Texas MedClinic is proud to sponsor April Fricke, Journey For Hope and Ransomed Life
May 14, 2019
IH-10 Most Highly Human-Trafficked Corridor in U.S., Texas
Acclaimed San Antonio athlete, coach pedaling IH-10 Texas corridor raising funds, awareness of sex trafficking.
San Antonio acclaimed athlete and volleyball coach April Fricke is cycling 1,103 miles along IH-10 corridor from Beaumont to El Paso, Texas May 6 through May 20 to raise awareness of human trafficking in Texas. Fricke is cycling on behalf of San Antonio non-profit Ransomed Life’s Journey For Hope.
IH-10 is one of the most highly-trafficked highways in the country.
“The statistics are alarming,” said Ransomed Life Executive Director Dawn Coleman. “Young girls are at risk. Informing parents and the community of this illegal activity is crucial.
Founded in 2015, San Antonio-based Ransomed Life is building a healing community for sexually exploited girls. Proceeds raised from their Journey For Hope will help build LOCAL, Ransomed Life’s first activity center dedicated to the hope and healing of sexually exploited youth.
“I first heard about sex trafficking about 2 years ago and it was a punch in the face,” said Fricke. “The reality made me sick to my stomach and I knew I had to do something about it. So, I have combined my love for cycling with my desire to bring hope to trafficked girls.”
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) is the most prevalent form of slavery in the U.S. today, fueling a $150 billion human trafficking industry worldwide.
“In Texas, it is estimated that there are 79,000 victims of sex trafficking each year,” said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. “The average age a girl is first trafficked is 12-14. Eighty percent of Bexar County’s sex trafficking cases involve minors.”
“Ransomed Life provides recovery and healing for young San Antonio girls who have been trafficked,” said Coleman. “People are surprised to hear that trafficking happens in the San Antonio area, with our local girls. Our goal is to educate the community about trafficking, so parents and guardians can talk with their children about the traps.”
Ransomed Life exists to care for survivors, victims, and the “at-risk” of commercial sexual exploitation of minors. Our vision is to see every exploited youth redeemed and restored through our 4 pillars of Hope: Mentoring, Education, Community Engagement, and Counseling – Restoration.
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