Gift of Freedom: Driving Hope and Healing During National Human Trafficking Month

Since 2010, January has been designated as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, bringing attention to the global crime of human trafficking and educating the public on how to identify and prevent this injustice. Gift of Freedom, a newly formed nonprofit organization, is answering the call for help by addressing one of the most critical needs for child trafficking survivors: access to mental health counseling.

Gift of Freedom was founded by three trucking company CEOs —Sharon Siar, Nicole Glenn, and Kristy Knichel—mothers and close friends. The idea for the organization came from their shared outrage over the lack of mental health resources available to children rescued from trafficking. Determined to make a difference, they launched Gift of Freedom to provide survivors with the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

“Human trafficking is happening in cities and small communities across America,” said Sharon Siar, Founder of Gift of Freedom. “Traffickers are using our roadways, railways, waterways, and airways to move victims, making this crime closer to home than we think,” she added.

The Urgent Need for Mental Health Support Human trafficking is a heinous crime in which individuals are exploited through forced labor or commercial sex. It is estimated that 25% of trafficking victims are children. Traffickers manipulate victims with violence, coercion, and false promises, leaving devastating physical and emotional scars.

While rescue is the first step toward recovery, survivors often face significant barriers to healing. Many foster families and shelters are not equipped to address the complex trauma these children endure. Without proper counseling and care, survivors are at risk of re-entering the cycle of exploitation.

Building a Network of Healing 

Gift of Freedom connects survivors with licensed counselors specializing in trauma therapy. The nonprofit collaborates with ministries, law enforcement, social workers, and child advocacy groups to ensure survivors receive comprehensive support. Gift of Freedom is committed to raising funds to provide free mental health services for trafficking survivors. Through their referral network and partnerships with local organizations, they are helping children reclaim their lives and envision a brighter future.

For more information and to donate, visit Gift of Freedom’s website at www.giftoffreedom.org.

About Gift of Freedom

Gift of Freedom’s mission is to create a world where every child survivor of trafficking has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive by having free, direct access to counseling services. Starting in Texas, Gift of Freedom is partnering with a strong referral network of organizations and counselors who can provide specialized care and rehabilitation for victims so that these children can build self-esteem, reclaim their lives, and create a bright future. Gift of Freedom is approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information and to donate, visit www.giftoffreedom.org.