GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. On Friday, a local organization will recognize those considered warriors in the fight against human trafficking at a gala.
Leslie King is the founder of Sacred Beginnings and says it’s the first survivor-led organization in the state offering support to victims of human trafficking.
King says she was trafficked for 20 years in Grand Rapids starting at the age of 15. This led to her becoming an advocate for victims and starting Sacred Beginnings, which offers hope, healing, love and understanding without judgment.
The drop-in center at 339 Division Avenue South has a wall covered in pictures of women who have fallen victim to human trafficking in West Michigan.
The center is also lined with various types of pillows. King says those pillows represent the many shapes, sizes and colors of people, who are all vulnerable to falling victim to human trafficking.
“Nobody’s safe. Nobody’s safe. The reality is young women and men, they deal with low self-esteem, no self-worth, been molested, have issues, have complex traumas and it’s easier for a predator to walk in and fill those gaps. Become their friend, take them out, tell them how much they love them and how much they care for them. They become what these children are missing,” said King.
Friday’s gala will include the first ever Warrior Awards, recognizing heroes in the community that have taken a stand in the fight against trafficking and exploitation.
The event is sold out, but Sacred Beginnings still needs support through donations or volunteers.
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