Chris Stambaugh
Founder & Director of The GRACE Network.
Chris Stambaugh is the Founder & Director of The GRACE Network. TGN is a faith-based anti-trafficking network that exists “to mobilize, train, and assimilate passionate people into all spheres of the anti-trafficking fight, and to identify, share, and celebrate viable resources that meet the specific needs of exploited youth.” Originally launched with 12 members in the summer of 2011, TGN has since matured into a network of 350 members representing over 100 different businesses, ministries, and non-profit groups. More than 50 different churches throughout the Sacramento region support TGN through their members. By teaming up on numerous human trafficking awareness events, organizing trainings, and developing resource partnerships that fill service gaps for exploited youth, TGN has contributed significantly to winning the human trafficking fight in Sacramento.
Over the past 7 years, Chris has been advocating for at-risk youth. Chris has focused his efforts on assisting domestic minor and young adult trafficking victims for the last 4 years. He is a founding member of the SECT Community Collaborative, active partner of the nationally recognized Rescue and Restore Coalition, and was recently invited to join the Northern and Central California Anti-trafficking Team hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Chris’ passion for at-risk youth advocacy is fueled by his own personal experience of growing up in a homeless family in Sacramento. Since then, Chris’ life is a testimony to those who feel they may never amount to anything. Armed with a message of hope, authenticity, and a thirst for justice, Chris is a sought-after speaker and trainer on the issues of youth homelessness, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. His speaking engagements include training alongside the FBI’s Innocence Lost Taskforce and Polaris Project in addition to presenting to service providers, churches, businesses, and volunteers throughout the community.
Chris makes his home in Sacramento, CA with his gracious wife of 5 years and two beautiful children, Kourage and Selah.