Lauren — was part of our human trafficking Residential Treatment program, came to Wedgwood broken and burdened by the horrific experiences she had endured.

Throughout the time she was being abused and exploited, the adults in her life who were supposed to protect her instead looked the other way. Church leaders and family members knew ‘Lauren’ needed help and did nothing.

At first ‘Lauren’ really connected with one of our chaplains, LeRae, but when ‘Lauren’ realized LeRae was a pastor, she immediately put up walls.

It was people with that exact same title that had let her down before. Her experience had taught her that people who claim to represent Jesus can’t be trusted and don’t want what’s best for you.

As ‘Lauren’ settled in a bit more at Wedgwood, and got to know the staff and the chaplains, her walls started to come down. She was seeing genuine love and acceptance modeled day in and day out.

As her time at Wedgwood drew to a close, and ‘Lauren’ prepared to transition into an independent living placement.

‘Lauren’ insisted on attending one last session of LOVED (our campus youth group) and courageously invited all three of Wedgwood’s Chaplains to not just attend her send-off party, but to also gather around to lay their hands on her and pray over her next chapter.