If you are reading this blog, you may already know a little bit about Rethreaded. For the month of January, we are compiling resources to spread awareness of the work we do as well as shed light on the issue of human trafficking. Looking to learn more? Rethreaded’s FAQs are the perfect place to start: 

How did Rethreaded get started?

Rethreaded started with a simple idea and a strong passion from its founder Kristin Keen. Beginning by forming relationships with women on the street and making prison visits, she knew the biggest need was for a safe, supportive work environment where women could earn money while learning a skill and experiencing continued healing through community. Working in partnership with the City Rescue Mission, Rethreaded hired its first full-time employee in November 2012. You can read more on our mission page. 

What is the “sex trade”?

Rethreaded defines the “sex trade” as human trafficking, prostitution, strip clubs, pornography and other forms of sexual exploitation.

What is “human trafficking”?

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to perform a sexual act for profit. Or to cause a minor to perform a sex act for profit. Although slavery is commonly thought to be a thing of the past, human traffickers generate hundreds of billions of dollars in profits by trapping millions of people in horrific situations around the world, including here in the U.S. Traffickers use violence, threats, deception, debt bondage, and other manipulative tactics to force people to engage in commercial sex or to provide labor or services against their will. While more research is needed on the scope of human trafficking, there is no official estimate of the total number of human trafficking victims in the U.S. Polaris estimates that the total number of victims nationally reaches into the hundreds of thousands when estimates of both adults and minors and sex trafficking and labor trafficking are aggregated.

What community resources are out there?

We have compiled a list of resources that are recommended by our staff who have experienced continued healing through these organizations, in addition to the resources and time spent at Rethreaded. Check them out on our community page. 

For the month of January, Rethreaded Grace Scarves are Buy One Get One 50% OFF! Let’s cover our community with this accessory that is a symbol of hope and belonging. Shop the Grace Scarf here.