A Night of REST
Ending Human Trafficking in King County
"Calvin" often felt invisible at home... His parents were engrossed in their careers, and he often felt unloved and lonely. He started spending a lot of time gaming and in online chat rooms, where he found someone who seemed to care about him. This person persuaded him to run away, promising a new start together. Instead, Calvin was lured into a life of exploitation and sex trafficking. He eventually found help at REST, but the trauma he endured requires ongoing care and support.
Stories like this happen every day; the vulnerabilities of youth make them particularly susceptible to exploitation, as they often seek love, acceptance, and security in all the wrong places. Organizations like REST - Real Escape from the Sex Trade - offer hope. Human trafficking is an often hidden crime that affects communities everywhere, operating in plain sight yet remaining largely unrecognized. It involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion. It’s an issue that reaches across all demographics in all cities. As unsettling as it may be, this form of modern-day slavery can happen in our own backyards, impacting the most vulnerable members of society. Understanding what sex trafficking looks like and how to prevent it is vital for protecting our community and offering support to survivors in their journey toward healing.
It's not just a distant problem in the news, in movies, or in far-off places; it is real and happens right here in Washington. And it’s not just what you see on Aurora or the streets in downtown Seattle, it is just as prevalent in Bellevue, Mercer Island, and, in the neighborhoods we call home. It often hides in plain sight, affecting thousands of people every night in King County, including hundreds of vulnerable youth. This isn't happening in someone else's city—it's happening in our backyards and our front yards. The reality is chilling, but there is hope.
REST is at the forefront of the effort to end sex trafficking in Seattle. We provide support for victims of trafficking, and expand pathways to freedom, safety, and hope for survivors. Our team is dedicated, but we can't do it alone. We need your help to make a real, lasting impact. Every voice, every volunteer, and every donation makes a difference in this critical fight.
Imagine if we all came together to confront this issue head-on. What if you could be part of the solution? By standing with REST, you're not just giving a donation; you're giving someone the chance to reclaim their dignity, future, and independence.
To learn more about the work we're doing and how you can get involved, we invite you to visit our website: www.iwantrest.com. Better yet, join us at A Night of REST, our annual gala, on October 17th at The Sheraton in downtown Seattle. This event is more than just a fundraiser—it's a powerful evening where survivors share their stories, our dedicated staff speaks about the fight against trafficking, and you can witness the strength and resilience of survivors through our art show.
Don't let this issue remain hidden. Seek out more information. Stand with us, use your voice to raise awareness, and together, we can make our community a place where no one is exploited. Visit our website or attend A Night of REST to be part of the change.