Texas and Arkansas rank among the top ten states with the highest rates of human trafficking cases in the United States.
A faith-based organization called “We Are Free” in Southwest Arkansas is striving to raise awareness about this pervasive crime.
“When you’re in a trafficking scenario, your whole world is turned upside down,” said Amanda Pulley, a survivor of human trafficking.
Pulley was just a child when she was trafficked by her church youth leader and a family member.
Back then, trafficking was not widely recognized. The trauma she endured led to a 13-year marriage filled with domestic violence.
“I had women come alongside me who weren’t trafficked, and they taught me what a normal family looks like. I didn’t know that it wasn’t normal for a family to have a knife fight at Thanksgiving—that was my every holiday,” Pulley shared.
For the past nine years, Pulley has been dedicated to helping other survivors.
“When you’re coming out of trafficking, you’re in complete trauma brain. The likelihood of you eating, sleeping, or experiencing normalcy is very low,” Pulley explained.
“We Are Free” helps survivors navigate mental health challenges and teaches them how to be physically and emotionally safe.
The organization runs a 50-acre restorative campus in South Arkansas called Hebron Hills. Recently, the nonprofit opened an office at the St. James Episcopal Church in downtown Texarkana.
Founder and Executive Director Angelyn McMurray says the office will enhance their efforts to raise community awareness.
“We’re trying to get the message out about what we’re doing and the changes taking place. Additionally, we want to focus more on prevention and education,” McMurray stated.
Over the last three years, about 45 women and their children have gone through the program.
“Our ultimate goal is to move from victimization to sustainability and long-term independence. We truly treat the whole person,” McMurray added.
One way clients achieve life skills and job readiness is through a gift store called the “Restorative Store.”
“Our store’s motto is that through God, anything is possible and anything can be made new. We create home decor items, and all the products are made by our clients. They’re earning a stipend, gaining work experience, and developing job readiness skills while in our care,” McMurray explained.
The “We Are Free” program lasts between 12 to 24 months.
Pulley emphasizes that the nonprofit provides a sanctuary for victims to reclaim their freedom and rebuild their lives.
“One of the great things about ‘We Are Free’ is their ability to provide tailored services to individuals based on where they are in their healing journey,” Pulley said.
For more information about the “We Are Free” organization or how to support their programs and services, visit wearefree.us.
