Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, with over 9.5 billion annual revenue in the U.S.and from $150-$236 Billion globally a year in revenue. With human trafficking, there are more slaves today than any other point in history, with nearly 28 million people enslaved against their will. The average age of victims of human trafficking is 13 years old. This isn’t a problem far away: North Carolina ranks 9th in the United States for the most reports of human trafficking, and Charlotte specifically ranks first in North Carolina and 10th nationally as one of the worst cities in the United States for human trafficking.
For 14 years, Justice Ministries has been committed to combating sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of women, with a focus on rescue and housing. Their process has been to locate victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, help them get out of their situation and into a safe place, facilitate an environment conducive to healing. Through the support of their partners, they have been able to assist 500+ women in their transition to independence. Justice Ministries provides:
Due to the nature of this dangerous industry, Justice Ministries has asked SouthPark Church to help primarily as a financial supporter. SouthPark responds as needs arise. Financial gifts to Justice Ministries are always welcome and needed.
SouthPark Church also holds different types of annual awareness/fundraising events for the congregation to educate as well as raise funds for Justice Ministries. Watch the weekly newsletter for information about these events.
Justice Ministries is always seeking the right people to join their team. The type of professionals and skillsets they seek, but not limited to, are: ex-military, ex-law enforcement, chaplains, lawyers, doctors, psychologists, counselors, social workers, finance managers, business development managers, program managers, housing developers, builders, electrician, plumbers.
Visit the Justice Ministries website
Dahlia Grove is a nonprofit justice enterprise seeking to empower and employ women survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Dahlia Grove provides a two year rent free restorative care home providing resources for healing and recovery AND a community of love and support. Through our Justice enterprise Dahlia Grove provides premium-quality catering services, handmade giftware and event planning to provide job training and a job at a living wage for survivors.
The Community Cafe is a way that Dahlia Grove provides jobs to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and addiction. Community Café is one of the training programs for residents to plan the menus, cook, and serve the food. Also they are trained to look at the business model and assess how well the items on the menu are doing and what might have influenced the selection by the customers. There are three cafes each week. Wednesdays are at Sardis Presbyterian, Thursdays are at First United Methodist Church in Belmont, and Fridays are at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church on Sardis Road. The cafes are open from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. each of these days. There is no set price; donations are accepted to pay for food and to pay the residents for their work.
SouthPark Church supports Dahlia Grove by providing the use of our facilities for several of their fundraising events: Instruments of Love Concerts and concerts by the Rowan County Band have been held on SPC 4th floor. We also help by supporting their annual Magic of Love Gala. Other opportunities include the annual Golf Tournament, teaching classes, driving the women to appointments, and providing gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Watch the weekly newsletter for Dahlia Grove events.
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