By Linda Tribbett | Director, Adorned in Grace Design Studio
What do soccer, human trafficking and ice cream have in common? Design Studio girls and their mentors were invited to attend a sports event last week to find out.
Ambassadors Football, an international Christian organization, has developed a program to teach kids about human trafficking through a soccer game called, “The Good Life.” The goal of the game is to juggle the ball across the field with your feet, not allowing it to touch the ground. Because it is nearly impossible to do, coaches then encourage the kids to take the “easy” route. Once lured to the sidelines, they soon discover the exercises are not so “easy.” Only one out of more than 60 kids made it through all four stations of the “easy” route, only to discover she was now a recruiter for the trafficker and would never reach “The Good Life".
After grueling exercises and much deception, the kids were split into smaller groups and the coaches revealed the true purpose of the game. A scenario unfolds about “Susan,” a 14-year old, who begins dating a 19-year old guy who preys on Susan’s vulnerability and lack of self-esteem. The talk emphasizes the importance of recognizing unhealthy relationships, tricks and methods traffickers use to lure kids in and how to be an advocate for friends who are at-risk.
Prevention and awareness events don’t often yield immediate results but four of the girls from the Design Studio have since confided to their mentors over ice cream that they have girlfriends who may be victims of sex-trafficking. These new advocates and their mentors are prayerfully strategizing how to lovingly reach out to them.
We are excited that the completion of construction on the donated space will help us expand the capacity at the Design Studio and provide a safe and encouraging environment for victims of trafficking and at-risk girls. Thank you for your continued support for the Adorned in Grace Design Studio and the girls who come through our doors!
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