Faith-based nonprofit advocates protection of human trafficking survivors

The nonprofit packed boxes for its Watch Team Captains. (Screenshot from: Samaritan Village, Inc. Facebook page)

The Samaritan Village recently called the local community to help their cause to protect survivors of human trafficking. 

The nonprofit hosted a virtual fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 14. The funds raised would be reportedly used to build a new safe house for its clients. 

Human Trafficking is Prevalent Crisis

In a report with WFTV, the Orlando-based organization wanted to expand its outreach. Dee Coleman, the executive at Samaritan Village, warned that human trafficking could happen to anyone. 

Coleman added that traffickers "are hidden in plain sight." She explained that many of them are often found in the best neighborhoods. 

She added that their mission is to help give women a fresh start in life, saying that doing so is a gift.

Human Trafficking in Florida

According to data gathered from the Osceola Sheriff's website, Florida ranks third in the rate of human trafficking. The report also said that trafficking focuses on the exploitation of people. 

As mentioned, the number of reported cases increases every year. Despite the increase in reported cases, many human trafficking crimes often go unreported. 

Pandemic's Effect in Human Trafficking

Coleman further told the news outlet that human trafficking had become a predominant problem in Central Florida. 

She explained that the pandemic played a role in the increase in the number of cases. 

Coleman said that the pandemic has made people more vulnerable, with many losing their income and homes due to job loss. Vulnerability leads to exploitation, she said. 

She told the news outlet that the pandemic has left many women "desperate for help." Coleman explained that this was the reason why the nonprofit wanted to expand its outreach. 

The nonprofit's website said that its founder, Rhonda Stapleton, saw the need to help vulnerable women when she moved to Orlando. 

She bought a house in an area known for its high crime and "red-light district dealings." People warned Stapleton of her new surroundings, but she wanted to help the women in need. 

To do this, she took a job as a jail chaplain in her neighborhood. There, Stapleton saw women trapped in what seemed to be an endless cycle of abuse and exploitation. 

The situation led her to launch the nonprofit in 2009. 

Faith-based Program

According to the nonprofit's website, Samaritan Village follows a faith-based and holistic program. 

Its mission is to provide a safe place for women recovering from the trauma of trafficking and exploitation. It also aims to help women "flourish and heal." 

Samaritan Village prides itself in maintaining one of the longest-standing recovery homes for survivors of human trafficking. 

The nonprofit follows a recovery program that addresses the survivor's spiritual, psychological, social, and physical needs. The duration of the entire program usually takes 12 to 18 months. 

As reported, Samaritan Village follows a "Christ-centered" program. 

The women who live in the transitional home attend weekly worship services. They are also encouraged to join Biblical and spiritual activities during the duration of the program. 

Prayer Partners

The nonprofit also invites people to become their "prayer partners." They said that 2021 is "the year of focused prayer." 

Samaritan Village urged its prayer partners to help them pray for survivors of sex trafficking. 

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Pastor's sermon 'inspires' Central Florida woman to establish nonprofit

 

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