(photo source unknown)
I have mentioned The Gray Haven Project a few times here on the blog, posted some links on Facebook, and even tweeted about them. And you might be wondering what it's all about.
Well, today I wanted to tell you.
TGHP was founded by Josh and his wife Andrea, an amazing couple here in Richmond.
As soon as I met with Josh to learn more about the project I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of it. You know how you get those feelings when you're just certain there's something you have to do? There are no doubts or second guesses?
Well this was one of those feelings.
The way he talked about the vision he had for TGHP, and the love and compassion he had for not only victims of human trafficking, but the traffickers themselves, was eye opening and motivating to say the least.
And honestly, before talking with him, I had never really thought about that before.
That not only the victims need help and restoration, but the traffickers and those victimizing do as well. They are hurting too and need just as much help, if not more.
And after meeting Andrea, and being around her loving and beautiful self, it just confirmed what I had already felt about helping out.
Hearing about Josh and Andrea's dreams and goals is nothing short of inspiring. They are two people who are completely living out their lives as servants and who aspire nothing more than to love people and bring them hope.
One of the greatest things about them is that they are all about not making it about them. They aren't looking to be recognized specifically, or having themselves be rewarded or applauded for the great things they are doing, or even calling it their project. They are totally focused on making it our project. Something anyone and everyone can be apart of. No matter where you are in life, or what you're about, what you believe or what you do. We can all help and be a part of something great and make a change for the better.
This Summer I will be going through some training and doing some volunteer work with TGHP. I can't wait to get more involved with this organization in fighting this issue because it is one that has been on my heart for quite some time now.
In fact, if you would like to read more about that, and human trafficking in general, you should read this post here.
The Gray Haven Project is also going to be one of the sponsored non profits on
The Vans Warped Tour! So if you're going, be sure to look for them.
You can also watch this video to learn more about The Gray Haven Project:
TGHP is actually in the process of winning a $10k grant right now to help build their voice and you can help so much by simply voting here.
Literally all you have to do is hit a green button at the top left corner of the page. That's it!
Help make a difference in bettering the lives of those involved in human trafficking, and help prevent more people from being enslaved.
You should know that human trafficking and sex slavery isn't something that just happens in foreign countries.
It happens in your city, your home town, and here in Richmond too.
In fact Richmond was a part of the slave triangle at one time, which you can read more about here.
There is a statue erected in Richmond, Liverpool, England and in the Benin region of West Africa to recognize this.
Do some research, ask some questions.
Don't be ignorant to the things going on around you.
You have a voice and an influence.
Do something with it.
Check out their