On this episode of Meet Houston Missions and the Simmons and Fletcher, Local Missions Podcast, Bobbie Mark, the Executive Director of Redeemed Ministries discusses how they have helped over 150 women escape from the bonds of human trafficking. Since 2010, Redeemed Ministries has operated one of the longest-running safe houses for victims of human trafficking in the United States. They work with rescues directly to provide shelter for women ages 18 and older seeking to escape the life of sex trafficking and labor trafficking.
History
In 2005, Bobbie Mark and her husband began doing outreach to women in the commercial sex industry. In 2010 they saw the need for safe houses and opened the Sparrow House, an 8-bedroom home in Harris County, with the goals of giving survivors a safe place to receive education, empowerment, and healing as well as be introduced to Jesus Christ.
The Program
Redeemed Ministries has enjoyed success like few other rescues in that their recidivism rate is only 25% whereas the national rate is around 80%. They do this by employing a program that not only educates and empowers survivors, but also rewards survivors for staying longer. The first year is largely an education and rehabilitation phase where they help them see themselves as a valued life. After a year, they are given the opportunity to work outside the rescue while still living there rent-free. When they make it to 18 months, the rescue will match up to $1500.00 to help them purchase a car. Graduates who stay the full 2 years have an extremely high rate of escaping the lifestyle forever.
Volunteer Needs
Redeemed Ministries has 12 regular team members. Everything they do requires volunteer help. Teachers and mentors are needed to help the survivors develop life and employment skills. Volunteers to help upkeep the house and the clothing boutique where survivors can obtain clothes. Additionally, the property is located in Northwest Harris County where they have an 8-bedroom home sitting on some fenced-in property. Volunteers to maintain the property and build a garden are needed. In addition to these opportunities, if you would like to volunteer to help with the fundraiser events, opportunities are posted on their website here: https://www.redeemedtx.org/new-page-2.
Donations & Fundraising Opportunities
In March, they hold their annual Golf Fundraiser Golf for Good at The Woodlands Country Club. You can join a team, sponsor, or volunteer to help set up. Also in March, Redeemed Ministries hosts Just Ride for a Just Cause which is a cycling event in West Houston to raise funds. Redeemed Ministries also hosts an annual GALA to raise money and awareness of the human trafficking problem.
Direct monetary and in-kind donations are also accepted. They can always use toiletries, laundry supplies, and basic needs items.
Contact:
Volunteer Opportunities: [email protected]
Redeemed Ministries
4008 Louetta Rd., Ste. 289
Spring, TX 77388
(832) 447-4130
Meet Houston Missions is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers. See more missions and/or learn how to get your Houston mission featured by visiting: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com/meet-houston-missions/
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