During National Volunteer Week (April 21-27), we're celebrating our amazing volunteers who are the heart of our organization. Their dedication to ending sex trafficking inspires us all. We thank them for their tireless efforts and invite others to join our mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
As Women's History Month concludes, we're thrilled to announce leadership changes reflecting our commitment to empowering survivors and ending sex trafficking. Audrey Baedke is now Director of Training and Partnerships, Yasminda Dorrough as Director of Survivor Services, and Lisa O'Dell as Director of Development. Together, they'll drive our mission forward, expanding our impact and ensuring survivors receive the support they need.
June Guzman, a compassionate Case Manager at the ERC Emergency Shelter, embodies the essence of advocacy and empowerment. Guiding shelter guests through their 90-day stay, June's proactive approach and dedication to innovation shine through in her creation of essential tools like the Welcome Packet and the BinGO sheet, providing guests with vital information and visual aids to track progress. Inspired by her sixth-grade teacher's lessons on positivity during a challenging time, June is committed to mentoring and supporting younger generations, both within her family and in the community. Through her tireless efforts, June fosters a legacy of leadership and empowerment, demonstrating the transformative power of compassion and resilience in creating positive change.
Heather Brewer, an intrepid international entrepreneur, juggles her debut technology startup with her adventurous global exploits aboard her boat. With over 25 years in international management consulting, Heather's bold spirit propels her to navigate uncharted waters, both literally and figuratively. She mentors students and alumni at the University of Washington, fostering a culture of fearlessness and innovation. Her tenacity led her to establish the Certificate of International Studies in Business, reshaping the educational landscape for future leaders. Inspired by Chaitra Vedullapalli's Women in Cloud initiative, Heather champions empowerment and inclusivity, ensuring women and allies have the tools to thrive. As a dedicated community leader, Heather creates safe spaces for dialogue and support, nurturing the aspirations of younger generations and survivors of sex trafficking through her involvement with REST. Heather Brewer epitomizes resilience and empowerment, leaving a lasting legacy of courage and impact.
Erica Conway, Supervisor at King County Superior Court's Criminal Department in Downtown Seattle, radiates dedication and service, epitomizing her role as a "pillar" of support within her community. With her unwavering commitment to "Show up for others," Erica's leadership is a beacon of hope and empowerment in Seattle's criminal justice system. Reflecting on her mother Caroline Mitchell's resilience in overcoming adversity, Erica draws inspiration for her mentoring approach, fostering a space of acceptance and growth for younger women. Through her work and community initiatives, Erica cultivates a legacy of leadership and empowerment, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
At REST, we know that there is a massive overlap in sexually exploited individuals and homelessness. Data shows that 84% of survivors of sexual exploitation have endured homelessness. A local study by Deborah Boyer, Commercially Sexually Exploited Children in Seattle/King County 2019 Update, demonstrated that 46% of sexually exploited youth in our community were homeless at the time of the study—and 66% of them had faced homelessness.
“What can I do?” We hear this question—in all of its nuances—a lot at REST—and we love this question.
When first learning about the problem of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation—that thousands of women, men, and children are being exploited right here in the United States every day, it can be paralyzing. It can feel hopeless. The problem can feel too big for any one person to make a difference.
But—as long as there are people who respond to hearing of pain and suffering with the desire (met with action) to make the world a better place—there is hope. As long as people are still asking the question, “What can I do?” or, “What can *I* do?”, we will respond with options.
When we look at the demographics of the sex trade here in King County, we see an enormous disparity—one that reflects the commodification of Black women’s bodies. As we look to dismantle present-day systemic racism, we must understand its roots to be able to begin to unravel the centuries of legal oppression. This blog examines some of that history.
There is no “fair trade” stamp for pornographic content—pornography consumers have no way of knowing if sexual acts they are viewing are consensual. There is no enforceable measure for “ethical production”. Even if it’s something that looks consensual or caring, there’s no guarantee that force, fraud, or coercion wasn’t involved. Whether it’s Pornhub, any of the other porn companies owned by MindGeek, or other companies that create, host, or purvey pornographic content—there is just simply no telling whether content features exclusively consensual acts—and was shared online with entirely unforced consent.
Most of the photographs on this website are stock photography, featuring models used for illustrative purposes only. With few carefully evaluated exceptions, we do not publish or share photos of REST clients.
