Last year, a former at: project staff member bravely shared her lived experience as a trafficking survivor in an in-depth interview with Ruralite Magazine. Referred to as “Jane” in the article, she recounts being trafficked from a young age by family members – exploitation that continued throughout her adolescence and into adulthood. In her early 20s, she found the strength and opportunity to escape. After breaking free, she was connected with at: project, where she received the specialized support, advocacy, and stability she needed to begin rebuilding her life.
The story, published in January 2024, highlights not only Jane’s extraordinary resilience but also the critical role that trauma-informed services play in helping survivors find safety and regain a sense of self. Earlier this year, the piece received a national storytelling award from Pioneer Utility Resources, recognizing impactful journalism that centers community voices and sheds light on underreported issues.
This recognition helps bring broader awareness to the realities of trafficking – especially in rural communities – and underscores why elevating survivor stories is so important to the work we do.
Read the original story: ruralite.com/giving-a-voice-to-the-silent
Award announcement: pioneerutilityresources.com/sea2025