A Place of Dignity and Healing: “Clothed in Grace” Boutique Opening 

In the Omaha Metro area, a fresh, compassionate initiative is taking shape, one that goes beyond fashion to focus on dignity, restoration, and hope. “Clothed in Grace,” a new boutique created especially for survivors of human trafficking, is set to open in March, offering a safe and private space for girls and women rebuilding their lives.

Started by Julie Shrader, the founder of Innocence Freed, a nonprofit that supports survivors through therapy, advocacy, and community resources, this boutique answers a deep need for safety and empowerment. Shrader, herself a survivor of exploitation, has spent over a decade helping others reclaim their lives after trafficking.

Why a Specialized Boutique Matters

Survivors of human trafficking often face unique challenges, even in simple daily experiences like shopping for clothes. For many, public stores can trigger trauma; recognizing someone from the past or feeling exposed in crowded spaces can be overwhelming. Clothed in Grace is designed to change that.

By offering appointments in a private setting, survivors are given time and space to choose clothing that fits not just their size, but their comfort level and sense of identity. This isn’t merely about garments on a rack; it’s about restoring choice, confidence, and self-respect.

A Community Partnership for Good

The boutique is made possible through a partnership with Clothes Mentor, a resale store in northwest Omaha. Together, we are opening Clothed in Grace — Innocence Freed Boutique by Clothes Mentor — a survivor-centered boutique created with dignity, compassion, and care.

Clothes Mentor accepts donated items from the community and helps ensure that clothing finds a meaningful purpose. Some items are compensated, others donated, and now many will help clothe survivors in a place where they feel safe and dignified.

Andrea McCarther, co-owner of Clothes Mentor, shared that this space allows survivors “to pick out what they want off the rack,” a simple but powerful statement about autonomy and respect.

More Than Clothing – A Step Toward Healing

Each piece of clothing represents something far greater than fashion. It symbolizes restoration, choice, independence, and new beginnings, all of which are critical as survivors transition into a life beyond trauma.

In a world that often overlooks the quiet struggles of trafficking survivors, Clothed in Grace stands as a testament to empathy put into action, a place where community support turns into life-affirming experiences.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. ~ Proverbs 31:25

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