Raising Hope for Healing Survivors

Dear Supporters of ITEMP,

Thank you for your past support of the Institute for Trafficked, Exploited & Missing Persons (ITEMP)! Without people like you we could not fight human trafficking and child labor in Guatemala and around the world. Your support not only helps us to prevent human trafficking and exploitation, but also helps us to rescue and provide rehabilitation to trafficking victims and potential trafficking victims. 

Your generous contribution allows us to help many different types of victims - including Sasha and Lucky, who are now flourishing here in Guatemala.  These two young girls were living with their maternal grandmother when ITEMP rescued them from sexual abuse, which was allowed by their grandmother. Three years ago their mother passed away, and their only option was to move in with their grandmother in Guatemala City. She allowed her partner to have sex with them and some of his friends. 

The girls were rescued by ITEMP and are now receiving all the necessary support by the organization guaranteed by the children’s judge. They are now living with extended family, which have 2 daughters close to their ages that really help them realize what normal family life is like.

Their case is still under investigation in the Public Ministry for the crime of sexual assault, but its legal status and protection has been resolved and the girls are now enjoying all of the ITEMP programs we have to offer. They are receiving the benefits of housing, education, food, counseling, clothing, and most importantly a loving family and emotional stability. 

The road ahead for these two girls is much brighter now that they have become a part of the ITEMP family. Though there will be more struggles as they continue to recover, their spirits are full of joy and excitement for what is to come as they grow up. Sasha says, "I never thought that things would change for me and my sister, but they have, and I am so happy that we are able to be with my aunt and her family, and go to school. I always wanted to study but there were never enough resources to allow it. I am so happy now." 

Sasha and Lucky are just two cases of many that ITEMP has been able to take on, thanks to donors like you. We sincerely thank you for your support.  We hope you will consider sharing stories like Sasha and Lucky in order to help us raise awareness of human trafficking in Guatemala and also show how donors like you can make a difference. 

Blessings,

Links:

• The GODS CHILD Project Website
• ITEMP on Facebook
• The GODS CHILD Project on Facebook