BEREA, Ky. — Redeeming Hope, a Richmond-based nonprofit continues to grow, a little over a year into existence.
The organization provides counseling, education and support to human trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls and will soon provide them with a safe place to stay. Lisa Foster, president of Redeeming Hope, hopes an empty lot in Berea looks much different by this time next year.
“We’ll build the house up here, then we’re going to have a barn because we’ll have equine therapy. Of course we’ll have chickens because you got to have chickens,” Foster said.
The organization support sexually exploited and human trafficked girls in all 120 Kentucky counties. Foster started it a little over a year ago after being called to it after a family tragedy.
“My daughter was murdered a little over a year and a half ago and in my prayer closet, I told God that if he was going to make me live, he was going to have to give me something to do for him until I can come to Heaven,” Foster said.
Foster said many people have heard of human trafficking but don’t realize the severity of it in Kentucky. According to the Attorney General’s office, there were 344 reports of human trafficking involving 399 child victims.
“Anyone can be affected by it. It starts at birth and it’s like the sicker, the better these people like it. The number one customer is married men with two children making upwards $100,000 a year,” Foster said.
Foster thought, why not do something about it and founded Redeeming Hope. The nonprofit offers trauma therapy, education assistance and support to girls 14-18 who are victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
“My daughter she was a prosecuting attorney in Northern Kentucky at one time and she was on the human trafficking task force so I was like, ‘ok Lord that’s why you sent it to me,’” Foster said.
The organization broke ground this past week on a five-acre, donated lot which will be the site of a 6000 square feet home which can house 10-12 girls.
“Even if it just helps one, but these little girls need to feel secure and safe and like they have a home. What the social workers tell me is group homes are best for these girls because they have somebody to talk to that they can relate with,” Foster said.
Foster said their mission isn’t possible without donations from businesses and the backing of local leaders.
“I don’t even know how to put into words how thankful that we are that they care so much and they have been so supportive,” Foster said.
Foster says the home will feel “homey” and there will be a reflection garden. She hopes construction on the home begins within the next few months.
The Attorney General’s office says anyone who thinks they know someone that is being human trafficked to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or in an emergency, 911.