25 to Thrive: 25 Churches Working Toward One Mission
Join Stepping Stones Network. Help care for trafficking victims.
Sex trafficking. No doubt, a dark and uncomfortable topic. But Jesus came to bring light into the darkness. It is our job as the Church to carry on His work and be a voice for the voiceless. Those touched by this tragedy need our love, friendship, and overwhelming compassion.
James 1:27 reminds us that "True spirituality that is pure in the eyes of our Father God is to make a difference in the lives of orphans and widows in their troubles and to refuse to be corrupted by the world's values."
Will your church join Stepping Stones Network and our 25 to Thrive Campaign?
Ways to Fight Sex Trafficking Financially:
- Mail a check to Stepping Stones Network PO Box 208 Grayslake, IL 60030. (We’ll avoid the fees and add your contribution to the fund manually.)
- Give online through the donate button on this page.
Ways to Encourage Your Congregation and Community to Get Involved:
- Schedule a Get Educated presentation for your church.
- Share this Get Involved link through your congregation’s communications channel: www.steppingstonesnetwork.org/Get-Involved
- Allow your congregation to Give directly by sharing this page. We’ll tally the total given by your church.
- Sign up for our Church Leader Email List.
The Facts about Local Sex Trafficking
- The United States is one of the top three nations of origin for human/sex trafficking victims (State Department 2019).
- In the Chicago area, 16,000-25,000 women and girls are sold for sex each year (2007 Cook County Commission on Women's Issues Report), with 75% of sexually trafficked victims aged 0 to 20 (Statista.com 2018).
- The typical victim is sold an average of 13 times per day and likely earns nothing (U. S. Department of State).
- Predators pursue the most vulnerable children and desperate women, including single mothers and people who have experienced abuse in the past.
- Conservative estimates are that 50% of trafficked women in Chicagoland have at least one child. 50% of these children will be sold in the sex trade as well (Willis, Brian from Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies 11, 2016). Both mom and child need rescue, yet long-term residential programs do not admit women with their children. Many moms would rather sell their bodies than be separated from their kids. Stepping Stones Network has stepped up to fill this service gap, show it can be done, and inspire others to do the same.
- Christ Church - Lake Forest & Crossroads
- Willow Creek North Shore
- Alpine Chapel / Hope Co
- The Chapel
- Journey Church - Beach Park
- Gurnee Community Church
- Christian Neighbors Church
- Cornerstone Community Church
- Fierce Church
- Soul City Church
- Trinity Community Church
- Lakeview Presbyterian
- United Methodist Women of Libertyville
- Waukegan Bible Baptist Church
- Immanuel Bible Church
- WILL YOUR CHURCH BE NEXT?
Who We Are
We are a network of trained professionals and compassionate individuals who partner with adults and nurture children impacted by commercial sexual exploitation as they take steps to interrupt the cycle of trauma, develop life skills and build a safe circle of support. Our mission is to educate and engage the community to prevent sexual exploitation and provide comprehensive, restorative care to survivors.
Corporate address & mailing address:
Oasis Productions DBA Stepping Stones Network
1200 W. 35th Street #218
Chicago, IL 60609
Lake County mailing address:
Stepping Stones Network
PO Box 208
Grayslake, IL 60030
*Checks may be mailed to either address.
If your company offers matching funds, consider submitting your gift for a match!