When the difference in a child’s life is so simple and basic, people can often overlook it, we feel those private moments need to be shared. Rainey and Doc from Bikers Against Trafficking give their time to a group of youth who hang on every word, Doc has to share, from a story in the Bible. Our youth are looking for something to hang onto. If you’re not sure look how contently they are listening. Be the difference in the life of a child. As many of you are aware, Rainey and Doc come from an abusive, highly traumatized past. Rainey was trafficked from age 3 to 17 and Doc was as well. As a result of living a life of trauma, our Founders (BAT) are determined to lead the way in the battle to eradicate human sex trafficking.
Since 2016 when we officially formed—- BAT has partnered with over 650 individuals on the healing journey. We have been able to educate over a half a million people about human trafficking and we have set up at events throughout the United States (Florida, Missouri, Michigan, Washington, Nebraska, Iowa, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Virginia, Mississippi, Indiana, South Dakota, California) plus we have had the honor of educating people from all walks of life (law enforcement, military bases, schools, churches, community groups, hospitals, mental health counseling associations, addiction treatment facilities and counselors). We have also been able to educate individuals around the world through Zoom and other training platforms and have formed relationships with many countries and organizations. We have BAT Chapters in the United States and Canada and to be honest with you…ALL of this is possible because of God. How any of this happened is a miracle and God provides the connections, resources, partnerships, energy, and results.
It has been a humbling journey so far BUT the path ahead is even more daunting. We have partnered with the Alan Madden Foundation to up the care and impact. At present we are working with 166 youth and young adults who have been impacted by Human Trafficking. Here are the hard cold facts: According to the Univ of NC-Chapel Hill research 1 in 5 runaways in the United States end up being trafficked. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 86% of them were in Foster Care. According to the FBI—- “60% of Child Sex Trafficking Victims were from Foster Care” and”60% of youth who age out of Foster Care will be homeless within the first year.” As you can imagine, many will end up being trafficked.
In one separate study, in Los Angeles it was discovered that 80% of children who were trafficked for sex had been in Foster Care. Every day we get calls from people around the US, “Can you help us?” We get calls from individuals and agencies, “Can you take another kid?”
The NEED is endless as you can imagine. So…what can YOU do?
We opened a BAT house in Central Florida and we have the lease paid for the next 12 months but we still raise funds for food and utilities and all of the necessary needs. We also hope to open up even more homes. We have it down to $400 a month for each child/teen or young adult. PLUS, we are still helping people get out of the life around the United States and placing those amazing individuals in programs and often we provide transportation to get them to us. The need is vast, and we are simply a rag tag group of faith filled soldiers fighting alongside of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
So, what do we need? In short “Partnerships.”
Obviously, we desire individuals and companies to invest in what we are doing. To partner with us in our quest to reach 1000 kids and young adults every year. (Housing for 1,000 is our goal). We call this the Healing Place Project and EVERY penny raised goes to helping those impacted by human trafficking. We desire people to PRAY.
We are looking for people to volunteer. Mentors, counselors, advocates, teachers, coaches, musicians, cooks, doctors, nurses, social media experts, accountants, etc.… We want to be able to meet all the needs. (or course you have to go through a background check)
We also are looking for Bikers who want to start up local BAT Chapters around the world. We have 14 Chapters at present and are getting close to opening full Chapters in Pennsylvania; Ohio and another Chapter in Florida (Venice area). If you have a passion and are stubborn enough…we WANT, you. BUT you don’t have to ride a motorcycle to be a part. You just must be warped enough to hang out with us! (lol)
Every day we get to make a difference and it is both overwhelming and humbling. Thank you for all your do. We are grateful and thankful.
Peace,
Doc and Rainey on behalf of the entire BAT and AMF teams
