Since Rethreaded’s inception in 2011, we have existed for the complete restoration of survivors of human trafficking. You may be asking yourself what that means and why human trafficking.

Human trafficking, or more specifically sex trafficking, is the crime of using force, fraud, or coercion to induce another individual to sell sex. Common types include escort services, pornography, illicit massage businesses, brothels, [online], and outdoor solicitation. * It destroys individuals, wrecks families, and weakens our entire community.     

When most people think of trafficking, they imagine Liam Neeson breaking down doors in a shady city in Europe to rescue his kidnapped daughter. However, only five percent of reported cases involve kidnapping. The other 95 percent are cases in which a person exploits another person’s vulnerabilities for profit.     

It is also easy to assume that human trafficking is only an “over there” problem, happening in a faraway place. But it affects people right here in our home city, Jacksonville, Florida. The city of Jacksonville ranks 48th in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking out of 350 cities (with populations over 100,000). 

Human trafficking is a big business. As an industry, sex trafficking generates $172 billion a year. In comparison, the NFL generated $23 billion in 2025.  

All of this can culminate in making human trafficking feel overwhelming. The good news is that there are communities, people, and businesses working together to end trafficking while providing safety and services to survivors.

Without proper community and support, survivors are vulnerable to re-exploitation. This issue illuminates the concept of “choice” and how many survivors do not actually have choices even after leaving trafficking. Through our work, we have recognized over 60 barriers to survivors reclaiming their lives. When these barriers are not addressed, they can become the vulnerabilities that traffickers look to exploit.   

Barriers such as personal safety issues including fear of withdrawal from substances and imminent threat to self, children, and family. Legal issues including ongoing prosecution and probation. Physical health issues, such as chronic health neglect and diagnosed/undiagnosed/undertreated medical issues. Economic instability issues, including no personal possessions and no money. Lack of a healthy community and related issues like no sense of belonging or love, and distrust in people. Mental health issues, including severe/complex trauma and substance abuse. (Note: this is not a comprehensive list of barriers. To see the full list, click here) 

With time, support, and community, survivors of human trafficking can overcome these barriers to reclaiming their lives and break the cycle of generational trauma for their children. This is where Rethreaded comes in.

Rethreaded exists for the complete restoration of survivors of human trafficking. Our proven process releases the potential of survivors, rebuilds families, and restores our whole community. We provide the path to complete restoration for survivors through our three-to-five-year Survivor Development Program.   

The program focuses on three main areas: long-term employment, career development, and supportive services. Survivors have employment opportunities in different facets of the company, including textile production, culinary production, retail, sales, operations, business development, marketing, finance, and administration. Stable employment is key to building economic stability, opportunities for future careers, and choice. Survivors also have access to training, resources, and advocacy to meet their needs and break down barriers. An extensive career development track includes courses such as resume training and financial wellness. During their time at Rethreaded, survivors are supported with services like care management from social workers, as well as one-on-one therapy and group therapy with clinicians.  

The mission is to equip a woman with everything she needs to reclaim her life. Choice for her future employment, resources to handle all of life’s ups and downs, and healing that ripples through her entire life and into the lives of those around her.

The beautiful thing about our work is that we need you, our community, to be a part of it! We continue to exist and do our work of walking alongside survivors through your support. Jade Dunham, Rethreaded’s Textile Division Assistant Manager, summarizes the power of healing so beautifully. “I have been at Rethreaded for five years and have had the space, time, and support needed to rediscover the woman I am today. Rethreaded has helped me navigate life’s ups and downs and empowered me. I know I can do hard things!” When one of us heals, we all heal. No matter how you get involved with Rethreaded, it matters. Every gift purchased, donation given, volunteer hour spent, or event attended creates choice and opportunity. Your time, talent, and resources are helping to change lives. Thank you for being a part of our work!   

To join our community or get more involved: Shop, donate, volunteer, and more!    

*Source: Polaris Project