As a child, Theresa Flores fought a personal battle with human trafficking and sexual abuse. As an adult, it is the mission of her social work to help kids in similar situations.
“it is simple,” says Flores. “I never got the help i needed.”
Her social work helped children and families at the YMCA for almost eight years. Flores says that as she spoke more about her childhood trauma, more people came forward knowing kids in similar situations. it became apparent to her that there was a need.
So, she recently left her position at the YMCA to focus on her new quest: Gracehaven, a home where she hopes to help at least 10 young ladies escape the violence she endured.
“We need a place for the victims to go to recover, hide, heal, and be a kid again,” she says. “It is the perfect combination – and God’s plan.”
Flores’ advocacy reaches beyond Central Ohio. The growing problem
the national spotlight in 2009, with appearances scheduled on NBC’s Today show, and a two-hour documentary to air on MSNBC.
Flores also shares her story in The Sacred Bath, a book which started as her personal journal.
“it’s the only tool i had to heal,” she says. She decided to break her silence after she realized hers was not an isolated case. She hopes the book will shed light on the situation for counselors who would not otherwise be knowledgeable about human trafficking.
Not just content with spreading the word – but putting an end to human trafficking – Flores organized a bill to make human trafficking illegal in Ohio. The bill passed last year.
Life is somewhat a balancing act for Flores, a single mother of three. At one point, she was writing her book, working full-time, raising her three boys and going to school for her Master’s degree.
“The victims motivate me. And my kids and their friends.”
She also says sharing her story with young people, and seeing them motivated to make a difference in the world gives her hope.
“My relationship with God and a walk through nature keep me grounded for this fight.” ▪