Elizabeth grew up in the foster care system, feeling alone. Looking back on her childhood, she can recognize the conditioning and isolation that left her vulnerable. As an adult, her trafficker masked himself as an altruistic ally and used psychologically abusive tactics to hold her captive for three years. We refer to this as grooming, the gradual process of getting to know one’s target by using kindness, promises of security, gifts and a better future while slowly pushing their personal boundaries and simultaneously luring them away from friends. The result can have the individual believe they are a “willing participant” in the exploitation. An opportunity to relocate gave Elizabeth the chance to find freedom and a fresh start for her and her son.
“One Purse supported me in the next step of my journey: restoration.”
Elizabeth first learned about One Purse through another of our scholarship recipients who is an advocate in the anti-trafficking space. Since 2022, we have had the pleasure of assisting Elizabeth in both her undergraduate and graduate studies. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work with a dream of providing counseling services to individuals impacted by complex trauma.
For Elizabeth, One Purse has helped her live in true freedom and she defines it as “the opportunity to chase your dreams without having to worry about your basic needs being met. It is spiritual, physical, mental, AND financial stability.”
One Purse is honored to partner with Elizabeth in her educational pursuits and is excited to see where God continues to lead her.
*Name and photo have been changed to protect anonymity