Praise and worship music, local food trucks, discussions led by local pastors, and shopping of local handmade gifts supported area survivors of human trafficking.
JACKSONVILLE, Florida, (January 30, 2024) – Rethreaded, a local nonprofit providing employment and supportive services for survivors of human trafficking, hosted their Night of Hope event on Sunday, January 28th. The community gathered in fellowship to celebrate with music and song. Musical performances included vocals, guitar, drums, piano, by members of various local worship bands from churches around Jacksonville. The community also had the chance to sample from local food trucks, join sermons led by pastors, and shop for survivor-made gifts at the Rethreaded store.
In a recent statement, Kristin, Founder and CEO of Rethreaded, reflected on the significance of the event: “In a world often overshadowed by darkness, our gathering as a community serves as a beacon of hope. It's a powerful reminder to ourselves, our city, and especially to the women still trapped in trafficking, that hope persists.” She adds, “There is an ever-present light guiding us, leading the way in supporting survivors on their journey back home.”
The Night of Hope took place at the Delores Barr Weaver Campus of Hope, 515 East 9th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. Churches from all over Jacksonville and surrounding had an active part in making this an impactful night including Awaken Church, Church of Eleven 22, The Ville, First Baptist of Ocean Way, Southside Church, New Grace, and Cup of Love Ministries. The community gathered to worship God through music and song, celebrating the hope He has given his followers in the city of Jacksonville. In addition, Pastor Cris Gerad of Eleven22 and Pastor Jay Harris of The Ville Church led the community in a message of hope and the power of Light to lift us out of the darkness. The evening concluded with a candlelight ceremony. Gates opened at 4:00 PM. Discussions led by area pastors commenced at 6:00 PM and included the musical worship service and a candlelight ceremony. Proceeds directly provide employment, training, and support of local survivors of human trafficking.
About Rethreaded
Without a stable job, 85% of survivors of human trafficking will likely be trafficked again. Rethreaded was founded 12 years ago by Kristin Keen to provide employment to local survivors and help them rebuild their lives and remove the barrier of unemployment.
Human Trafficking destroys lives. Rethreaded exists to restore choice, eliminate vulnerabilities to exploitation and break the cycle of generational trauma for survivors of human trafficking by providing employment, career development, and supportive services.
Rethreaded has employed 85 survivors locally, contributed to the support of over 4,000 women globally, and collaborated with over 349 companies.
