Innocence Freed

Julie and Innocence Freed are absolutely incredible. Julie's unrivaled heart for trafficking survivors paired with her incredible expertise and experience in the counter trafficking fight make her a powerful advocate for those that have experienced exploitation and trafficking.

Julie Shrader is a remarkable advocate for survivors of human trafficking. As the founder of Rejuvenating Women, she poured her heart and soul into building a safe haven for trafficked women. Julie’s unwavering dedication, passion, and determination led her to create life-changing programs that offered not just immediate rescue but long-term healing and support. Her leadership empowered countless women to reclaim their lives, offering them hope, safety, and the tools to build a better future. Julie and I met in 2016 through our work together, as I served as a grant writer and funder, and we have since become dear friends. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand her tireless efforts and the profound impact of her advocacy. She is truly an inspirational leader and a champion for survivors.

As a survivor of human trafficking, I can say that finding a place like Innocence Freed has been a life-changing experience. I feel genuinely seen, valued, and respected. Julie, my mentor, has been my guide through one of the hardest journeys of my life, offering me not only support but hope. Her deep understanding of the trauma I've endured has helped me to feel safe for the first time in a long time.

Innocence Freed goes above and beyond by providing so many essential services, from therapy and life skills training to court advocacy and job placement. The team here is truly dedicated; they focus on helping survivors heal and thrive, not just survive. I’ve had the chance to participate in animal-assisted therapy, life skills classes, and support groups—all of which have helped me rebuild my confidence and trust in others.

Julie has been an incredible source of strength for me. She has helped me understand what it means to have a relationship with Jesus and has taught me that Jesus is my savior who heals my past. She listens to my story with compassion and without judgment, and she has helped me see my future with possibility instead of fear. Her mentorship has shown me what it feels like to be empowered and to believe in myself again.

Innocence Freed isn’t just a program; it’s a community that wraps around you when you feel alone. I’m so grateful for this program and for Julie’s mentorship—it’s made all the difference in my journey toward freedom and healing.

Julie does not believe helping survivors stops when they are graduating or leaving a program. She knows that the healing process goes far beyond what others can imagine. She is there to help navigate them through living in the “world” a new way. God designed her just for this. IF will help a great deal of survivors and I am proud to be a part of that.

Julie has followed the Lord’s call on her life to help trafficking survivors- especially SRA survivors. This call has come with incredible personal costs to her and much warfare and push back from the enemy, yet she still persists in her calling. She has been obedient and open to the Lord’s leading in her own life, and has rebuilt back even stronger. IF is a critical part of what’s missing in our community. There is virtually no real help for trafficking survivors and Julie and IF bridge that gap. Julie is a voice for the voiceless and one who understands survivors in a way others cannot. I highly recommend IF and its mission in our community and beyond.

I have seen firsthand, by volunteering with the survivors, that this organization is there for the right reasons and implementing every detail of needed healing. Julie has a heart for these victims of exploitation, and God has a plan for her and her vision. Let’s work together to raise awareness.

Innocence Freed is an amazing organization doing the work of the Lord in a tangible way. Offering a faith based organization to those suffering from the trauma of sex trafficking is not easy in today's world. IF is relying fully on the LORD as Julie and others come together to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Julie’s mission brings lasting change to trafficking survivors. Her passion and dedication profoundly impact their lives through support, care, counseling, and love. Her faith in Innocence Freed is inspiring, as her unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking empowers survivors to rebuild their lives. Julie’s belief in healing truly makes a difference for those she serves. Denise P.

Here is my testimony of IF
I have been receiving help from Innocence Freed since leaving another program I was in. I left that program due to a lack of leadership, disorganization, and a focus on their own needs over mine. From the moment I connected with Julie at Innocence Freed, everything changed.

Through their support, I have been able to obtain essential services such as furniture, assistance with bills, mentorship, and, most importantly, friendship and trust. The volunteers and Julie Shrader have given me a reason to continue my new life—sober and free from toxic relationships. Learning how to be dependent on myself and God is something I had never learned before, and it has been life-changing. I have also spent time with horses which helped me get over my fears and build confidence.

Innocence Freed's aftercare program and unwavering support mean the world to me. They have given me the tools and encouragement I need to rebuild my life with confidence and hope. I can't thank Innocence Freed enough for believing in me and showing me grace when others didn't.

Innocence Freed is making an impact on a national level. Julie has partnered with National Anti-trafficking organizations to ensure that Innocence Freed is up to date on methods that work for the restoration, healing and safety for the victims of human trafficking.
Innocence Freed has an out reach vision that assists all members of the community and educates all aspects of our society about human trafficking including the identification and protection of high risk youth to public education in recognizing the firms and signs of human trafficking..
Pretty amazing work!