Stepping Into a Loving Community

Safe People…Safe Places…Hopeful Opportunities!  These are the hallmarks of a healthy community.  This is what we all work for, and give to one another, and participate in.  We are neighbors, and that is a powerful and beautiful thing.  Jesus said: “love you neighbor as you love yourself”, and so, in a very real sense, self-worth and empathy for one another becomes one of our highest ideals in society.

One of the most profound expressions of empathy, or ‘loving your neighbor’, is to include someone you don’t know, someone new to you, or someone who has some unique needs in your community.

Engedi Refuge exists to provide safe harbor and counsel for women who have survived and escaped criminal abuse through the sex trafficking industry in America.  After months of being sheltered in our group safe-house for their protection, these courageous survivors start to engage our local community in a variety of ways.  They are stretching their wings, trying out new skills, and taking on challenging risks as they join the rest of us in finding gainful employment, personal housing, and supportive friendships.  Their determination and courage is truly inspiring.

Have you ever had to start life over again in a new community?  It is NOT easy.

That’s what our ladies face when they are in Engedi’s Phase 2 program.  This part of the program is all about coaching them through the transition into independent living.  We are their teachers, mentors and cheer leaders.  And the community they are stepping into is ours…..this beautiful place we call home in Whatcom County.

Would you be a part of welcoming our ladies, creating an opportunity for them, and loving them as a neighbor?

Please contact us if you’d like to talk about some specific ways you could help. And thank you for your on-going support and intentional acts of love.  You are making a big difference in your partnership with Engedi.

Always here for you,

Aaron Newcomb, Executive Director
info@engedirefuge.com