In 2012 Char ‘s family was re-directed to a new church home in Palm Beach County. It was there she met Tanya Meade who shared the heartbreaking issue of human trafficking. From this moment, it was clear that God intended to use Char’s 30 plus years in organizational leadership to impact the local community issue. In 2013, Rescue Upstream was launched as a ministry of Journey Church.

My early encounters with those living in exploitation confirmed that we must actively reach out and share God’s love and His hope for freedom. We must be part of a community that fervently seeks to be part of the healing and restoration process. To acknowledge that this is modern day slavery is not enough. We are called to see the truth. This is not a choice but the exploitation of vulnerability. As the Executive Director, I have the privilege to serve with others who share this passion.

Email: char@rescueupstream.org

Serving as the Office Manager, Karen connects with others who are passionate about the issue of human trafficking to onboard them as volunteers for Rescue Upstream or Providers to survivors of human trafficking and those coming out of sexual exploitation.

We can all be part of dispelling the misnomers, recognizing the indicators and reporting suspicious activity. No one person can do everything but everyone can do something. My prayer is that we all take up a voice for those who do not have one.

Email: karen@rescueupstream.org

“Guided by scriptures like Isaiah 1:17—“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless;”—I am dedicated to being a voice for the vulnerable. Together, we can create a safer and more just community, one life at a time.”

Email: Debbie@rescueupstream.org

As a Stewards of Children trainer my heart is to be proactive in educating adults on how to prevent sexual abuse. Research shows that there is a direct relationship between prior child sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

We can all make a difference in preventing this abuse and learning how to recognize signs.

Let’s prevent child sexual abuse before it happens!

Email: fidelina@rescueupstream.org

Kim is a retired Palm Beach County school teacher with 30 years of experience of working with special needs youth. She is very involved in women’s ministry in her local church and community. Kim has also led several youth ministry programs in Palm Beach County. In addition, Kim has served with Rescue Upstream in several different areas including: community education outreach, sexual abuse prevention training, and direct outreach to women living in sexual exploitation.

When I learned that girls and boys, minors and adults, were being sexually trafficked in not just America, but in my neighborhood, I knew that I could no longer pretend that it wasn’t happening, and I had to do something, anything. Rescue Upstream has given me the opportunity to educate others about the reality of human trafficking in Palm Beach County

Email: kim@rescueupstream.org

Laura comes to Rescue Upstream with 20+ years of non-profit corporate accounting experience. She is a Certified Public Accountant with an MBA from Florida Atlantic University. Laura was a member of the Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Taskforce during her tenure at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach.

From being a young impressionable girl who was desperate for belonging, to now being a mom of a young girl, I want to educate and reach out to show love and compassion. We are called to help the most vulnerable in our community. I am called to use my gifts to help Recue Upstream and the amazing team to do God’s work

Christina has over 15 years of experience working with vulnerable populations struggling with substance abuse and exploitation. In 2016, Christina was called by the Lord to serve at Catholic Charities as the Director of the Anti- Human Trafficking Program. Christina also co-led the Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force during her time with Catholic Charities, and worked closely with local and federal law enforcement to assist with identifying and providing services to all types of human trafficking victims in Palm Beach County. Christina is passionate about empowering victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as ensuring the availability of comprehensive trauma-informed services. She continues to serve those in need through her current role as Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice

In 1999, Stacey received her calling from the Lord to combat social injustices in Palm Beach County. It all started with spearheading several impactful food assistance programs. Her passion grew to opening the Love the 561 Community Care Center which exists to offer unconditional love & hope by providing a variety of free practical services. The center compassionately supports the vital needs of the community via food, clothing, foster care, homeless & human trafficking services & resources.Her calling, as the hands and feet of Jesus, has grown into collaborating with community organizations providing sex trafficking awareness and prevention via classes & conferences.
During Stacey’s role as a Rescue Upstream Board Member, she also serves as the Executive Director of Missional Engagement at Community of Hope Church.

In 2012, Tanya received a clear message from the Lord that people needed to understand the connection between child sexual abuse and human trafficking. It was this calling that led to the launch of Rescue Upstream as a ministry of Journey Church. Preventing abuse early and educating the community on prevention continues to be a core “upstream” focus today.During her tenure as Director, Tanya also served as President of the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches and was employed as a Victim Advocate for the Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc.