Real Rescues

Working to raise donations for Women At Risk, International’s 911 Rescue Fund, we want to share the impact your contributions make in the lives of others, in their time of need. Here are stories of Real Rescues.


The Genesis of WAR, Int’l’s 911 Rescue Fund: Ellie

Mai cut the cooked egg into four sections, dividing it equally between her four hungry children. With another one on the way, there would soon be five hungry mouths to feed.

Two weeks after her new little one was born, Mai sold Ellie, her beautiful baby girl, to local traffickers. When our partnering safehouse heard about the situation, they tracked Ellie down and loaned Mai money to buy her back, despite threats from the traffickers.

Now adopted into a safe home, Ellie is blossoming under the love and care she receives.

Our 911 Rescue Fund grew out of this partner’s request in the dead of night to rescue this precious baby girl who had been sold to Thai traffickers for $200. Becky McDonald, founder and president of WAR, Int’l, was shocked they had to ask for the funding to rescue. Becky promised the money blindly, saying she would have a garage sale if necessary, and begged them to rescue the baby without delay!

We want WAR, Int’l and its partners to be empowered to immediately intervene in a rescue—not wait for the funding needed to save a life.


This Week’s Rescue Story: Margaret

Too many times, the trafficker is someone the victim knows. For Margaret, this was her story. Margaret’s boyfriend forced her to sleep with other men in order for him to secure drugs.

A moment in time allowed her, along with her teenage daughter (who WAR, Int’l was advised had thankfully not been trafficked), to escape. Like many others, they simply left with the clothes on their backs. It was during this time, when they were hiding in a hotel, that WAR, Int’l received Margaret’s call and was able to provide assistance.

Because of funding in our 911 Rescue Fund, we were able to provide food, clothing, and other basic essentials. To be reunited with family in another city, we also assisted with transportation needs.

It is through the generosity of the WAR Family that WAR, Int’l is able to effect change for the lives of those in need, in their time of need. Together … we rescue. #EffectChange


This Week’s Rescue Story: Angel

The day COVID-19 hit the U.S. in 2020, Rebecca McDonald, founder & president of WAR, Int’l, hid a young woman in her car.

When you help a woman escape exploitation, you see the painfully high cost of freedom. While she leaves abuse behind, in many cases she’s also leaving everything she’s ever known. She may never see family again if they were the root problem. Starting over is exhausting, let alone while navigating trauma and healing as well. Freedom is not free but painfully expensive in a thousand different ways.

For hours, Angel had run barefoot from her traffickers before she got WAR, Int’l’s number from a national hotline. Thankfully, she called us and we were able to assist her. As Angel was running from her trafficker, Becky hid Angel in her car as we arranged safe housing.

Today, Angel is flourishing as a legal secretary; pro bono lawyers have cleared the crimes claimed against her; she has visitation with her kiddos again; and thanks to the WAR family, she was able to get a car. Her lawyers had told her she needed a car so the judge would take her seriously because her only mode of transportation at the time had been a bicycle.

Your WAR, Int’l GT ‘23 gift immediately empowers rescue and intervention.


This Week’s Rescue Story: Ramona

Overcoming unimaginable circumstances, Ramona found the strength to be a witness against her traffickers in court. There is great importance in shedding light on the realities of human trafficking and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Having received a call from a federal agency, WAR, Int’l was asked to take Ramona shopping for clothes she could wear to court. We went into overdrive to “outfit” this courageous survivor to be the key witness against a trafficking ring. We ignored the attention we attracted by shopping under armed guard, and instead, rejoiced as we watched Ramona’s countenance transform from fear to confidence!

She whispered, “Why do you care for me when you don’t even know me?”

We love that question! The 911 Rescue Fund allows us to immediately engage in the moment of danger and empowers us to love in the name of Christ. We applauded Ramona’s resilience and were honored to be a part of her story.

GT ‘23 is fast approaching, benefitting the 911 Rescue Fund that allows us to respond, inform, and reach into lives with action. A matching gift doubles its impact.

Please consider donating today as the need for our 911 Rescue Fund is very real.


This Week’s Rescue Story: Moses

At four months old, Moses was an adorable baby—but his family offered to sell him to anyone who wanted him. In this situation, he came to the notice of a group of our partners who took turns watching him. Fortunately for Moses, we found him before a trafficker did. While the law tied our hands, we were able to use money from the 911 Rescue Fund to pay for his immediate needs.

Consider donating today to start making an impact as your gift immediately empowers rescue and intervention.


Want to start effecting change today?

Give online here.

Send a check to: Women At Risk, International, 2790 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519.

If you write a check, please be sure to note on the memo line that it is for our Giving Tuesday campaign so your contribution can be counted toward our goal!

Want other ways to effect change?

1. Share our posts on social media: Facebook & Instagram.
2. Talk about Giving Tuesday with friends and family.
3. Ask your company if they have a corporate donation policy.

Reflections on my internship

Author: Emily, WAR, Int’l Intern


What initially brought me to WAR was my interest in the anti-trafficking and anti-sexual exploitation movement that started several years ago. I knew I wanted an internship before graduating college for work experience, and I wanted my internship to be at an organization working in the anti-trafficking area since I’m considering working in a non-profit after graduation.

My mom visited the WAR Chest Boutique last year and sent me some earrings and brochures, and that’s how I first heard about this specific organization. My initial interview was very encouraging, and when I was offered the internship that had a lot of flexibility for my personal schedule, I accepted.

I’ve learned many things from my time here!! One thing I really appreciated was having a much more in-depth understanding of how a small non-profit organization like WAR operates and is influential locally and internationally. The need for partnering with other non-profits and shelters/programs is something I’ve taken out of this internship. I’ve been impressed by the high business and ethical standards here.

I’ve also learned that there are many different jobs needed in a non-profit organization (and a lot of overlap between positions when it’s a smaller non-profit!). That’s encouraging to me, since my major is Sociology and not Social Work, and so I know I can’t be involved in the social work aspect of anti-trafficking organizations with just a Bachelors.

I’ve learned the extreme importance of cultural sensitivity in this field, both internationally–I remember Becky’s story about the University of Chicago(?) trying to get abused women divorces in a culture where that’s a bad idea–and locally, since shelters in the United States are modeled after international shelters and so aren’t as effective here because of our individualistic values.

One other thing I learned was how to make effective social media posts, specifically using language consistent with the organization and avoiding language that could mislead or overwhelm the audience. Since my minor is in Communications, I really appreciated getting this experience, and also being able to use my sociological appreciation of statistics as well.

My next steps after this internship will be to talk to my advisor about how I can perhaps utilize my specific Sociology degree in the anti-trafficking field. I want to find out if getting a Masters is enough to help me work in some research capacity in the future. But whether or not I end up working in an anti-trafficking/sexual exploitation organization, I want to remain involved by volunteering with local organizations, sharing on social media, and donating once I become financially stable post-graduation.

Although the things I’ve learned during my internship has been overwhelming at times, I still feel very and more passionate about this important issue, and I also feel more equipped to talk about it. Overall my internship has been a great experience, and I’ve really enjoyed and will miss working with my fellow interns and my supervisors here.

Call To Actions –

Apply for an internship here.
Learn more about WAR’s work here.
Resources for you here.

Giving Tuesday 2023

November 28, 2023


Giving Tuesday started as an idea in response to #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday purchases. Annually, millions of dollars are generously donated to nonprofit organizations to aid the work of their hands and make a difference in the lives of those in need.

WAR’s word for Giving Tuesday 2023 is impact.

We all want to make an impact with our resources in order to make a difference in the world and in the lives of others. Your WAR, Int’l Giving Tuesday gift immediately empowers rescue and intervention.

Our goal is to raise $40,000 for our 911 Rescue Fund.

Our 911 Rescue Fund grew out of a partner’s request in the dead of night to rescue a baby who had been sold to Thai traffickers for $200. Our president was shocked they had to ask for the funding to rescue! We want our partners to be empowered to immediately intervene—not wait for the funding needed to save a life.

This fund is vital as it allows WAR, Int’l and its partners to rush to the aid of those in imminent danger. We rely on this fund when we get an emergency call from a frantic woman trying to escape her trafficker, when a desperate partner calls about a crisis situation, and when life-saving intervention is urgently needed. When circumstances call for immediate action, there is no time to ask for donations. The 911 Rescue Fund enables us to respond to urgent situations like these at a moment’s notice.

Our Headquarters is always involved in rescue efforts.

Over the next few weeks, leading up to November 28th, Giving Tuesday 2022, we will be sharing Stories Of Rescue to help you grasp the scope of your WAR Int’l Giving Tuesday donation and its impact.

One act of kindness can make a powerful difference. Giving Tuesday is an intentional way to generate a purposeful impact by giving to rescue, restore, and empower vulnerable men, women, and children across the street and around the globe.

Together, We Rescue.

Want to start making an impact today?

Give online here.

Send a check to:
Women At Risk, International
2790 44th St. SW
Wyoming, MI 49519

If you write a check, please be sure to note on the memo line that it is for our Giving Tuesday campaign so your contribution can be counted toward our goal!

Want other ways to make an impact?
-Share our posts on social media: Facebook & Instagram.
-Talk about Giving Tuesday with friends and family
-Ask your company if they have a corporate donation policy

Real Stories of Rescue

“Most stories are never told due to their danger and confidentiality…but because of you, they’re real rescues.” Becky McDonald

November 2022


Ellie.

Mai cut the cooked egg into four sections, dividing it equally between her four hungry children. With another one on the way, there would soon be five hungry mouths to feed.

Two weeks after her new little one was born, Mai sold Ellie, her beautiful baby girl, to local traffickers. When our partnering safehouse heard about the situation, they tracked Ellie down and loaned Mai money to buy her back, despite threats from the traffickers.

Now adopted into a safe home, Ellie is blossoming under the love and care she needs.

Our 911 Rescue fund grew out of this partner’s request in the dead of night to rescue this precious baby girl who had been sold to Thai traffickers for $200. Becky, founder and president of WAR, Int’l, was shocked they had to ask for the funding to rescue. Becky promised the money blindly, saying she would have a garage sale if necessary, and begged them to rescue the baby without delay!


Moses.

At four months old, Moses was an adorable baby—but his family offered to sell him to anyone who wanted him. In this situation, he came to the notice of a group of our partners, who took turns watching him. Fortunately for Moses, we found him before a trafficker did. While the law tied our hands, we were able to use money from the 911 Rescue Fund to pay for his immediate needs.


Nadia.

Just recently, we helped facilitate the rescue of a woman running from the mob after she was discovered hiding in a church. She was so frightened she attempted to jump out of a moving car when someone tried taking her to a hospital. Two WAR volunteers who are fluent in her language were able to calm her down, and our friends at Homeland Security helped us get her into a safehouse. While addressing her medical needs, we discovered she’s almost blind in one eye and needs glasses. Having funds readily available to cover these costs is crucial.

When you help a woman escape exploitation, you witness the painfully high cost of freedom. While she leaves abuse behind, in many cases she’s leaving everything she’s ever known. She may never see family again, especially if they were part of the problem. Starting over is exhausting, let alone simultaneously navigating trauma and healing.

Freedom is not free but painfully expensive in a thousand different ways.


Meadow.

Meadow’s father was her trafficker. Rather than cherish and protect his daughter, he sold her innocence to local politicians. Though Meadow is now safe with her mother in hiding, she bravely attempts to overcome the past betrayal and trauma. For Meadow, making sugar scrubs has been a source of peace, a small part of repairing the brokenness of the past. However, Meadow’s future also benefits from this therapeutic process. As Women At Risk, International proudly stands beside this brave young girl, we ask you to stand with us to support those at risk in our own communities.


Ready to start making an impact today?

GIVE TODAY

LEARN MORE HERE

#TogetherWeRescue

From sweater days to wooly nights

How is it that November is already upon us? This month kicks off the beginning of the holiday season, and if you’re anything like the rest of us, your calendar is filling up fast. That’s why we want to notify you ahead of time what opportunities there are to partner with WAR, Int’l in making a difference during this busy time of year.

Whether participating in our Giving Tuesday Campaign, joining in the festivities at a pop-up event, or checking items off your holiday shopping list at WAR Chest Boutique, you are helping us continue our mission of rescue, restoration, and empowerment. We are beyond grateful for your continued encouragement and support.


Giving Tuesday: November 29, 2022

The word we have chosen as a theme for Giving Tuesday 2022 is impact.

We all want to make a positive impact on the world around us, especially for those in need. We have a goal to raise $40,000 for our 911 Rescue Fund, and your gift empowers immediate rescue and intervention when life-saving action is required. A single act of kindness can make a powerful difference. Together, we can create an impact by giving to rescue, restore, and empower vulnerable lives around the globe.

Learn more about our Giving Tuesday campaign here.

Donate here.


In Case you Missed It…

Our A Holiday to Remember lookbook is here! We are delighted to display our beautiful products for you to purchase, share, and enjoy, and it is our hope you find a sense of peace and purpose in shopping our collection of handcrafted gifts this holiday season. We’re confident you’ll not only discover items your friends and family will love, but you’ll also empower the rescued and at risk by purchasing the work of their hands.

Shop our Holiday Lookbook here!


Becky at Wheaton

Join Becky as she speaks at the IJM Chapter of Wheaton College on Wednesday, November 2 from 4:00-5:00 pm CT. Come learn about human trafficking and how you can combat this evil in your community. Products made by and in support of rescued and at-risk individuals will also be available for purchase after the event until 7:30 pm. Find additional details here.


Joy 99 Live

WAR Chest Boutique invites you to join us on Friday, November 4 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm EDT for a live remote radio broadcast with our friends at Joy 99. Come on over and spin the Joy 99 prize wheel and enter our drawing for a chance to score an exclusive gift basket from WAR Chest Boutique! For any in-store purchases of $30 or more, you’ll also receive a FREE gift of a Compass Key Ring made in our U.S. Training Center.

Learn more at upcoming events.


Holiday Gift Fair

We’ve been invited to host a pop-up shop of WAR Chest Boutique products at the Lansing Grace Alternative Holiday Gift Fair on Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm EDT. If you’re in the area, come join the festivities and support WAR, Int’l along with other fair trade merchants. A bake sale and children’s activities will also be part of the merriment. More info here.


Becky Speaking

On Sunday, November 6 Becky will be speaking at the 11:15 am service of First Congregational Church of Christ in Angola, IN. You are invited to hear her share about the realities of trafficking in our world today and the work we’re accomplishing at WAR, Int’l, particularly in Afghanistan and Ukraine. You will hear stories of rescue and hope and have opportunity to shop products made by rescued and at-risk artisans around the globe.

Learn more details here.


Bombshell Birthday Bash

Come kick off the holiday shopping season and stop by our pop-up shop at the Bombshell Beauty Lounge on Saturday, November 19 from 10 am-2 pm. As part of their anniversary celebration, we have been invited to take part in the festivities, and we hope you’ll join us! The Bombshell Birthday Bash is a great way to support WAR, Int’l while also having some fun! Find more info here.


Light Up Your World – November 28th

Don’t forget to join us for another survivor testimonial on this month’s Light Up Your World Zoom call! On Monday, November 28 special guest AJ will once again be joining us to share more about her personal journey of becoming a birth mother and finding healing from trauma and addiction. As she shares, your heart will be deeply touched, and you will find AJ is more than a survivor–she is also a THRIVER who has made it her life’s work to empower other survivors as they traverse the path to healing.

Visit our upcoming events page for additional details.