Years of Finding Hope and Changing Lives
Click the pictures and arrows to find out more about Engedi’s history over the years.
2013
The Beginning
▶ Spring
In March we opened "Engedi House" and our "Learning Center" office. In April we received the first trafficking survivor into the program.
▶ Summer
We opened a new Learning Center classroom and started comprehensive volunteer trainings.
▶ Winter
The first baby was born at Engedi. Lea was the labor coach and helped bring a beautiful baby into the world. Since then, two more babies were born while their mothers were in the Engedi program.
In December, we held our first Recognition Ceremony, honoring 4 residents. We have since held over 11 ceremonies honoring graduates and participants at Engedi.
Building the Program
▶ Development
Development of core staff, volunteers and counselors.
▶ Ministries
Horse therapy was added to Engedi's program through Promise 23 Ranch.
"Men of Dignity" awareness ministry launched
▶ Fundraising
Our first major fundraiser, the Fun & Fashion For Freedom event, took place at Bellwood Acres. Since then we have held or participated in over a dozen Galas, Stand Against Slavery, and Faith Events, as well as another Fashion Show.
2014
2015
Forward Progress
We held our 1st annual fundraising gala in Bellingham.
Celebrated 1st Engedi graduates to finish all 3 program phases.
1st trafficking survivor and program graduate joined Engedi's staff.
Expansion
Our new Learning Center and Counseling Center expansion project was launched.
Engedi's staff expanded with a new case manager and the addition of 2 other vital positions.
We presented at the Bellevue, WA Higher Ground Men's Conference.
2016
2017
Training and Awareness
Engedi started annual sex trafficking presentations at WWU.
Engaged in training local law enforcement in Sex Trafficking awareness and intervention strategies.
We initiated agency re-branding and new marketing strategy.
Partnership Growth
We partnered with ISA Freedom in local trafficking awareness.
Engedi attended the NCOSE conference in Washington DC.
The 2018 Gala was the largest we have hosted to date.
2018
2019
National Involvement
Engedi joined NTSA board and helped develop the alliance and initiate its annual conference.
New Beginnings
Construction on the new safe-house began.
We also held our first wedding at Engedi for a former resident. Aaron officiated the ceremony.
2020
2021
Property Expansion
The Learning Center property was purchased, and we opened a new Phase 2 house.
The new Safe-House was completed and filled with new residents and management staff.
Moving Forward
We celebrated serving 88 residents in our long-term program to date.
2022
2023
10 Years Strong
Engedi celebrates 10 years of service to trafficking survivors, with a consistent 90% success rate in helping residents avoid re-exploitation.