We love because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19
Magnolia’s Ministry supports the vulnerable and exploited on their path to freedom.
Human trafficking deprives people of their freedom.
Trafficking is a local issue.
Magnolia’s Ministry is based in mid-Missouri, with most fieldwork taking place in Boone, Cole, and Callaway counties.
Our region is particularly useful to traffickers because of the number of highways, truck stops, and rural areas. These geographic features, along with our central location generally, contribute to Missouri ranking 4th in the nation for reported human trafficking cases.
Trafficking festers because it’s unseen and unheard.
Traffickers benefit from people minding their own business.
Most people being groomed or actively exploited interact with others in the community. Fear of consequences or personal embarrassment often contribute to not volunteering their need for help.
Magnolia’s Ministry works to meet them where they are, expressing care and concern without intimidation.
Trafficking preys on our most vulnerable community members.
In Missouri, approximately 65% of survivors seeking services are between ages 12 and 25.
83% of reported Missouri cases are for sex trafficking, and another 12% are for sex and labor trafficking.
Over 85% of reported Missouri cases involve U.S. citizens.
Magnolia’s Ministry faces the front lines for freedom.
Intervention
When someone is identified as being exploited, Magnolia’s Ministry staff and volunteers work to establish contact. Oftentimes, this work begins by expressing care and gifting the individual a small care package of food, hygiene and makeup products, or clothing.
As trust and rapport are established, Magnolia’s Ministry works with the individual and other organizations, as applicable, to establish a path to securing their freedom. Rescue is a process, not a one time event.
Prevention
Many survivors warn that traffickers were initially kind, promising a better life. Socioeconomic and educational factors often contribute to someone becoming vulnerable to human trafficking.
Magnolia’s Ministry spends time in spaces alongside vulnerable people, educating them on warnings signs of potential traffickers, and supporting them in securing jobs and housing.
Education
Traffickers interact with the community. It’s critical for those working in hotels, schools, restaurants, airports, bus stations, retail stores, and more to know what to look for and what to do if they see something.
Magnolia’s Ministry gives voluntary training sessions and resources to organizations, schools, churches, and government agencies to promote awareness and active communication on a topic that too often goes unaddressed.
Now the Lord is the Spirit,
and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17
About Our Organization
Established in 2021, Magnolia’s Ministry is a small, but determined faith-based nonprofit based in Columbia, Missouri. We have one full-time staff member, a dedicated board, and a network of committed volunteers. We are part of the Missouri Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation.
The Magnolia flower represents perseverance and endurance, both of which are qualities that we see in the survivors we work with. We are committed to establishing genuine relationships with those who have been sexually exploited. It is our hope that through these relationships we will be able to provide a safe path out of exploitation or trafficking.
Through education and hands on experience, we train individuals within our community on the dangers of human trafficking and exploitation. We then work to recruit like-minded abolitionists to join our team. Each of our volunteers go through extensive interviews, references, background checks and training.
As a nonprofit, we rely on the generous donations of others to continue our work. We would be deeply grateful for your support.