Human Trafficking in North Carolina

As mentioned in a previous post, this month was declared National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  I will be posting information about local and global ministries, as well as various ways for you to "learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (Isaiah 1:17)

(Information posted here is taken from Transforming Hope's website.  Please take time to visit and learn more about their ministry)

Did you know…

•   There are roughly 27 million slaves worldwide today, more than the total number of people brought to the US during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

•   In the United States, there are an estimated 14,500 to 17,500 immigrant children currently being sold and a conservative 300,000 domestic children at high risk for being sold into slavery.

•   Child trafficking alone pulls in over $12 billion in revenue annually. Each child brings in an estimated $100,000 a year and each pimp controls an average of 3-5 children at a time.

•   The average age of entry into the sex slave industry is 12-14 years old.

•   North Carolina has approximately 2,200 children currently considered homeless and statistics show that 1 in 3 of these children will be picked up by a pimp and sold within the first 48 hours of becoming homeless.

•   In the US, there are less than 100 beds available for all victims of human trafficking and the State of North Carolina holds only four of them although they are not specifically for children rescued in NC making Transforming Hope’s home the first in the state that is specifically for NC child victims.

North Carolina is currently ranked seventh on the FBI’s list of states most likely to be where trafficking occurs. The state is also in the top 5 for most calls received by the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Why so close to the top? One of the largest military bases in the country is located in Jacksonville, NC along with several other bases around the state and creates the perfect avenue for trafficking people in from other countries. North Carolina’s agricultural industry’s need for cheap labor aids in raising the number of trafficking victims and the major highways running throughout the state create plenty of access to truck stops, “gentlemen’s” clubs and hotels to stop at, grab some business and move on to the next state.

Who is Transforming Hope Ministries?

Transforming Hope Ministries is a faith-based, non-profit organization currently located in central North Carolina. It was birthed in November, 2010 by a group of women and men with a desire to restore the lives of adolescent victims of human trafficking. This group was led to those who have been abused and abandoned, in order to offer them the unconditional love of Jesus Christ that every human being longs for and deserves.

On July 4, 2012, Transforming Hope opened a restorative, safe home for US-born female victims of human trafficking between the ages of 12 and 17.

What is Emma’s Home?

Emma's Home is a ministry of Transforming Hope Ministries and it is our desire to provide a restorative, safe home for US-born female victims of human trafficking between the ages of 12 and 17. Our primary goals within the home are security and individualized care. We offer services such as education, healthcare and counseling both individually and through group therapy. We also offer life skills training and career or college preparation. Each child will be a vital part in choosing and planning their path after leaving Emma's Home and then we will do everything in our power to help each child get on and stay on that path for life.

How Can I Get Involved?

Would You Consider?

·      * Becoming a Founding Member (By donating $50 a month you can assist with covering operating expenses for Emma's Home!)

·       * Becoming a Business Sponsor (Use your business to support Emma’s Home for special events and various projects when needed!)

·      * Donating Items from their Wishlist:

School supplies

Ink for Epson Stylus CX9400 Fax

Color ink for HP 2175 printer

Cleaning supplies

Swiffer wet clothes

                                       Swiffer wetjet liquid

Household needs

Kroger, Food Lion & Trader Joe's gift cards

Walmart & Target gift cards

Michaels or Hobby Lobby gift cards

AA batteries

AAA batteries

Chalkboard paint

Cloth ribbon

Scrapbook supplies

Christmas DVDs

Old Disney movies on DVD

Office needs

Staples gift cards

Misc needs

Intern to work part time, weekdays (unpaid)

Part time, in-home person to work one weekend a month (paid)

30-40 empty large Cheese Puff or Pretzel plastic containers

200 empty Lysol or Clorox wipe containers

Business sponsorship for March BMX bike fundraiser - $1,600