7. SEEing Change in Outcomes for Human Trafficking Victims

In Episode #7 of SEEChange with Annie Seelaus, we sit down with Laurie Swink, Co-Founder of Selah Freedom, as she sheds light on the little known human trafficking crisis that is happening in communities all across the United States. She shares the story of how she became aware of this horrific problem and the brave steps she took to begin solving it.  

What started as a grassroots initiative of women from across the
country to be a voice for the voiceless has transformed into a thriving
organization that is tackling the problem from all angles and has helped more than 6,000 victims get back on their feet to live healthy and meaningful lives.

Laurie Swink is the Co-Founder of Selah Freedom. Before Selah Freedom, Laurie had a teaching career that she loved. Then, she learned about sex trafficking. When she realized survivors coming out of sex trafficking were only at the beginning of their journey, not the end, Laurie’s heart was moved to establish residential safe homes where the survivors could receive trauma therapy, educational and career assistance, and the chance to accomplish the life dreams they were created to live. Because of the dedicated team, Selah Freedom has been able to help over 6,000 trafficking survivors. They have trained over 100 organizations in 20 states and 5 countries. In 2022, Laurie was chosen as Bay News 9 Everyday Hero. Then, in 2023 was nominated for the Waves of Change Honoree by The Center for Women and was also chosen for the 2023 Tampa Bay Lightning Hero Award. Laurie considers her work with the survivors a privilege and an honor.