Giving Back Initiative: Love 146

“Love146 journeys alongside children impacted by trafficking today and prevents the trafficking of children tomorrow.”

This organization has touched my heart in a way like no other. Back in the early 2000s, when I first heard the co-founder and CEO of Love 146 (then called Justice for Children International), Rob Morris, speak about human trafficking, I was stunned, numb, horrified. At the time, this was not an atrocity that was well-known and a crime this horrific is shocking to anyone. To imagine our most vulnerable people being taken advantage of in such a cruel manner, on such a large scale, so devoid of feeling and conscience—it shook me to the core. But as Rob spoke about his time undercover in Southeast Asia, and the moment he saw a piercing look he hoped was defiance in a trafficked girl’s eyes—and the bold mission his organization had of not only helping those in need, but completing abolishing this “industry,” standing for nothing less than a complete end to this far-reaching crime…his hope, conviction and strength began to replace that initial shock. There was something that people could do. There was something his organization was doing. And now that I also knew of this crime, I had to do something, as well.

While I couldn’t be out in the field, I could support those who were giving their lives to be on the frontlines. Financially supporting this organization was a straight-forward first step, but I also knew I needed to raise awareness, and I knew, without a doubt, this would be the backdrop of a play I had to write. People needed to hear these stories, these voices, in an impactful but accessible way and theater was my medium. After a lengthy period of learning and researching (which was truly the hardest and darkest part of the writing process), I wrote For My Silent Sisters. The play has gone through various iterations but at its core, the “defiant hope” Love 146 exemplifies has always coursed through the story. Having worked with children in the foster care system, and having made theater with youth from very tough walks of life, including teen girls who have been through human trafficking themselves, I have seen the amazing strength people can draw on, the resilience, and the joy, humor and every day interests that can still rise to the surface. Scars will remain and aftercare is crucial, but there is always hope. Organizations like Love 146 give that hope.

“Love146 is an international human rights organization working to end child trafficking and exploitation through survivor care and prevention. The trafficking and exploitation of children is one of the darkest stories and most severe human rights abuses imaginable. But for us, the hope of ending it is a reality. Love146 is helping grow the movement to end child trafficking while providing effective, thoughtful solutions. We believe in the power of love and its ability to effect sustainable change.”

Love 146 adheres to their core values of Defiant Hope, Intentional Thoughtfulness, Deliberate Collaboration, Steady Perseverance, Relentless Advocacy, Unfiltered Joy. Man, I love these words and the bold adjectives attached to each!

Thankfully, there is much more general awareness of Human Trafficking now than there was in the early 2000s and organizations like Love 146 have made a huge impact on individuals’ lives. But this serious human rights violation still exists, so there is still so much to be done.

August-October 2021, I am honored to be donating 25% of my profits to this truly worthwhile organization. Learn more about Love 146 here and resources and signs of human trafficking here.

In the United States, if you ever suspect trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 and visit their website for more resources and assistance.