A Kentucky-based program working to help sexually exploited women is expanding. An awareness and fundraising event for the program occurred last weekend in Lexington.
The faith based Refuge for Women is described as “aftercare for the trafficked and sexually exploited.” There are four safe houses in Kentucky. Other programs are forming in states such as Georgia and Illinois.
Janette Collins came to Kentucky from Houston. She is a graduate of the nine-month 24/7 program. “People talk about more the stripping side of it because that’s not the ugly part of it. I was literally in the streets in multiple states, multiple cities, just being ferried through the streets, selling myself.”
Saying she’s an overcomer in Christ, Collins says the girl she used to be feels like a book she once read, not a part of her life.
Another graduate, Justine Lambert, was a dancer for a year before and after a four year prison term for a DUI related offense. “It takes your soul from you, like it does. It strips you of like life. You’re living, but you’re dead inside.”
Lambert believes God brought her to Kentucky.
Refuge for Women founder Ked Frank says 131 women from 14 states have received help at the four safe houses. They range in age from 18 to 56. “Some that have been involved for two or three years and some that have been involved in prostitution and other sexual services for over 30 years and they determined that they’re ready to make some changes in their life and get help.”
A second Refuge for Women is operating in Las Vegas with another opening in Chicago. Others are planned for Miami, Atlanta, and Dallas.
