Dear Friends,
Twenty years ago, I envisioned a place where young girls who had endured the unimaginable trauma of sex trafficking could begin their unique journey of healing—a place where they could discover their passions and dreams and find a belief that their future held hope and promise without pain or shame. I imagined a space where, each day, these girls would be reminded they are not defined by the pain of their past, but by the choices they make and the future they choose to create. This place would nurture innocence, restore childhoods, and meet needs with compassion and understanding; a place where they would be equipped, encouraged, and empowered to be and do all they were created to. This place came to be called Courage House, because it would take immense courage—courage to heal, courage to dream, and courage to walk a path no child should ever have to walk in the first place.
It would be a place where we would believe in them until they could believe in themselves.
Courage House was never meant to be just a structure or a building. It would be a home—a safe home—something many of our girls had never experienced in their young lives. A place where young girls who had been trafficked, exploited, and discarded could find their way back to themselves. A place where their dignity would be restored, their voices heard, and their futures rebuilt.
In those early days, this vision was driven by a mother's heart and a belief that these children were created on purpose for a purpose. I believed with every fiber of my being that if we could create this space—this home—we could give these young girls something no amount of trauma could take away: the chance to heal, to grow, and to dream again.
A Dream Turned into Reality
This year, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Courage Worldwide and the 15th anniversary of Courage House, I am humbled, awed, and filled with enormous gratitude at what we have accomplished together. This dream has now become a reality for nearly 200 girls and their children—the youngest just eight years old. From humble beginnings to becoming a global beacon of hope, Courage House is now a tangible place where healing is offered, hope is given, and lives are restored.
Each day, we watch as girls who had no voice, no hope, and once believed they had nothing to live for discover that they are not only survivors but are stronger and more powerful than they ever imagined. At Courage House, we give them the space to grieve, to heal, and to grow. They are given therapy, education, and opportunities to rediscover their dreams. Perhaps most importantly, they are given the chance to see themselves as whole again.
The Courage House Community
None of this would be possible without the incredible community supporting Courage Worldwide and Courage House. Our compassionate staff, tireless volunteers, and generous donors are the heartbeat of the organization. They—YOU—took this enormous dream and made it a reality for young girls who desperately needed it. The collective spirit of everyone who believes in the power of healing and the potential of each girl who walks through our doors makes our program a success and encourages me to continue!
Over the past 20 years, this community has grown from a small group of passionate volunteers to a global network of supporters, united by a common vision that is much bigger than any one individual or organization. From our beginnings in the United States and Tanzania, Courage House has impacted the lives of hundreds of young girls, once victims of unimaginable trauma, now emerging as empowered young women, ready to take on the world and make their own unique impact. Without you and your support, this dream would never have become a reality and a home for those who need it most. Thank you.
Looking to the Future: A Continued Journey of Hope
As we reflect on all we have accomplished in the past 20 years, we also look forward with excitement and purpose to the future. Sadly, we know there are still countless girls who need our help. Our mission is far from over. This is why our future plans include doubling our capacity at our current campuses, expanding into nearby cities like Reno and Houston, and broadening our reach into countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi. We know we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. We are part of a movement—a movement committed to ending the cycle of trafficking and restoring hope and dignity to those who need it most.
As we look to the next 20 years, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission. There are still too many girls out there who need to know they are not alone—who need to hear they have value, a purpose, and that healing is possible. Together, we will continue to fight for their futures, knowing every girl deserves a home where they can heal and thrive.
A Legacy of Healing
The next 20 years will be filled with new challenges, new opportunities, and new girls walking through our doors—each one with a story to tell and a life to rebuild. We are ready to meet these challenges with the same love, dedication, and commitment that has defined us from the beginning.
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we do so with gratitude—for the girls who have walked this journey with us, for the supporters who have made all of this possible, and for the community that continues to believe in the power of healing. Here's to 20 years of courage, healing, and hope; here's to many more to come. We covet your spiritual and financial support so we can continue changing the world one individual at a time.
CEO & Founder of Courage Worldwide