The Start

Building something meaningful from the ground up is never easy. It requires passion, sacrifice, and an unwavering faith in the vision God places on your heart. For me, that vision was deeply personal. As a survivor, I longed to create a haven—a space where broken hearts could find healing, where hope could be restored, and where lives could be transformed through the love of Christ.

In 2012, that dream began to take shape with the founding of Rejuvenating Women. For years, I wrestled with feelings of unworthiness, convinced that my past disqualified me from serving God. But when I fully surrendered my heart to Jesus, He transformed my brokenness into purpose. Through His grace, I found my calling: to help others experience the same healing, restoration, and freedom that only Jesus can provide.

God’s Plan in Motion

By His guidance, Rejuvenating Women became the first and only Christ-centered 501(c)(3) organization in Nebraska to purchase a home for trafficked adult women in 2016. This safe haven became a place where survivors could rebuild their lives, receive counseling, and rediscover their worth in Christ.

Then, in August of 2023, another incredible milestone was reached. The organization closed on a ranch in Blair, Nebraska, dedicated to helping trafficked children. This ranch wasn’t just a safe space—it was a sanctuary designed to meet the unique needs of young survivors.

Animal and equine therapy is at the heart of the ranch’s mission because of their proven ability to help children heal from complex trauma. Animals provide unconditional love and safety, creating a bridge of trust for children who may struggle to connect with others. Horses can mirror emotions, helping survivors process their feelings in ways words cannot. Having these therapeutic resources on-site ensures that children can access consistent care in a nurturing environment while experiencing the healing power of God’s love.

These milestones are a testament to God’s faithfulness and His ability to use a willing heart to bring hope to the broken.

The Betrayal

Building something so deeply personal also makes it vulnerable. As Rejuvenating Women grew and transformed into Restored Wings, I began to see a different side of leadership—one that wasn’t aligned with the original vision God placed on my heart.

Leadership requires trust, and I extended that trust to individuals I believed were equally committed to the mission. Over time, I realized that some were more focused on power and control than the people we were called to serve.

The most heartbreaking aspect of this betrayal wasn’t just losing control of the organization I had poured my blood, sweat, and tears into. It was the harm done to my reputation—the deliberate accusations made to discredit me. I was accused of mismanaging funds donated by a business, an untrue and baseless claim that deeply wounded me. As a survivor, I knew all too well the pain of being unfairly judged and disbelieved. To have my character attacked by those I trusted was devastating.

Resilience in the Face of Loss

These accusations didn’t just hurt me personally; they sought to tarnish the reputation I had worked so hard to build over all these years as a leader in n0nprofits. While the claims were proven to be completely unfounded, I found peace in knowing that truth and integrity will always prevail. I weighed my options, prayed, and discussed with my husband whether or not to take the board of directors to court for defamation, libel, and slander. I believe that the Lord will bring all of this to light and the evil motives of those few board members will be exposed if it hasn’t been already. 1 Corinthians 4:5 says, Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.

Amid this heartbreak, I gained clarity. Sometimes, challenges reveal the true hearts of people around you. This painful chapter showed me who truly valued the mission and who was driven by self-interest. It also reminded me that my worth isn’t defined by what others take from me but by the lives God allows me to impact.

Through this experience, I’ve learned that God’s plans are always greater than the schemes of others. Though losing control of Restored Wings felt like a personal loss, I know His mission will continue in ways I may not yet see. I’ve chosen to focus on the countless lives that have been transformed, the milestones reached, and the foundation built for future work.

Moving Forward with Innocence Freed

Though Restored Wings is no longer in my hands, the heart of my work continues. The lessons I’ve learned have fueled a renewed sense of purpose and led me to my next chapter: Innocence Freed.

This new nonprofit is a continuation of the mission God placed on my heart—to bring hope, Healing, and restoration to survivors of trafficking. With Innocence Freed, I will complete the task He called me to finish.

To anyone who has experienced the pain of having their work taken from them, know this: your worth isn’t defined by what others can take from you. It’s defined by your ability to keep moving forward, rebuild, and carry on with a heart steadfast in its purpose. Sometimes, the things we lose are the very things that free us. This journey has not only tested my resilience but also refined my focus. My mission to bring hope and restoration is far from over—it simply looks different now.

I am grateful for the lessons, even the hard ones. They’ve shown me the importance of building with intention, protecting what matters, and, most importantly, never losing sight of the people God calls us to serve.

Here’s to resilience, renewal, and continuing the work that makes the world a better place.

Julie A. Shrader, Founder/CEO
Innocence Freed