April 2026 Edition

2026 Hope & Healing - A Moment We’re Still Carrying

At the end of February, more than 500 people gathered to celebrate the Power of Hope and Healing. Weeks later, we can't get past the palpable feeling of healing, justice, and love evidenced between the panelists on stage - sex trafficking survivor Rachel, her father Keith, and Detective JT Summers.

One attendee shared, "It felt like you were witnessing healing happen right in front of you." Another said, "Our whole table was in tears...it wasn't until the end of the panel that we realized there were travel-size tissues on the table.”

As Rachel shared her story, you could feel what surrounded her: a father’s steady, unconditional love, and a detective’s compassion that helped her feel seen as a human and protected.

Moments of healing and restoration like this don’t just happen. They are built by people who choose to care and believe restoration is possible. They believe that one person can make a difference. And in your belief, we raised $163,800 together! Thank you for making this possible. Your support means so much to the girls whose lives you are changing.

100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Girls Rise Home program, ensuring girls will receive:

• Safe, daily care – housing, meals, clothing, and stability

• Trauma-informed healing – therapy, counseling, and creative outlets

• A path forward – education, life skills, and restoration

We also had the honor of introducing the inaugural Honorable Richard Smith Excellence Award, presented by his children—Shannon, Justin, and Ashley. The award was given to Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Mike O’Keefe, recognizing his unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable and advancing the fight against trafficking in our community.

Whether you were in the room or not, this is the impact you are part of. We invite you to continue walking alongside us, whether by volunteering, sharing our mission with friends, or supporting our work throughout the year. Together, we can keep building hope and healing for every girl who needs it. If you would like to learn more about how to stay involved or get updates on future events, please visit our website or contact our team any time.

News from the Home

Our first resident got baptized in March after giving her life to Christ at the end of February! In May, two additional residents received Christ in their hearts; God is so good, relentlessly pursuing their hearts!

Prayer Requests for our residents:

• For this new life to take root and become established in good soil - Col. 2:6-7 & Matt. 13:18-23

• For God to soften hearts and walls to come down - Ezekiel 36:26

• For their trust in God to be built up and in those helping them in their journey - Prov. 3:5-6

Prayer Requests for our Girls Rise Team:

• For wisdom and discernment, intentionally listening to God for guidance for each girl - James 1:5, Prov. 1:5, 1 Sam. 3:10

• For courage and strength provided by God to handle what the day holds with each girl - Duet. 31:6 & Josh. 1:9-10

• For the mind, body, and soul to be refreshed and filled up after long days and covering multiple shifts. - Matt. 11:28-30, Jer. 30:17, Ps. 23:1-4

• For qualified, equipped people to join this team, people who know they are called by God to serve this particular population of youth. - Eph. 4:11-12