do to help?  Non-profits like Worthwhile Wear partner with local churches like Church of the Saviour in Wayne, PA, to address this growing issue. We believe healing begins when trauma is identified and addressed, and when meaningful relationships are made.

Come to hear the details about the FREEDOM story of women impacted by Worthwhile Wear’s Worth It Program which is hosted by Church of the Saviour and take practical tips to your town to make a lasting impact.  This lecture will be followed by an interactive panel discussion so you can meet the women leading this effort.

 Presenters and Panelists:

• Wendy Walters, Women’s Ministry & Community Group Director at Church of the Saviour in Wayne, PA, www.coswayne.org. Wendy oversees the church’s partnership with Worthwhile Wear and the team of volunteers that support the Worth It program. Our hope is that each woman who comes to this program is known, seen, and loved. We pray that we extend radical hospitality to each woman so she experiences a safe and secure environment where her needs are met to maximize trauma recovery and introduce her to a loving church environment. 
• Allegra Cressman, Director of Programming at Worthwhile Wear, Worthwhile Wear. Allegra oversees the development of Worthwhile Wear’s housing, employment, and community-based outreach and empowerment program (Worth It) for survivors of human trafficking. She and her team provide the Worth It programming.
• Colleen Bradstreet, Co-coordinator of Worth It at Church of the Saviour.  Colleen co-leads the Worth It ministry leadership team at the church and is intimately involved in the daily details of the hospitality and ministry. Our church provides over 450 hours of service each Fall and Spring to make the Worth It program a success.