Last March, in obedience to God's nudging, CTK Global Missions presented you with an opportunity to join in the fight against human trafficking. Because of your incredible generosity, the first-ever restoration home in Belize is now providing safe refuge to young women & families! This is a significant milestone in the fight against human trafficking. THANK YOU!
Below, you'll find periodic updates on the project and everything that God is doing through our partnership in Belize!
Project Updates
April 2022 Update
A lot has happened since October! Over the last six months, the team in Belize has been hard at work completing all the renovations needed to open the doors of this home and hope and healing to victims of sex trafficking.
Since the start of 2022, they've been on-site and working together to prepare to open the doors this spring.
Just six months ago, the 4-acre property was not equipped to receive victims of trafficking, but now it is filled with joy and excitement as the staff anticipates the arrival of their first survivors!
Belizean nationals have completed all renovation and construction. Using exclusively local labor to build up the local economy is a critical step that results in the local community reciprocating by hiring graduates of the program!
A new kitchen and dining hall will be just steps away from the main dorm building. The long-term goal is to utilize it as a training kitchen to equip survivors with vocational training. A crucial part of the restoration journey is providing education and vocational skills to decrease vulnerability once participants graduate from the program.
A huge thank you for making everything possible—we couldn't have done it without you!
March 2022 Update
Our longtime friend and missions council member, DJ VanWeerdhuizen, had the opportunity to visit with Karen, the director of the restoration home, and experience all that God is doing there—what a gift to be a part of this work together!
October 2021 Update
- Construction is underway on both the main facility and the security fence. Local contractors have been employed to build community rapport and contribute to the local economy.
- A 15 passenger van was ordered in June but due to global shipping delays, it is still in transit. This vehicle is essential for the safe transport of those rescued from human trafficking.
- Of the 145,000 provided for this project by CTK, $30,000 remains to be disbursed. $10,000 will go to furnishings and $20,000 to new client needs.
- Restoration Home team training will begin in November in the necessary systems and procedures. Trauma care will be taught by a licensed psychologist.
The investment made by our church, this past spring, provided a portion of the financial resources needed to make the 20-year dream a reality for Karen and the YES organization in Belize. Rescue Freedom remains committed to the long-term investment in this project and we will continue to share updates as they are provided.
Original Project:
Perimeter Fencing & Security Upgrades: $30,000
Kitchen Relocation & Renovation: $20,000
Reconfigure Floor Plan & HVAC: $15,000
Furnishings & Equipment: $10,000
Van Purchase: $30,000
You gave generously above and beyond towards the fight against human trafficking in Belize for a grand total of $500,536!
A common misperception is that we can now build bigger and better, but in truth, over-building can do more harm than good in developing countries. We increased our contribution to the Restoration Home from $105,000 to $145,000, which will be used for additional security measures and unforeseen cost increases in the construction process.