Their Future Depends on Us — Urgent Help Needed
- Jenny Williamson
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Ten years ago, my dreams were crushed. Everything I had worked for, fought for, and believed in seemed to be destroyed when, due to licensing issues in the state of California (we are a long-term program and they went to a short-term license), we closed Courage House Northern California. Everyone at Courage Worldwide was heartbroken.
“Count it all joy whenever you face trials.”
I didn’t.
“Blessed is he who perseveres under trial.”
I felt many emotions back then, but blessed was not one of them.
Yet despite the pain and uncertainty, giving up was never an option. Why? Because I made a vow—a choice to be one of the somebodies who did something about the unthinkable atrocity of children being sold for sex. While perseverance is not my favorite word, it is what we all did at Courage Worldwide because this is what the children of Courage House do every single day—they persevere in their own unique but difficult journey of healing. So we mourned our losses, pivoted our efforts, and kept believing and working toward building more homes for children who had none.
Looking back over the last ten years, I am so incredibly grateful I didn’t listen to my fears. In these past ten years, because of an incredible host of staff, supporters, partners, and donors—because of many of you—we have had an impact far beyond what I could ever have imagined:
Over 200 child survivors of sex trafficking, along with their children, have called Courage House home, receiving holistic care and education.
We have expanded from two small campuses to three large campuses, increasing our capacity from 12 beds to 114.
Currently, 20 survivors are enrolled in higher education programs.
Our team has grown from 20 to over 75 employees, including 10 former residents who have come full circle to help others.
While we continue to maintain those campuses and provide resources to those who currently call Courage House home, we are also expanding our reach. We are opening another Courage House—this time in Northern Nevada—who thankfully does not have the same licensing issues California had.
This decision was not made lightly or even quickly for, even with all of the growth and impact we have seen, I was still nervous about taking this leap. The voices of doubt and fear whispered, "“What if…?”
On one of those days of doubt, I drove out to the piece of property I believe is where the next Courage House will be to reflect and pray for wisdom. We didn't have all the funds needed to purchase the property and we have 3 campuses full of children we must provide for each and every month. This decision would require a risk and a leap of faith. On that day, I had my phone in my hand and was taking pictures of the desired property as I whispered a prayer: "Are we ready to expand?"
Then, at the exact moment I stood in front of the property we hope to secure, wondering if we should move forward, my phone buzzed with a text message:
"Mom, it's Jamie*. I just wanted to reach out and thank you for being a part of my journey, for always being a listening ear, and for embracing me in all my ugly. I didn't appreciate all that was offered to me when I was 15 and came to Courage House, but now, years later, I am forever grateful for the gift of calling Courage House home. I am trying to be and do all you encouraged me to."
I had not seen or heard from Jamie in 14 years!
When I met her, she was 15 years old. She was just a hurt child, with walls up, heart guarded, but overflowing with potential. She was locked up in juvenile hall. Law enforcement took her there because she had been identified as a trafficking victim, had run away multiple times from her foster home and had no place to go. As I sat talking to her, trying to break through her well-established walls, I told her about Courage House and asked if she wanted to go there with me. She said yes.
And then she ran—after only 3 months. I had not heard from her since—until several weeks ago when I stood upon the land we now hope to turn into a home for more girls like her.
Jamie's text was my answer; the YES to my whispered prayer.
So, I am saying YES again—YES to bringing more girls home. YES to being a part of their healing journey. YES to helping them find their purpose and potential. But I need your help.
Many of you may have seen our announcements about making an offer on this very piece of property in Northern Nevada. We were given 45 days to raise the necessary funds—and now, we are days away from that deadline. We also currently have 66 girls under our care, 21 of their children, with 3 more babies on the way. All are rebuilding their lives—learning to trust, to heal, and to dream again! In addition, we have 20 courageous young women in college, fighting for a future that was once stolen from them and we have multiple former residents we continue to support. We cannot let a lack of resources stand in the way of their success!
This is the moment where you can be the difference. You can be the reason another child finds safety, healing, and hope. We need your help—right now.
Your gift today provides:
💙 A warm, safe bed for a survivor who has never known true security
👶 Formula and diapers for newborns whose mothers are fighting for a better life
📚 Tuition and supplies for young women breaking the cycle by pursuing education
🍽 Nutritious meals for children who deserve to grow up without hunger
Time is critical. These girls and young women are counting on us. Will you answer their call?
Please, give today. Every dollar makes a difference. Every moment matters.
With gratitude,
*Not her real name
