Every time the O.U.R. Aftercare Team walked into Jasmine’s (name changed) aftercare home, they noticed a change in her. Over the course of a year, these changes were subtle – maybe it was a bigger smile, new glasses, or a change in her countenance.

Something that Jasmine never did was cry. Jasmine didn’t come from an easy background and quickly developed a toughness to survive. When she was young, a gang lured her in and began trafficking her to local community members and other gang members. Jasmine was caught in this situation because she came from an extremely dysfunctional family, and when she sought love elsewhere, this gang preyed on her vulnerabilities. 

Jasmine’s mother eventually caught wind of what Jasmine was doing and greedily wished for part of the profit.

Instead of rescuing her daughter, she committed the ultimate act of betrayal: she began selling Jasmine in the bar she owned to enjoy part of the profit.

After all of this, Jasmine survived and was rescued. She lives with hope and love, walking on her path to healing from the trauma she endured for so many years. 

Her aftercare home recently helped her through the court process, where they found an aunt Jasmine could safely live with. As she began saying goodbye to her fellow survivors and friends on her last day in the aftercare home, she began to cry. Her tears were met with an audible gasp around her, because none of the girls or staff had ever seen her cry, even through therapy.

These moments of healing are incredible steps for survivors in aftercare. So many girls endure so much trauma at such a young age, and we are so grateful for our Aftercare Team for being there for so many of these moments. We are also incredibly grateful to our donors for supporting our mission to rescue, protect, and help survivors heal. 

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We are inspired by our survivors’ ability to overcome. Read: SURVIVOR STORY: “I HAD NO IDEA THAT THEY WERE BUYING YOUNG GIRLS ON THE WEEKEND…”