"Meeting the needs of the most vulnerable through a collaborative effort among community partners." Celebrating 2022Dear friends and family, It's been another exciting year as we continue to build on the success of the BTGHT mobile app and the solid foundation we stand on as an organization. You have been a support to us at some point throughout this 8 year long journey so we wanted to share how the mobile app is making a difference in the lives of sexually exploited survivors as well as other highlights of 2022 and goals for 2023. Launching Across the U.S. We never imagined we'd have the BTGHT mobile app implemented in several states this soon. This year we welcomed Arizona and Kansas City, Missouri on the app, joining the Ft. Worth/Dallas and the Boston/New England regions. We are eager to see how the app will positively impact anti-trafficking efforts and survivors in these new regions as well as several others in 2023. "Real Time" Makes the Difference In 2022, we had many success stories of law enforcement and victim advocates using the BTGHT mobile app to meet the needs of survivors. Every single post for help represents a sexually exploited victim in need and all are equally valuable, but here are a few memorable ones: ‣ A heart-wrenching request of a pregnant 10-year-old trafficking victim needing safe shelter. While difficult to comprehend, it’s very rewarding the app was instrumental in her care. ‣ A mother and her 4 young children, who were being severely abused/exploited, found refuge through the efforts of many service providers working together. ‣ A woman held against her will and locked in a dog cage was tortured, beaten, starved and burned with boiling water. Through the app, her care and relocation out of the area was made possible. ‣ Two teenage siblings escaped familial trafficking and were provided a safe-house. ‣ A 14-yr-old trafficking victim was found and needed to be flown to her home state. With both regions on the app, a flight was expeditiously arranged through members. A Sergeant used the app for one of the above cases and after the need was immediately met, said "The response was very quick...it was fantastic!" Over $14,000 Survivor Support: It takes incredible courage and strength to leave an abusive situation, especially when it's a spouse, parent, or other family member. Sex trafficking is even more difficult to get out of, which is why it's called “trapped in the life.” In the midst of their pain, these brave survivors find the will to live and strength to seek help. Having their immediate needs met is vital to their success of staying out of the grip of their abusers. Shelter, food, clothing, gift cards, a safe phone, and other resources can literally mean the difference between life and death. Generous donations made it possible to provide the following resources to survivors in the Portland area:
Expanding Our Reach: In November, we had a vendor table at Shared Hope's annual anti-trafficking conference in Ft. Worth, TX with over 1,000 people in attendance to learn and collaborate with one another. We had an exciting buzz around our table for our innovative mobile app and have over 75 people from 27 regions to follow up with. During the conference, we spoke with several law enforcement officers who were excited about duplicating the app to address the homeless crisis. We had already been in discussions with Portland officials, who are also eager, so it was confirming to hear that other cities are interested as well. Looking Ahead to 2023
How YOU Can Make a Difference We are funded by generous individuals, churches, and businesses. We do not receive any public funding and would be honored to have your continued support to accomplish our mission of expanding the app and to “fill the gap" of survivor needs when they arise. You can contribute the following ways:
We sincerely thank you for believing in this monumental mission, encouraging us, praying for us, and contributing to help the most vulnerable. We are very excited to see how many lives are changed in 2023...because of YOU! WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU... HAPPY NEW YEAR! 13203 SE 172nd Ave. Suite 166-228 Happy Valley, OR 97086 | Tax ID # 83-0568974 Contact us at: Info@bridgingthegaporegon.org | Visit: https://bridgingthegaporegon.org/ |