World Hope International Announces Second Annual Freedom Sundays Program To Shine Light On Human Trafficking

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- World Hope International (WHI), a Christian relief and development organization working with vulnerable communities worldwide, announced today that it kicked off its second annual "Freedom Sundays" program, a month-long campaign that is designed to shine a light on the worldwide injustice of human trafficking. The U.S. State Department estimates that 27 million men, women and children worldwide are currently caught in the cycle of human trafficking,a practice that includes sex trafficking, forced labor or involuntary servitude.

Freedom Sundays, which started yesterday, July 7, 2013, provides an avenue for justice-seekers and churches across the country to lead the fight against human trafficking this July by raising awareness within their congregations and communities through educational materials, survivor stories, special sermons and fundraising events.

"While the majority of Americans will spend the month of July celebrating their freedom and independence, 27 million people – Americans included – remain stripped of their freedom due to human trafficking," explained John Lyon, Chief Programs Officer for World Hope International. "Freedom Sundays is an opportunity for churches around the country to speak up and fight for the freedom of these victims."

As one of the premier anti-trafficking organizations operating in Sierra Leone, Cambodia and Azerbaijan, WHI aids human trafficking victims in their path to a safe, healthy life through a two-fold approach: emergency aftercare centers and community-based prevention education programs. In Sierra Leone specifically, the successes of WHI's approach have been recognized by the U.S. Department of State.

"World Hope International has been an essential partner in the fight against human trafficking," Michael Owen, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone, said. "Through support for the Government of Sierra Leone's anti-trafficking efforts, and by establishing a world-class shelter and rehabilitation center in Freetown, the organization has dramatically increased local capacity to protect trafficking victims.  World Hope International's continued involvement will help to ensure that Sierra Leone maintains this positive momentum."

Opened in February 2012, WHI's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Recovery Center in Sierra Leone is the only holistic high-trauma aftercare center operating in the country and is modeled after WHI's Assessment Center in Cambodia – a facility regarded as a "best in-practice" by the U.S. State Department.  

To learn more about Freedom Sundays and how to support human trafficking victims in Sierra Leone and around the world, visit WorldHope.org/FreedomSundays. 

About World Hope International

World Hope International is a Christian relief and development organization working with vulnerable and exploited communities worldwide to alleviate poverty, suffering and injustice. Founded in 1996, World Hope International works in more than a dozen nations worldwide, focusing on anti-trafficking, economic development, water and sanitation and education. For more information, call 888-466-4673 or visit WorldHope.org.

CONTACTS:

Gayle Campbell
World Hope International
703-923-9414x112
GayleCampbell@worldhope.net

Jeanne Beach
Coast Public Relations
949-233-5372
jeanne@coastprgroup.com

Media Contact:Jeanne Beach, Coast Public Relations for World Hope International, 949-233-5372, jeanne@coastprgroup.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE World Hope International