Metro Atlanta residents can take pride in many wonderful facts and statistics about our city. But here's one we'd rather not face: according to 2005 Congressional Testimony from the Assistant Director of the FBI's Criminal Investigative Division, Atlanta ranks in the top three cities nationwide in terms of child prostitution, and most of those children are not on the streets voluntarily.
Wellspring Living, a faith-based charity in Fayette County, took up the challenge of helping to fight this epidemic in 2007 by creating Wellspring for Girls, a program specifically designed to help these young victims recover, build skills and confidence and transition into new lives. The organization already had similar irons in the fire. In 2001, Wellspring for Women opened its doors to provide counseling and transition services to women who were childhood victims of sexual abuse. Wellspring Living also operates two resale stores to help support its operation. Both the Peachtree City and Duluth stores are manned solely by volunteers and run on donations.
The horror that is child-sex trafficking has received much media attention of late and the State Senate is considering a bill to protect the victims. Fayette County residents have a unique opportunity to make a stand through Wellspring.
"The problem is so overwhelming," Vice President Jen McEwen says. "Sometimes people think it can never change. But when people find healing and find a caring community, they begin to make good choices and positive life changes are possible."
Those looking to get involved have several options. Donations to the resale stores, sponsorships and donations of time are always needed. In addition, Wellspring Living offers two unique opportunities to get involved: the "Host a Tea" and "Shower the Girls" programs. These programs offer interested parties an opportunity to host a get-together at their home, business, church or other meeting place. A Wellspring representative will be present to explain the program and volunteer opportunities to guests. Participants can even pre-purchase donations from the "Wellspring Girls" registry at Target stores.
McEwen points out that everyone can help in some way.
"You may be only one person, but you are one person and you can do something."
Wellspring Living also sponsors several events throughout the year including the fifth annual Wellspring Living golf tournament in March, and the One Voice Gala and Stop Injustice Run, both in April.
For more information, visit Wellspring Living on the web.
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Comments
What a great thing Wellspring is doing in Atlanta. It's too bad all large cities can't have a safe haven for young women who are in recovery from the trauma of their past. And how nice there are so many people willing to volunteer and walk with these young ladies as they try to put their lives back together.
Good going Wellspring Living.
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