The statistics are staggering.
According to http://ivegotaname.org/:
- 30 Girls will be sold today for sex in Nebraska.
- Average age of entry into the commercial sex trade in the U.S. is age 12.
- 1 of 3 teens on the streets are lured into prostitution or pornography within 48 hours.
The I've Got A Name organization is committed to eradicate sex slavery through awareness, prayer and support those who have proven their effectiveness to directly influence change in the lives of those who suffer.
After Paul briefly introduced the topic and organization he brought Megan to the podium.
Megan shared her story.
Her came from a pretty normal single-parent home. She felt unconditional love from her mother. Things changed when her mom became involved with a man who had 5 children. She soon learned that she had to share her Mom's love, her space and every part of her life with this man and his children. She started to rebel and get in trouble.
The losses continued - her mom was diagnosed with cancer which made life hard for the entire family. She lost her grandparents. As she tried to deal with the loss she turned to alcohol and marijuana. When that no longer eased the pain she started to use meth.
She met a lady who promised she could make lots of money - turned out to be a local escort service. The next 10 years Megan continued to spiral downward. Then she hit rock bottom.
She had 2 sons by that time. She was turned in to the State who said that she would lose the boys if she did not change everything about her life.
Luckily she remembered the love of her mother and wanted her boys to feel that from her. She knew that was more important than anything else in the world. This became the wake up call that she needed. She entered rehab and prayed when she left that she would not be the same person when she left as she was when she entered rehab.
She started to plan for the future. She went to school and became and drug and alcohol abuse counselor. But since rehab, she thought she wanted to work to combat human trafficking.
As the Street Outreach Director she can relate to the girls that are victims. She can provide real assistance and support.
The I've Got A name organization started as a single event then grew into an organization. Paul stated "We believe in empowerment for those vulnerable, victimized and those who have survived sexual exploitation or sex trafficking, helping them recognize and reach their full potential in life."
HOTEL/MOTEL TRAINING
For anyone interested in become trainers for employees in the Hotel / Motel business, click here.(this will like you to the Rotary District 5650 website article).
BIOS AND BACKGROUND:
PAUL YATES is executive director of I’ve Got A Name. He brings extensive experience to the position, including eight years fighting sex trafficking in Southeast Asia.
Yates has worked with the Lincoln Area Agency on Aging, as director of development for the Seniors Foundation, director of marketing and sales for Legacy Retirement Communities and president of Pickering Creative Group in Lincoln, the release said.
MEGAN JOHNSON is Street Outreach Director of I’ve Got A Name. The organization’s mission is to create awareness about sex trafficking, provide resources for the public and to educate others. Her strength and her story are what makes her great for the position, says Paul Yates, executive director of I’ve Got A Name. Megan brings her personal experience to her work and will share her story with us.