How Innocence Freed was Founded

Julie Shrader is the Founder and CEO of Innocence Freed, an anti-trafficking nonprofit based in Nebraska dedicated to serving child and adult female survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. She also served as the Communications Director for Epstein Justice, amplifying national awareness and advocacy efforts for survivor justice.

Before establishing Innocence Freed, Julie spent 12 years as the Founder and CEO of Rejuvenating Women, now renamed Lily Haven. Under her leadership, she advanced victims’ rights, advocacy, and legislation, developed trauma-informed systems of care, and implemented evidence-based policies that resulted in an 82% success rate within the program, an exceptional achievement in the anti-trafficking field.

Why an 82% Success Rate Is Exceptional

An 82% success rate for trafficked survivors is notably high, reflecting:

High Achievement: Most participants reached measurable, life-changing progress.
Comprehensive, Trauma-Informed Care: Consistent support across mental health, safety, legal advocacy, education, and life skills.
Comparative Excellence: Far surpasses typical success outcomes seen in similar programs nationwide.
Holistic Recovery: Indicates long-term healing and reintegration, not just short-term stabilization.
Quality and Leadership: Demonstrates Julie’s program design expertise, survivor-centered leadership, and commitment to excellence.
Growth Opportunities: Understanding the remaining 18% fosters ongoing innovation and improvement.

Julie Shrader’s Lasting Impact

Through 12 years of service in Nebraska, Julie’s work has transformed the lives of countless survivors across the United States. As a lived-experience expert, advocate, and faith-driven leader, she continues to shape best practices, influence community responses, and champion justice, healing, and hope.

Julie’s Faith and Calling

Julie’s leadership is grounded in her unwavering belief that Jesus rescues, restores, and redeems. She credits every part of her journey to the steadfast love of Christ, who met her in her brokenness and called her to help others find healing and freedom.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3

Julie believes this promise is not just for the survivors she serves, but also for her. Jesus has walked with her through adversity, lifted her when she felt unworthy, and continues to pour His love, grace, and strength into her as she serves the vulnerable.

Advocacy and Support Initiatives Implemented by the Founder and CEO, Julie Shrader

Personalized Survivor Support
Listening and Learning: As a survivor herself, Julie prioritizes understanding 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, spiritual, 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, children 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:

Family Counseling: Offering professional counseling sessions to help families process their own emotions and understand the complex trauma experienced by their loved ones. This includes both individual and group counseling options to cater to diverse needs.
Educational Workshops: Conducting educational workshops to inform families about the dynamics of trafficking, the psychological impact on survivors, and effective ways to provide support. These workshops empower families with knowledge and practical skills.
Support Groups: Establishing support groups where family members can share their experiences, challenges, and successes with others in similar situations. These groups create a community of understanding and solidarity, providing emotional support and practical advice.

Julie’s support groups and programs are designed to create a holistic support system that facilitates the healing process and fosters a nurturing environment for survivors.

Community Awareness Campaigns: Julie leads efforts to educate the community about human trafficking, aiming to reduce stigma and stereotypes while fostering 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, trainings, and seminars, sharing her personal stories and experiences along with 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 the public to create a robust network of support for survivors.

Resource Development: Julie 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, a nonprofit she founded and managed, exemplifies a compassionate and proactive approach to combating human trafficking and supporting its victims. Having survived herself, Julie’s 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 programs aim 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-assisted learning (EAL) 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 assisted learning or equine-assisted therapy, leverages the natural bond between humans and horses to promote physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.