Unbound Now

We're thankful for Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare’s dedication to serving our community and his unwavering support for Unbound Now’s mission to end human trafficking. At the Christmas Open House and Non-Profit Recognition Day hosted by the Tarrant Special Events Foundation, Judge O’Hare presented Unbound Now with a grant and a certificate of appreciation. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and commitment to making Tarrant County a safer place for all. Thank you, Judge O’Hare!

Sonya Brooks, our North Texas Director of Youth Prevention Education, is featured in this morning's Fort Worth Report!

🚨 Human trafficking happens everywhere—but so can hope. This January, Unbound Now is hosting impactful events across Texas for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Together, we can protect the vulnerable, equip our communities, and bring freedom. Email communications@unboundnow.org to RSVP for an event near you. From advocacy rallies to educational workshops, there’s a place for YOU. Let’s turn awareness into action 💙 #UnboundNow #EndHumanTrafficking

"Over the years of working with clients, I’ve learned that Christmas can bring back painful memories of exploitation. For many, the holidays are a time of increased exploitation. When people are off of work, demand for commercial sex increases, and victims of human trafficking suffer all the more. Our clients have often expressed to me, “Christmas has always been for other people, not for me.” For them, the idea of being safe and welcome at a family dinner table, a gift exchange, or a holiday gathering is unimaginable—those moments are reserved for someone else’s story. That’s why our Christmas parties form such a redemptive experience. Every year, we open our doors wide, welcoming both youth and adult clients into spaces filled with warmth and joy. Local churches generously donate gifts, we cater a hearty meal, and together we sing, laugh, and create new memories. When I look around the room and see people belly-laughing, enjoying one another, and finding meaningful friendships, I’m reminded of how much we all need redemption." Read the rest of the story from our Founder, Susan Peters, at the blog link! https://lnkd.in/g9DK58w5

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) and victim advocates held a press conference to urge the House to pass the TAKE IT DOWN Act, bipartisan legislation to criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated images (commonly referred to as “deepfakes”). The bill, which passed the Senate unanimously last week, would require social media and other websites to remove such images within 48 hours of receiving notice from the victim. Reps. Salazar and Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) have introduced companion legislation in the House, where the bill currently awaits consideration. The TAKE IT DOWN Act has received widespread support from nearly 90 organizations, including victim advocacy groups, law enforcement, and tech industry leaders. During the press conference, victim advocates spoke about how other women and teenage girls will not face the same horrific trauma if the TAKE IT DOWN Act is enacted.

"Over the years of working with clients, I’ve learned that Christmas can bring back painful memories of exploitation. For many, the holidays are a time of increased exploitation. When people are off of work, demand for commercial sex increases, and victims of human trafficking suffer all the more. Our clients have often expressed to me, “Christmas has always been for other people, not for me.” For them, the idea of being safe and welcome at a family dinner table, a gift exchange, or a holiday gathering is unimaginable—those moments are reserved for someone else’s story. That’s why our Christmas parties form such a redemptive experience. Every year, we open our doors wide, welcoming both youth and adult clients into spaces filled with warmth and joy. Local churches generously donate gifts, we cater a hearty meal, and together we sing, laugh, and create new memories. When I look around the room and see people belly-laughing, enjoying one another, and finding meaningful friendships, I’m reminded of how much we all need redemption." Read the rest of the story from our Founder, Susan Peters, at the blog link! https://lnkd.in/g9DK58w5

Houston friends: you can apply to join our team!

This fall, our leadership attended the Texas Governor's Office Human Trafficking Task Force and Coalition Convening. Across the state, Unbound Now task force coordinators and advocates lead and contribute to the work of task forces that identify and serve victims of human trafficking. We are grateful to serve alongside incredible partners in the capitol and across Texas! Kristi Hayes Naomi Rijpstra Bronda Hayes Susan Peters

Drumroll... 🥁 You raised $163,000 during the Giving Tuesday campaign, and your generosity is already making a tangible difference!   Two girls were recently welcomed into safety at The Reagan. They are receiving excellent, trauma-informed care. Meanwhile, in the College Station area, THREE of our youth clients delivered healthy babies! Unbound Now advocates were with them in the hospital and even the delivery room, as they did not have family members to be present with them.    Every person who has escaped trafficking has a personal story, and your partnership writes hope into theirs.    From day one, it's always been people like you have made this work possible. Each survivor served by Unbound Now is benefitting from your generosity, prayer, and partnership.    We look forward to sharing the continued impact of your giving with you. 

The communities served by Unbound Now have experienced record-breaking impact in 2024. Our Board Chair has recorded a special message for you with some of the highlights... and the opportunity to have your gift matched by the Board! Click the link below to hear more.