The tragedy that unfolded in the Atlanta Asian massage parlors was no surprise to those of us who work in the space of anti-human trafficking. We have met victims of this industry. And, while we understand the concerns of racism against our Asian American friends, we immediately identified this as an issue of sexual exploitation.
Read MoreMy name is Haylee Dortch, a recent graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I’m now a full-time case manager at the WellHouse! I went into social work wondering which population would call to me. It wasn’t long at all before God called me into this amazing community of hard-working clinicians and inspiring survivors.
Read MoreFebruary marked three years with Volunteer Nicki Linton leading Art Therapy on our campus. Nicki has become a vital member of our volunteer team and has touched many lives during her weekly Art Therapy courses.
Read MoreAlliance to Include U.S. Attorney’s Offices for Northern, Middle and Southern Districts, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Family Sunshine Center, Wellhouse, Ashakiran, West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force and Poarch Band of Creek Indians
Read MoreOctober and November were busy months at the WellHouse! We coordinated 26 intakes and placements from across the country, of both women and children. Of those, 5 came to the WellHouse to start our long-term recovery program. Residents came to our facility from as far south as Florida and as far north as Illinois.
Read MoreHannah came from a seemingly "normal" family. Her grandfather was a preacher, and her name was inspired by a Biblical figure, but things were not what they seemed. Growing up, she dealt with ongoing sexual harassment and "culture grooming." Hannah became a mom at age 16. After high school, she had little options to support herself and turned to night club dancing. This is where her trafficking story begins.
Read MoreThe WellHouse was founded through a God-given vision in July 2010; however, the first rescued survivor came to The WellHouse in January 2011. So, we are both in the midst of those 10 years since founding and nearing the 10-year mark since receiving the first survivor!
Read More“The WellHouse has changed a lot [in 10 years]. It's gone from trying to figure out where the next meal for the women will come from, dealing with not having air conditioning, and stuffing them all in my car to go to church… to a beautiful campus that provides onsite Bible studies, appointments, healthcare, recovers IDs, and so much more.”
Read MoreAs we head into this season of Christmas, I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to each of our faithful volunteers. Whether you have been volunteering with us for years, or are just getting started, I want each of you to know that you are the heart of The WellHouse, and we are beyond thankful for your heart of service!
Read MoreMy favorite part of working as a Home Coordinator at The WellHouse is watching the transformation God performs on each one of these women. I have the opportunity to witness first-hand the power of God, and how He performs miracles and heals each one of these women, mentally, physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually!
Read MoreI will never forget one of my first interactions at The WellHouse. It was my job to interview a woman who had recently joined our program. My first question: Where did you live before coming to The WellHouse?
Read MoreWhen I was 15 years old, I felt the gentle nudge from my God calling me to serve those who seemed helplessly disadvantaged. It never crossed my mind how far this “calling” would take me into a dark world of evil, egregious behavior! What vulnerable human beings are forced to endure defy anything I could have ever imagined.
Read MoreIn the last quarter, The WellHouse has assisted in retrieving 14 women and girls from the hands of their traffickers and bringing them safely to The WellHouse. Our Rescue team works hard to devise and facilitate the best rescue operation plan for each case they encounter. They are helping victims from all over the United States leave dangerous, life-threatening situations and find a safe place to heal and recover. We ask for your fervent prayers over each victim that is found.
Read MoreMy journey with The WellHouse began four years ago, and as I reflect on that journey, God’s perfect plan is obvious. Four years ago, our family received the news that our son was in end stage heart failure. To survive he would need a LVAD, a ventricular assist device that would pump his heart until a donor heart was available. Before surgeons will perform this surgery, they must have the committed support of a caregiver, someone who promises to be with the patient 24/7 should the device malfunction and require intervention.
Read MoreThe past few months have brought some seasoned faces as well as new friends, and for that we are truly grateful. Recently we have had a group of dedicated volunteers transform our clothing storage area (affectionately named Elizabeth’s Closet) into a beautiful boutique atmosphere.
Read MoreReagan grew up in a loving, supportive, and safe family. She enjoyed school, made good grades, had great friends, and played almost every sport. Her childhood was a happy one. Reagan’s trafficking experience began after she decided to stop at a local gas station after school to refill her car. As she pulled up, she saw that a group of men were standing around the gas pumps.
Read MoreEva moved from Russia to the United States in the hopes of having a better life. However, finding a job in a new country was much harder than she had anticipated. She was scouring newspapers for any open position when she noticed an advertisement for a job as an “escort.”
Read MoreWhen she was 16 years old, Brianna decided to run away from home with an older girl she had become friends with. Being a vulnerable child, she fell into the arms of a trafficker. She faced constant beatings and and was forced to have sex multiple times a day. If she did not obey her trafficker, her abuse would be worse. This is Brianna’s Story.
Read MoreVictoria was sexually and mentally abused from a young age. Her mother was a drug addict and her father frequently beat her. She was only 12-years-old when she met 28-year-old John. John offered Victoria safety, love, and protection, something her parents never gave her. She trusted him without a second thought, and left home with him.
Read MoreThe WellHouse has resumed its reception of rescued survivors after having to pause this process during the worst of COVID-19. Currently, there are five pending survivors who we are hoping to welcome into the safety and comfort of The WellHouse.
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