How Innocence Freed was Founded
Julie Shrader is the founder and CEO of Innocence Freed, an anti-trafficking NGO based in Nebraska. Julie is also the current Communications Director for Epstein Justice. Before the founding of Innocence Freed, Julie spent 12 years as the Founder and CEO of Rejuvenating Women, which has since been renamed, Restored Wings. Julie worked tirelessly for victims’ rights and implemented many policies within the RW program that had a success rate of 82%.
An 82% success rate for a program supporting trafficked survivors is very good. Here’s why:
- High Achievement: An 82% success rate indicates that the vast majority of participants are achieving positive outcomes, which is a significant accomplishment, especially given the complex and multifaceted challenges that trafficked survivors face.
- Comprehensive Support: This rate suggests that the program is likely to provide comprehensive and effective support across various critical areas such as physical and mental health, legal assistance, education, job training, and social reintegration.
- Benchmark Comparison: In the realm of social services and rehabilitation programs, achieving an 82% success rate is quite notable. Many programs struggle to reach such high levels of success due to the myriad challenges involved in helping survivors recover and rebuild their lives.
- Holistic Impact: The high success rate implies that the program is not only addressing immediate needs but also facilitating long-term recovery and reintegration, which is crucial for the sustained well-being of survivors.
- Indicator of Quality: This success rate reflects the quality and effectiveness of the program’s interventions, staff expertise, and the support network established for the survivors.
- Room for Continuous Improvement: While 82% is excellent, analyzing the remaining 18% can provide insights into potential areas for improvement, helping to further enhance the program’s effectiveness.
Overall, an 82% success rate signifies a highly effective program that is making a substantial positive impact on the lives of trafficked survivors under the leadership of Julie Shrader.
Through Julie Shrader’s 12-year impact in Nebraska, her work has significantly transformed the lives of countless individuals that span across the United States
Advocacy and Support Initiatives Implemented by the Founder and CEO, Julie Shrader
Personalized Survivor Support
Listening and Learning: Julie prioritizes understanding with each survivor’s story, allowing her to tailor the support and resources that Innocence Freed offers to meet their specific needs.
Holistic Care Approach: By focusing on physical, emotional, and psychological healing, Julie ensures that survivors receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their recovery.
Community and Family Engagement
Family Support: Recognizing the critical role of parents and families in the healing process, provided they are not the traffickers, Julie Shrader has initiated several innovative programs aimed at involving families in the recovery journey of trafficking survivors. These programs include:
Community Awareness Campaigns: Julie leads efforts to educate the community about human trafficking, aiming to reduce stigma and foster a supportive environment for survivors.
Long-Term Advocacy
Policy Advocacy: Julie works on influencing local and national policies to improve legal protections and resources for trafficking survivors.
Public Speaking and Education: Julie frequently participates in conferences, workshops, and seminars, sharing her experiences and knowledge to raise awareness and mobilize action against human trafficking.
Collaborative Partnerships
Building Alliances: Julie has 12 years of active collaboration with other organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders to create a robust network of support for survivors.
Resource Development: She is involved in securing funding and resources to expand Innocence Freed programs and services, ensuring sustainability and growth.
Empowerment and Reintegration
Skill Development Programs: Under Julie’s leadership, Innocence Freed offers various training programs to equip survivors with the skills needed for employment and independence.
Mentorship Opportunities: Julie has established mentorship programs where survivors who have progressed in their recovery can guide and support newer survivors, fostering a community of shared strength and resilience.
Through Julie Shrader’s dedicated efforts, Julie not only advocates for the immediate needs of trafficking survivors but also strives to create lasting change that empowers them to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Her leadership at Restored Wings, an NGO she founded and managed, exemplifies a compassionate and proactive approach to combating human trafficking and supporting its victims. Having survived herself, Julie’s personal journey has led to tangible outcomes in impact and healing.
Julie has raised awareness about human trafficking by providing education and training to businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies on a wide range of trafficking issues. She’s not only increased awareness but also equipped others to identify and combat trafficking in their communities. Her focus on addressing both the demand and supply sides of human trafficking reflects a holistic approach to tackling this complex issue. Indeed, targeting the root causes, such as the demand for exploitative services, is crucial in preventing further victimization.
Support Services:
Our program aims to create a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment where girls and women can receive the care they need to achieve lasting recovery and mental wellness.
We offer equine therapy with a faith-based component as part of our aftercare and support programs because it provides a unique and effective approach to healing and personal growth. Equine therapy, also known as horse therapy or equine-assisted therapy, leverages the natural bond between humans and horses to promote physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
