According to the International Labor Organization, there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally.
Human trafficking is an issue that's taken center stage as numerous celebrities, businesses, organizations increase awareness to combat this modern day slavery.
Our guest today, Holly Christine Hayes, knows all about this all too well. As a survivor of addiction and abuse herself, Holly is now the founder and CEO of the Sanctuary Project, a survivor run non-profit jewelry enterprise employing and empowering women who have survived lives of trafficking, violence and addiction.
She is an award winning author of the book, From Basement to Sanctuary. She speaks in jails, churches, recovery communities and conferences all over the globe about transformation from trauma and the redeemer who can lift any life from the pit.
Holly is passionate about spreading the message, especially to young girls, that "worth is not dependent on what you look like or what anyone thinks of you, except what God thinks of you." - Holly Christine Hayes
In this conversation, you'll hear...
-Facts about human trafficking and what that really looks like here in America...04:00
-How Holly found herself being sex trafficked...05:35
- "I was 19 when I met my trafficker"
- "Men will pay for you, you're valuable"
-Why Holly chose to hit rock bottom...09:15
-Holly's advice to the young girl with the hard heart and no hope...11:40
-How Holly got so low, even her trafficker didn't want her anymore...13:15
-What factors make young children vulnerable to trafficking and who traffickers really look for...16:30
-What Holly would say to her younger self...21:00
-What inspired Holly to create the Sanctuary Project...23:25
- New partnership with Target
-How Holly meets, gains trust and mentors survivors at the local jail...26:40
-What the Sanctuary Project jewelry designs represent...30:15
-How to help in your local community...33:30
- Find local trafficking organization
- Help educate community
- Donations or volunteering
-The message Holly hopes to inspire through her new book...35:05
-How to connect with Holly...37:00
About Holly
20 years after finding herself in a run down bathroom stall in Austin praying, "God, help me," Holly is now the founder and CEO of the Sanctuary Project, a survivor run non-profit jewelry enterprise employing and empowering women who have survived lives of trafficking, violence and addiction.
She is an award winning author of the book, From Basement to Sanctuary. Holly is passionate about sharing her vulnerable journey of healing. She speaks in jails, churches, recovery communities and conferences all over the globe about transformation from trauma and the redeemer who can lift any life from the pit.
Holly and her husband, Jeff enjoy life on a hobby farm and vineyard outside of Austin with their many animals and sweet 1 year old daughter, Havana.
About the Sanctuary Project
The Sanctuary Project, started only 2 and a half years ago has provided more than 10,000 hours of employment to 26 women coming out of trafficking, violence and addiction. 100% of their sales go directly to providing employment and job training for women.
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