In the last 5 weeks, Refuge for Women in Kentucky had to decline aid to 38 phone calls seeking shelter for a woman in distress, says Ked Frank, founder and executive director. The Christian home and rehab program provides sexually exploited women with one year of safe shelter, counseling, discipleship and job training support in a family-like environment. But it can’t keep up with the numbers of women hoping to escape a cycle of abuse.
Last Friday evening at Rez, more than 200 people from across Chicagoland celebrated the coming launch of Refuge for Women Chicago. Speakers included Ked and Michelle Frank, Congressman Peter Roskam, FBI Special Supervisory Agent Vick Lombardo, Congresswoman Barbara Wheeler, and survivor Debbie.
“The government can’t do this alone,” said Lombardo, citing the need for nonprofits and volunteers to offer a loving community for victims.
The five-year-old Kentucky-based ministry is expanding to meet needs in Miami, Las Vegas, and now Chicago. Besides aiding trafficked women, Refuge also offers help to women escaping the sexual exploitation of exotic dancing, prostituting and pornography. Thus far 87 women from 14 states have benefited, ranging from 18 to 56 years old. Ninety-three percent of them have succeeded in starting a life of dignity.
Debbie is one of them. Three years ago New Name leader Anne Polencheck and volunteers from local churches met Debbie at an adult entertainment venue only a few miles from Rez. Debbie was desperate for a better life for her and her unborn child. “God if you’re real, help me,” she prayed. Anne and her outreach partners offered to send her to Refuge for Women in Kentucky, the closest home that could help.
Last Friday night, Debbie tearfully described her healing journey with Refuge for Women. “In the last three years, I’ve learned no matter how broken I am, God still loves me,” she said. Since graduating the one-year program in 2012, Debbie has served on the worship team at her church, volunteered with Refuge, and continues to mother her 2-year-old daughter.
In 2015, Refuge for Women Chicago plans to open its doors and offer Christ’s compassion to wounded women here. To house and help one woman for one day, it costs $100. Friday’s event raised $17,000 toward the goal of a $300,000 annual budget.
If you missed the launch night event or if you want to learn more about Refuge for Women Chicago, there are many ways to get involved:
- Give to Refuge for Women Chicago at www.refugeforwomen.org/donate.
- Pray locally once a month for Refuge for Women: Third Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm, contact joanne.couture@comcast.net.
- Subscribe to prayer updates by e-mailing joanne.couture@comcast.net.
- Volunteer with New Name: email anne@new-name.org
