Rescuing Hope, a nonprofit organization working to eradicate sex trafficking, recently held its seventh annual gala and announced the launch of the Hope Academy, the first-of-its-kind innovative program designed to provide sex trafficking survivors with essential educational and vocational training necessary to secure livable wages and stable careers. 

“The Hope Academy addresses a critical gap in survivor support, offering a comprehensive solution to the educational disruptions that many survivors of sex trafficking experience at a young age,” said Susan Norris, founder of Rescuing Hope. “Providing survivors with the education, training and resources to pursue livable wage careers not only benefits the individual survivors but also contributes to the larger fight against sex trafficking by empowering survivors to build independent, stable lives.”

Hope Academy offers both in-person and remote learning options, making the program accessible to a wider range of survivors, including those who need to balance their education with work or other responsibilities. Participants are able to learn professional skills, life skills and gain certifications, including high school diplomas or GEDs, that help them secure livable-wage careers. 

The gala, “An Evening of Hope,” took place at the Cobb Galleria Center on August 24. Over 400 individuals were in attendance, the highest attendance number in the history of the organization and more than $170,000 was raised to support Rescuing Hope’s work across the state. The gala also featured a special presentation of the Legacy of Hope Award to Judy Calland, to honor her contributions and commitment to Rescuing Hope’s mission. 

Photos from the event can be found here.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or the Georgia Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking at 866-363-4842.