OUR MISSION
Gift of Freedom’s mission is to create a world where every child survivor of trafficking has the opportunity to heal, grow and thrive. We envision a future where these vulnerable individuals have free access to the support and counseling they need to build self-esteem, reclaim their lives, and create a bright future.
Gift of Freedom partners with a strong referral network of organizations and counselors who can provide specialized care and rehabilitation for victims. Together, let us work towards a world free from the horrors of child trafficking where every child can experience love, security and the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
HOW GIFT OF FREEDOM STARTED
Three transportation company founders and friends – Sharon Siar, Nicole Glenn, and Kristy Knichel were horrified by the large number of child victims who struggle to recover without access to the mental health counseling they need to move past the trauma of being trafficked.
In fact, after children are rescued, their healing journey with therapy and medical needs has just begun. After careful consideration and much research into potential solutions, Sharon, Nicole, and Kristy created Gift of Freedom dedicated to raising funds to provide victims with direct access to counseling services for at least one year.
The Numbers are Staggering
It is estimated that about 25% of human trafficking victims are children. Texas ranks second (after California) in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking, and in 2020, a total of 987 human trafficking cases in Texas were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. However, this is a fraction of the actual number of cases. Researchers at the University of Texas Social Work estimate that at any given time, 313,000 people are being trafficked in Texas. Of them, 79,000 are children.
There are numerous organizations operating with the purpose of saving trafficked children from their abductors and abusers. Unfortunately, after a rescue, there are not enough facilities or mental health professionals available to counsel and offer rehabilitation services. As a result, many victims return to the streets because it’s all that they know.
The path to reclaim and restart their lives by helping victims connect to expert care, provide funding for victims’ needs, and fund-raise, and bring awareness to the continued rising threat of trafficking.
HOW IT WORKS
We believe that all victims deserve free access to professional, expert counseling to help them process the trauma they experienced at such a young age, and move on to lead productive, healthy lives. Our biggest contribution is helping to make that connection between mental health counselors and victims.
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We create a strong referral network of mental health professionals who are willing to provide expert care free of charge to victims of trafficking.
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We provide funding and/or counseling services through Texas Human Trafficking Shelters and Prevention Organizations.
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We raise funds via our website, social media, word of mouth, events, and networking.
LEARN MORE. KNOW MORE.
In Texas, human trafficking is reported to be highest within the “Texas Triangle”, which connects Houston, San Antonio, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas, as well as in the lower Rio Grand Valley.
The numbers of trafficking victims is rising faster due to the drug cartels at the border crossings in Texas, Arizona and California.
There are three parts to helping victims of trafficking: EDUCATION, RESCUE, and HEALING.
People to teach what trafficking is, what signs to look for, and how to help.
Organizations and governments that rescue victims.
Trained professionals who help to heal victims and prepare them for re-entry to society.
Gift of Freedom is proud to be a part of the healing process for trafficking victims – starting in Texas and expanding nationally in the future.
