In this episode of Ventures, my guest Audrey Baedke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-baedke-93724290/) and I discuss Real Escape from the Sex Trade (REST - https://iwantrest.com). We talk about the origins of the nonprofit, the impact they have had, the dynamics of the sex trade in general, how humans are enslaved, and how REST provides tangible pathways to freedom, safety, and hope. As a board member and donor myself, I would ask that you **please** consider joining us with a year-end gift.

Visit https://satchel.works/@wclittle/ventures-episode-159 for more information.

You can watch this episode via video here.

1:58 - Introduction to the episode. Will’s board involvement. What is REST?

3:00 - How Audrey got involved with REST

4:15 - Describing the problem of sex trafficking in the USA

7:43 - Responding to the common idea that selling sex is just among consenting adults and harmless

10:17 - Understanding market dynamics here - buyers, sellers, brokers

11:17 - Supply and demand dynamics, how “products” are treated

12:24 - Modern-day slavery

12:39 - How is REST addressing the problem?

14:25 - For those considering year-end donations - what amount of money would have a real impact?

16:16 - How many years does it take to help someone leave “the life” within REST’s services?

17:37 - REST’s quantitative impact - 4400+ individuals served, Work with more than 600 every year, 300 that enroll in services.

18:12 - An example story of a survivor

21:05 - Hearing the stories like this board meeting after board meeting

21:39 - REST’s expansion plans beyond the greater Seattle area

22:59 - If someone wants to give, where can they go to do this? https://iwantrest.com // Also how to contact Audrey directly.

See also a previous episode on this show about REST: https://satchel.works/@wclittle/ventures-episode-3

For more information about sex trafficking in America, see: https://www.state.gov/humantrafficking-about-human-trafficking/

Be aware of the National Human Trafficking Hotline (Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week. Languages: English, Spanish) – 888-373-7888