One week ago, a youth presented in a Louisiana hospital with serious injuries, physical and emotional.
She was a victim of human trafficking. Local officials made the decision to call Unbound Now.
Within an hour of receiving their call, one of our highly-trained staff met her at the hospital with practical support and compassionate care. The Unbound Now Advocate did what we always do: brought comfort, met physical needs, and helped craft a safety plan.
In just one moment hope became a possibility again for this youth recovered from human trafficking. Her story of restoration has just begun.
Because her story is not unique, it represents perfectly why we are so excited to share about the expansion of our advocacy services to the state of Louisiana.
Because we want to be there in the hospital room when a child is recovered out of the exploitation and evil of human trafficking. Because we are the people who run into the hard places knowing we carry the hope of Jesus and the proven programs, services, and training to make a difference.
2022 state reports show that 555 youth fell victim to commercial sexual exploitation in Louisiana last year.
Recognizing the pressing need to address this crisis, Unbound Now joins forces with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services and other partners to implement a specialized advocacy model. I am so grateful for these partners and their enthusiasm around bringing our programs to their state.
The core goal of the CSEY Advocacy Program is to build supportive relationships with minors recovered from sex trafficking, equipping them to make safe and healthy decisions on their journey toward healing.
I am thrilled to share that Unbound Now CSEY Advocates will serve youth in the following Louisiana parishes: East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard.
Please join me in praying for our new teams on the ground and the precious youth they will serve!