“Every year, as many as 100,000 - 300,000 American children are at risk of being trafficked for commercial sex.” The US Department of Justice

Becky McDonald (left) with team: Jodi, Sarah, and Sierra

This issue is worldwide, but when Rebecca (Becky) McDonald, founder of Women At Risk (WAR), International, spoke to us recently she reminded us that our own community is not exempt. Human trafficking happens everywhere, even in Grand Rapids.

Becky is a passionate speaker, with many stories of women and children involved in modern-day slavery. Her message is powerful, heart-wrenching, and unforgettable.

“WAR, Int’l is a nonprofit organization, that works in over 40 countries addressing 14 risk issues. The purpose of WAR, Int’l is to create circles of protection and hope around at-risk women and children through culturally sensitive, sustainable intervention projects and partnerships.”

But, how do you identify the victim?

Empower - A mini boutique set up for us to shop

WAR, Int’l has a program to educate and equip communities to combat the reality of human trafficking. Civilian First Responder Training (CFR) brings the US Government, law enforcement, survivors, and the founder of WAR, Int’l together. Civilian first responders can be medical workers, social workers, educators, city service providers, family, friends, neighbors, and you. At the training participants learn the demographic, lures, signs, and how to respond. Anyone can help rescue a victim and the training gives you the tools to do so.

WAR programs also help equip rescued women with skills to support themselves. They are given safety, dignity, hope, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency by creating and selling handcrafted items in WAR Chest boutiques and online. Shop With Purpose at a WAR Chest boutique near you.

For more information go to warinternational.org. Join Becky is “seeing the unseen.”