Connecting Our Stories

Today we sit down with Emily Douglas, Community Outreach Coordinator at the Blaine Police Department in Minnesota, to talk about healthy communities, the "bank of trust" and how we believe changing culture is indeed possible. Get your bracelet here! These elastic bracelets are a statement of belief that your story matters and the stories of others around you matter. Medium and Large sizes available.storiesfoundation.org/your-story-matters-campaignPlease consider sharing this episode and the bracelet campaign with a friend!#yourstorymatters

Thank you for joining us on this journey where we learn more about the world and people around us as we do this work to inspire communities, influence culture and provide action steps along the way.Here are a few of our favorite conversations from previous episodes:> Healing Trauma Through Creativity> Francine Rivers & Redeeming Love> It's A Human Issue> Gina's Story Pt. 1> Story of a BuyerLISTEN, SHARE A LEAVE A REVIEW!Your participation in any of these ways help us spread this awareness and further our mission. Thank you!

Happy 2024 from all of us here at Stories Foundation and the Connecting our Stories Podcast! At Stories Foundation we believe every person has a unique story and every story matters. We all know in our stories there are messy, hard and beautiful pieces and when we share story together we gain a greater understanding of each other and the world we live in. In this episode we hear from our friend and survivor of human trafficking and exploitation, Ren. Ren's shares vulnerably about her story and for some, it may be triggering. We create compassionate spaces for ourselves and others here, remember to have compassion for yourself as you listen!If you have questions or want to learn more about human trafficking and the things Ren shares in this episode, reach out to hello@storiesfoundation.org for more resources. You can partner with us in this work by sharing this podcast, leaving us a review and making a donation at www.storiesfoundation.org. 

Stories Foundation is a nonprofit and for our End of Year event this year instead of a Gala we did a Ted Talk style event on Relationships! We are thrilled to be able to bring the content to you via our first live podcast. This conversation about relationships matters because in relationships people are manipulated, exploited and trafficked AND in relationships we can prevent human trafficking, intervene in human trafficking and see healing and restoration take place. As we close out the year, we invite you to partner with us by taking ACTION. Become a monthly or one time donor, host an in person or virtual awareness event, connect us to a school or front line agency. There are many ways we can decrease human trafficking in our communities - thank you for partnering with us! Statistics:> 1 in 3 young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship.> Only 1/3 of young people who are in an abusive or unhealthy relationship will tell someone.> 1 in 5 young people report being emotionally abused by a friend or partner.> A study in 2019 polled Baby Boomers, Gen X and Millennials on how often they feel lonely. An average of 21% of adults polled report being "very often/always" feeling lonely. 15% of Boomers, 20% of Gen X and 30% of Millennials.> Forbes reports that 73% of Gen Z says they feel "very often/always" lonely. Download the program and follow along HERE.

In this episode you'll hear from Tony Loyd. Tony is an encourager, a coach of coaches, an entrepreneur and a humble visionary. He is a best-selling author, business coach, and running coach. Through Culture Shift Companies, he mentors startup founders who use business to do social good.Hear more from Tony at the Connecting Our Stories event on November 16. It's NOT TOO LATE to sign up! Click the link below to register.* EVENT ALERT *Connecting Our Stories: a live podcast event on how we relate to othersThis is a TED Talk style event where we get honest about relationships. Everyone is in relationships (friends, family, and community).Hear from experts in various fields share their lived experience and offer wisdom on relationships and connection.SPEAKERS:> Tony Loyd (Author | Crazy Good Ideas)> Heidi Mortenson (MA, LMFT, CDWF | Bridging Hope Counseling)> Emily Douglas (Community Outreach Coordinator | Blaine Police Dept) & Holly Lammers (Victim/Witness Services Manager | Anoka County)> Scott Kirchoff (Campus Pastor | Eagle Brook - Blaine)3 ways to join us:> REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE> BUY an AD Spot HERE> SPONSOR the event HEREIf you are local to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN -- please come! to laugh, learn and take action for healthy relationships and against exploitation and manipulation as we raise awareness and funds to end human trafficking.This event will be recorded and released as a podcast episode for the Connecting our Stories podcast. Don't miss out, invite those who you want to learn about healthy relationships and be activated to take action with today!

Steph sits down with Heidi Mortenson, one of our speakers for the upcoming first ever podcast event on healthy and unhealthy relationships. She shares on who she is, what she does and why this topic is valuable to her. Check out Heidi's book The Brave Encourager too!Join us on the 16th in person or watch for the podcast soon after.If the Connecting our Stories Podcast has been valuable to you, will you share it with your community and leave a review so more people can find us?* EVENT ALERT *Connecting Our Stories: a live podcast event on how we relate to othersThis is a TED Talk style event where we get honest about relationships. Everyone is in relationships (friends, family, and community). Hear from experts in various fields share their lived experience and offer wisdom on relationships and connection.SPEAKERS:> Tony Loyd (Author | Crazy Good Ideas)> Heidi Mortenson (MA, LMFT, CDWF | Bridging Hope Counseling)> Emily Douglas (Community Outreach Coordinator | Blaine Police Dept) & Holly Lammers (Victim/Witness Services Manager | Anoka County)> Scott Kirchoff (Campus Pastor | Eagle Brook - Blaine)3 ways to join us:> REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE> BUY an AD Spot HERE> SPONSOR the event HEREIf you are local to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN -- please come! to laugh, learn and take action for healthy relationships and against exploitation and manipulation as we raise awareness and funds to end human trafficking.This event will be recorded and released as a podcast episode for the Connecting our Stories podcast. Don't miss out, invite those who you want to learn about healthy relationships and be activated to take action with today!

Steph sits down with Emily Douglas and Holly Lammers two of our speakers for the upcoming first ever podcast event on healthy and unhealthy relationships. They share who they are, what they do and why this topic is valuable to them. Join us on the 16th in person or watch for the podcast soon after. If the Connecting our Stories Podcast has been valuable to you, will you share it with your community and leave a review so more people can find us?* EVENT ALERT * Connecting Our Stories: a live podcast event on how we relate to othersThis is a TED Talk style event where we get honest about relationships. Everyone is in relationships (friends, family, and community).  Hear from experts in various fields share their lived experience and offer wisdom on relationships and connection.SPEAKERS:> Tony Loyd (Author | Crazy Good Ideas) > Heidi Mortenson (MA, LMFT, CDWF | Bridging Hope Counseling)> Emily Douglas (Community Outreach Coordinator | Blaine Police Dept) & Holly Lammers (Victim/Witness Services Manager | Anoka County)> Scott Kirchoff (Campus Pastor | Eagle Brook - Blaine)3 ways to join us:> REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE> BUY an AD Spot HERE> SPONSOR the event HEREIf you are local to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN -- please come! to laugh, learn and take action for healthy relationships and against exploitation and manipulation as we raise awareness and funds to end human trafficking.This event will be recorded and released as a podcast episode for the Connecting our Stories podcast. Don't miss out, invite those who you want to learn about healthy relationships and be activated to take action with today!

* EVENT ALERT *In this episode Steph and Ana Lena give you a sneak peek at the first ever Podcast Event! Connecting Our Stories: a live podcast event on how we relate to othersThis is a TED Talk style event where we get honest about relationships. Everyone is in relationships (friends, family, and community).  Hear from experts in various fields share their lived experience and offer wisdom on relationships and connection. SPEAKERS:> Tony Loyd (Author | Crazy Good Ideas) > Heidi Mortenson (MA, LMFT, CDWF | Bridging Hope Counseling)> Emily Douglas (Community Outreach Coordinator | Blaine Police Dept) & Holly Lammers (Victim/Witness Services Manager | Anoka County)> Scott Kirchoff (Campus Pastor | Eagle Brook - Blaine) 3 ways to join us:> REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE> BUY an AD Spot HERE> SPONSOR the event HEREIf you are local to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN -- please come! to laugh, learn and take action for healthy relationships and against exploitation and manipulation as we raise awareness and funds to end human trafficking.This event will be recorded and released as a podcast episode for the Connecting our Stories podcast. Don't miss out, invite those who you want to learn about healthy relationships and be activated to take action with today!

Lalenya is a survivor who has chosen to bravely share your story with us, and also use her story to impact others by starting a nonprofit. We're so grateful she chose to share her story, and we hope that all of us listening can learn more about what intimate partner violence, and abuse looks like and what it looks like to get a place of healing so that you can share and help others. Thanks for listening!Clearview Works Facebook

Get tickets to the event Steph mentioned at the end of the episode HERE:storiesfoundation.kindful.com/e/create-for-changeYou'll get to pour a candle, pot a plant, eat good food and listen to Steph Page give a talk on how worth and value play a role in the fight against human trafficking in our communities.$50/person* SPACE IS LIMITED *

In this episode of the Connecting Our Stories podcast, we have a chat with one of our favorite authors Francine Rivers. Francine is the best selling author of Redeeming Love, The Scarlet Thread, The Atonement Child - just to name a few! You can check out her work at francinerivers.com. In our conversation today we hear the story behind the story of Redeeming Love and talk about the importance and value of storytelling. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode and share it with a friend.Follow @storiesfoundation on Instagram & Facebook for details on a few giveaways happening soon.YOU ARE INVITED! Join us November 18 for a comedy hour fundraiser for Storyteller Cafe.Tickets are available now, and space is limited. Claim your spot HERE or at storiesfoundation.org/events.

Today we sit down with our dear friend Danielle Freitag. She is a fierce woman fighting for the freedom of those trapped in a life of exploitation, which she has a personal connection to. Danielle helps us see the hope that comes out of the work being done to restore those coming out of a life of exploitation and how we can engage.Learn more about Action169, Rose House and Danielle's book The Garden Keys HERE.Want to support the work Stories Foundation is doing to fight trafficking in Minnesota?Join us HERE.

Steph chats with Mark Steenbarger and Emily Taylor-Ginger about their inventive way of utilizing media to tell stories of those who have survived abuse and exploitation. The mission at Point of View Story is to empower survivors by creating moments through the power of film. Their work is radical and will change the way we relate to stories of trafficking  and develop compassion for both those who have similar experiences and for ourselves. Learn more about Point of View Story HERE.IMPACT PRODUCER: Emily Taylor-Ginger, MSW, LCSWEmily is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health therapist whobegan working in the anti-trafficking field in 2013. She has workedalongside survivors of CSE ages 12-50 providing therapy, groups, casemanagement, and advocacy. She has participated in anti-traffickingresearch, policy directives, and education and training in addition to herclinical practice. Emily offers her expertise in the field of mental health,trauma-informed/ healing-centered care, and working alongside survivors.FILMMAKER: Mark Steenbarger, MFA Film Candidate 2021Mark became involved in anti-trafficking work in 2018 after his wife, Jill,began working as a case manager serving trafficked youth. Mark has apassion to create moments through story and film that evoke healing andgrowth. As a filmmaker, director, producer, and creative, Mark uses histalent and skill to artfully craft, produce, and execute story through film.

Steph Page and Ana Lena Copeland sit down to share about the upcoming episodes in the Survivors Speak series. Join us over the next few weeks for stories of restoration, healing and redemption.

Awareness truly is action. Thank you for choosing to become more aware of human trafficking and its relating issues. And thank you for listening to this series on how we can influence culture and use that change as a strategic way to fight human trafficking. Share this series with a friend to keep expanding the reach of this awareness! Would you help others find our podcast by rating and writing a review? Some ways you can continue in your awareness:- Go through our online curriculum on the root causes of human trafficking and exploitation.- Join the Influence Culture group we created as a space to have these conversations and share our stories.- Take the Myth Vs. Truth quiz.Interested hosting an awareness event with a group of your people?Let us know by emailing us at storiesfoundation@gmail.com.

Everything you bring to the table is valuable and is unique to you. All of it can be used, repurposed and redeemed to change a culture that exploits people. You have so much to offer with your influence and voice! Your...- life experience- abilities- work background- education- connections- networking- financial resources- and so much moreYou matter. The lie is that issues of injustice are too big for community members to do anything about. But the truth is that each of us has influence, impact and a voice in that space. DO NOT minimize or underestimate your influence!What do you bring to the table? Connect with us about it at storiesfoundation@gmail.com.Donate to help us break ground on Storyteller Cafe HERE!

"It really is real that people still don't know that human trafficking and exploitation is happening right here in our backyards, our suburbs, our cities. We need to change that. There are people out there who are looking to take advantage of the vulnerabilities they see around them. We have to equip ourselves to see better, choose better and do better in the future." - Steph PageWe are here to be better together. We know you have valuable skills, insights, resources and passion! Will you come along this journey with us? We would love to have you at the table.Listen to the Storyteller Cafe event Steph mentions here:Storyteller Cafe Awareness EventJoin us in raising the rest of the downpayment and start building Storyteller Cafe here:Donate to Storyteller Cafe

We want a ripple effect of people seeing each other, honoring the value every human has and coming together in kindness. The simple message is - see people.Listen to the fundraising events Steph spoke about here:Storyteller Cafe GalaTo join us in building Storyteller Cafe donate here:Storyteller Cafe MN

Housing and jobs. This is SUCH a great need as we look at how to cover vulnerabilities of those coming out of human trafficking. We believe in long-term change and being able to offer dignified work and a safe place to live is a huge part of what we are working towards at Stories Foundation and Storyteller Cafe. There is a need NOW for these pieces of the solution.  Steph shares with us how everything from compassionate landlords to becoming a foster parent directly impacts the fight against trafficking. Reach out to us if you have connections or questions for us.storiesfoundation@gmail.comDonate at storiesfoundation.kindful.com.

Vulnerabilities. We all have them.Think of a time in your life where you had a vulnerability. Did someone come alongside you and cover it to protect and take care of you? Or did someone take advantage of you or exploit you and your situation? Vulnerabilities in people is what those who exploit, abuse and traffic are looking for. It's our job to become aware, create relationships of trust and cover the vulnerabilities around us. Do you know someone you can come alongside?Every person has a story. Every story has value. We believe that culture change is a direct and strategic way to fight human trafficking. Action step:Take our online awareness curriculum HERE.

Did you know how you use your dollars count? It really does matter.Did you know that you have a voice in how companies produce their products? You do!We all have impact in our world by what we buy. This episode paints a picture of what's behind the curtain of the things we buy, how which products we purchase and companies we support makes a difference in the world and how you can know who to purchase from.When consumers speak up, producers have to listen!Check out our Purposeful Purchasing Guide HERE.Action step:Subscribe to The Hive HERE!

What is your mindset? Is there enough to go around? Will what we give away be replenished? What do you get back when you give? Steph Page speaks to these questions and more in this episode addressing an upside down economy. At Stories Foundation we really truly believe that we are better together and we cannot live with a scarcity mindset. We GAIN when we GIVE. CLICK HERE to read the blog post Steph mentioned.Connect with us at storiesfoundation@gmail.com if you want to engage your skill sets and resources with what we are doing at Stories Foundation and Storyteller Cafe.Join the Facebook group here: Influence Culture - Fight Human Trafficking#whystorytellercafe

Back in February 2021 we created a Facebook group called Influence Culture - Fight Human Trafficking to invite our community into the work of culture change that we are doing at Stories Foundation. Over the years of doing anti-trafficking work and experiencing the incredible impact culture change has, we firmly believe that the game changing work in this fight happens when individuals use their influence to change the culture in their families, friend circles and greater communities. The change happens when we choose to see vulnerabilities around us and step in to cover them.The episodes in this series feature audio from short videos Steph Page recorded for the Influence Culture group. Awareness IS action! By listening to these episodes we hope you become more aware and choose to take further action with us. As always, thank you for being here to listen and learn. Your story matters to us.And there's more where this all came from! Join the Influencing Culture group on Facebook  HERE to see the original posts and share what we are doing with your sphere of influence. Each and every one of us has INFLUENCE! Will you use your voice with us? Your voice matters.DONATE to help us build Storyteller Cafe HERE.#whystorytellercafe

And... we're back with Abby! Here's part 2 of our conversation.Today we sit down with our dear friend Abby Thalacker.  You will laugh and cry through this episode and be inspired by Abby's story. Her vision to cover vulnerabilities and foster restoration is strong. Abby is working towards building Corrie's House. Corrie's House will be a safe home that offers aftercare rehabilitation to girls who have been sexually exploited. Opportunities Each girl will have access to mentorship, education, therapy, spiritual guidance, and life skills training.Collaboration is such a big deal for us at Stories Foundation. And this season in The Hive it's no different. We are partnering with Corrie's House to bring you the second box of 2021! Box #2 is now available for pre-order. The Hive is a subscription box that equips and encourages you to facilitate conversations around justice and the value of every human.If you missed out on Box #1, don't worry!FOR A LIMITED TIME... order the Box Bundle and get Box #1 AND Box #2 for $75!(normally $100) ORDER the BOX BUNDLE here!Check out www.corrieshouse.org to become part of the Founders Club and get involved with what Abby is doing over at Corrie's House.

Today we sit down with our dear friend Abby Thalacker.  You will laugh and cry through this episode and be inspired by Abby's story. Her vision to cover vulnerabilities and foster restoration is strong. Abby is working towards building Corrie's House. Corrie's House will be a safe home that offers aftercare rehabilitation to girls who have been sexually exploited. Opportunities Each girl will have access to mentorship, education, therapy, spiritual guidance, and life skills training. Collaboration is such a big deal for us at Stories Foundation. And this season in The Hive it's no different. We are partnering with Corrie's House to bring you the second box of 2021! Box #2 is now available for pre-order. The Hive is a subscription box that equips and encourages you to facilitate conversations around justice and the value of every human. If you missed out on Box #1, don't worry!FOR A LIMITED TIME... order the Box Bundle and get Box #1 AND Box #2 for $75! (normally $100) ORDER the BOX BUNDLE here!Check out www.corrieshouse.org to become part of the Founders Club and get involved with what Abby is doing over at Corrie's House.

Back in February 2021 we created a Facebook group called Influence Culture - Fight Human Trafficking to invite our community into the work of culture change that we are doing at Stories Foundation. Over the years of doing anti-trafficking work and experiencing the incredible impact culture change has, we firmly believe that the game changing work in this fight happens when individuals use their influence to change the culture in their families, friend circles and greater communities. The change happens when we choose to see vulnerabilities around us and step in to cover them. The episodes in this series feature audio from short videos Steph Page recorded for the Influence Culture group. Awareness IS action! By listening to these episodes we hope you become more aware and choose to take further action with us. As always, thank you for being here to listen and learn. Your story matters to us. And there's more where this all came from! Join the Influencing Culture group on Facebook  HERE to see the original posts and share what we are doing with your sphere of influence. Each and every one of us has INFLUENCE! Will you use your voice with us? Your voice matters.DONATE to help us build Storyteller Cafe HERE.#whystorytellercafe

Today we sit down with Steph as she speaks with John Pulley (see The More You Know Series Ep 3 for more from John's story) and Chris Page about how our culture shapes men and women. How does the culture we grow up in mold who we become? What does the influence of culture look like in our lives? Why should we care about influencing a culture where exploitation and objectification is allowed to thrive? Who can influence and shape culture?You'll hear perspectives on these important questions in this episode, but also we challenge YOU to ask them of yourself as you listen. Check out what John is doing over at Fierce Freedom.www.fiercefreedom.orgWant to get involved in radical and daring culture change? Join us in building Storyteller Cafe in Minnesota.www.storytellercafemn.org

In this episode of the Connecting Our Stories podcast we chat with our good friend Mitch Reaume. He is the founder of Fight For Something, a social impact enterprise with the mission to see social business go from being a niche to a norm.Mitch is living out the belief that business should never be about just profits.  Each of his business endeavors fights for something that matters. Check out the different ways you can be part of these somethings at www.fightforsomething.com.Ready to take a step right now towards purposeful purchasing and supporting our local efforts to fight against injustice? Join the StoryChangers Coffee Club today! Stories Foundation partners with Mitch to roast a few of our coffee offerings. You will receive a different roast in the mail each month AND know that your purchase helps both our businesses create greater impact. Sign up HERE!DOWNLOAD our Ethical Shopping Guide HERE.

Jeremiah Rice joins us for this episode of the Where Do I Fit In? Series. He shares his unique perspective on justice work as a former pastor who now works in community based mental health. We love how Jeremiah boldly shows up in the world to those around him with challenging perspectives and gracefully has hard conversations that have been a long time coming. You'll see the world around you just a little differently after listening to this episode, and that's an encouraging thing. Don't underestimate your influence! You have impact. You have a powerful voice. Use it friend!Follow Jeremiah on Twitter to see what else he's up to.@JeremiahJRice

Here is the recording of our Storyteller Cafe Awareness & Fundraising Event from April 24. Thank you for joining us by listening and giving. We are moving along with building Storyteller Cafe and your partnership in this venture is crucial. We want a RIVER EFFECT to happen - that each and every one of our voices coming together will be a mighty force as we fight injustices in our communities. Your story matters. You have value. Together we can change a culture that has allowed for trafficking and exploitation to flourish. Let's create a culture where honor, value and truth allow for our fellow humans to flourish.Here are a few ways to get involved:1. GIVEWe have many avenues for you to join with us in funding this building project.-- Become a donor HERE.-- Write a check out to Stories Foundation & send it to:    Stories Foundation    5001 Edinbrook Terrace    PO Box 431022    Brooklyn Park, MN 55443-- Write to us  for information on giving stock at storiesfoundation@gmail.com.2. SHAREPlease take a moment to share this podcast episode with a friend, family member or co-worker that missed our broadcast that you think would be interested in learning more.3. YOUR NETWORKWho do you know that we should know? Who do you know that should know about us? Share  www.storytellercafemn.org with those in your network that could help us move this project along!

Throughout this new series we will be listening to the voices of men who have chosen to step into anti-trafficking and anti-exploitation work. These conversations will inspire you, whether you're a man or woman, to seek out where you fit into the fight against these (and other) justice issues. Our first guest is Milan Homola, co-founder and executive director of Compassion Connect. Milan shares his story of seeing the vulnerabilities and needs of his community in Portland and the action he took that eventually led to starting Compassion Connect. He also touches on how this work has impacted his family and worldview in general. As he says in the interview - the key to changing culture surrounding trafficking and exploitation is honor. Are we honoring or dishonoring those around us with our choices?Looking for a resource to help you start conversations around you about injustice and how your family, group of friends or co-workers can find where you fit in? The Hive is a resource we created for just that! This justice driven subscription box provides you with tools for engagement and action - and also has awesome fair trade, locally sourced goodies! Claim yours today HERE!Our guest host today is Chris Page. 

Today we hear from Jessica Bartholomew, Founder and Executive Director of ACT United in Carver County, Minnesota. With 25 years of experience working with children, teens, and families in youth outreach, domestic and foreign missions, and as a Police Officer, Jessica brings firsthand information and experience to the issues of child and teen sexual exploitation, abuse, and sex trafficking. Jessica talks with us about prevention tools, open dialogue questions and techniques with kids/youth and shares some real life experience through story with us. This is such a valuable conversation that gives parents, aunts & uncles, teachers, mentors... basically any of us that have connections to young people... the language to enter into conversations about abuse, privacy and safety.ACT United - website, booking & resourcesNational Center for Missing & Exploited Children - video resources for kidsAttend all or part of Behind the Veil: Uncovering Child Sex Abuse and Trafficking, ACT United's 7th annual awareness conference. February 24th -27th (varying times) Learn more about child sex trafficking and prevention work in three 1 hour virtual webinar classes. Registration is FREE.

Today we hear from Diane Stores, the founder of The Dwelling Place and director of Door of Hope in Minnesota. She is a sweet soul with a great capacity for love, compassion and grace towards everyone. We talk about how hope is real and the ways she is forging the way for new paths towards healing. The mission at Door of Hope is to equip people all over the world to live free from abuse and trauma through safe housing, educational conferences, support groups, trauma recovery counseling and prayer ministry. Join us in embracing and sharing hope.Door of Hope Ministries

This conversation with John Pulley is necessary for our culture at this time. John works with our friends Fierce Freedom and is also a male voice in the anti trafficking space. John and Steph talk how vulnerabilities in everyone set the stage for human trafficking and exploitation. This conversation is a must listen for a needed perspective. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Thanks for listening and becoming more aware! Awareness is action.Get The Hive subscription box HERE!What's The Hive? A subscription box that facilitates conversations on justice.What's in the box? Awareness material, fun activities, locally sourced products and more!

This conversation with Cece Terlouw is powerful! Cece is the Executive Director at Terebinth Refuge in St. Cloud, MN, a Christ-centered shelter and safe home that brings hope, healing services, and freedom to sexually exploited and trafficked women. Cece talks to us about the Safe Harbor laws, what working alongside women to restoration has looked like over the years and much, much more. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Thanks for listening and becoming more aware! Awareness is action.Get The Hive subscription box HERE!What's The Hive? A subscription box that facilitates conversations on justice.What's in the box? Awareness material, fun activities, locally sourced products and more!

Today we talk with a new friend of Stories Foundation - Rosie Cataldo. Her passion to see change happen in our communities through the action each of us can take is fierce. She has so many tips and tools for us from the research on child abuse and exploitation. If there's one thing Rosie wants all of us to remember it's to trust your gut instinct! See something, say something. Talk to your people- your kids, siblings, parents, co-workers and peers. Don't reason away your instinct. We can all be change-makers!Check out the book Rosie talks about, The Deepest Well - HERE.Join The Hive HERE!Take the Adverse Childhood Experience quiz HERE.Learn more about Victor Pacini and Childhood Victories HERE.

Join us for an end of year update on Storyteller Cafe, the things in 2020 we are thankful for and where we are headed in 2021. This is our last episode for 2020, but never fear - we will be back next year! You can always go back and listen to previous episodes, they aren't going anywhere. Go visit www.storytellercafemn.org to check out the giving levels and details on Storyteller Cafe that we mention in this episode.We are thankful for YOU!

Today we hear from our good friend Tiffany Jacobsen. If you watched our virtual event back in April (if not, you still can watch it HERE) you will recognize Tiffany's voice and some of what she shares in this episode. But today she goes much deeper into her story and shares some hard truth we all need to hear. Each person we encounter has value and we should treat them like they do. We need to speak worth and truth into those around us. We need to SEE each other and make an effort to help when we see a need. Tiffany wants everyone to know there is hope out there for every story of trauma and she tells us about it in this episode.Join our Patreon crew HERE to support the work we do and people we work with - like Tiffany.Subscribe to our email list HERE for upcoming volunteer opportunities, current news and updates on what we are doing at Stories Foundation and Storyteller Cafe.

We are honored to hear from Eleana Lukes. Eleana is a Survivor Leader, Author, Public Speaker, Crisis Advocate and Alcohol & Drug Counselor in the St. Cloud, MN area. Eleana was trafficked by one of the biggest prostitution rings in US History, the Notorious Evans Family out of Minneapolis. She has documented her story in a book trilogy that highlights her journey from victim to survivor. Eleana shares her story so that others who have a story like hers may find their own voice and move from survivor to thriver.Find her books at Barnes & Noble and Amazon Visit Eleana's website to learn more about VST and how she is using her story to help others. www.eleanalukesvst.comJoin the Patreon crew by supporting the Connecting Our Stories podcast with a monthly donation of just $10! Click HERE.

This Survivors Speak series is taking us into a variety of hard conversations, and this episode is no different. Yet, these hard conversations are exactly the ones we need to have and learn from so that we can be safe people for others who have experienced the same kind of trauma and abuse. Amy shares with us her powerful story of childhood trauma and abuse and her road to healing. Her heart's cry is that more safe spaces are made for those walking around with trauma - that people choose to listen, have compassion and make space for the hurt and pain instead of ignoring it or sweeping it under the rug. Let's be those people who have listened, learned and now have open eyes to the brokenhearted. Let's be the safe people looking out for those around us.If you or someone you know is dealing with issues, situations or trauma like we have been talking about in this series and want help or to talk with a professional, please reach out to us at storiesfoundation@gmail.com. We would love to come alongside you and help.Join our Patreon crew here! Subscribe at any level to support the creation of this podcast. It's all about awareness and education surrounding human trafficking and related issues.

This is the second half of our conversation with Gina. She continues in sharing her story of surviving trafficking and exploitation with us. In part 2 we will hear how she overcame her circumstances, sought help and left her life of being trafficked and exploited behind for good. Her experiences, though horrific and painful, have shaped her into the strong, vibrant and hopeful person she is today. Join us in the privilege of listening to her story.Follow/subscribe to Connecting Our Stories wherever you listen to podcasts. In the coming weeks we will be using this platform to share more survivor stories. We don't want you to miss out on these powerful stories.Support Connecting Our Stories by joining our Patreon crew HERE.

This is a conversation with Gina Summers. She bravely shares her story of surviving trafficking and exploitation with us. In part 1 we will hear how she was lured into an abusive relationship that led to being trapped in a life of exploitation. Her experiences, though horrific and painful, have shaped her into the strong, vibrant and hopeful person she is today. Join us in the privilege of listening to her story.Follow/subscribe to Connecting Our Stories wherever you listen to podcasts. In the coming weeks we will be using this platform to share more survivor stories. We don't want you to miss out on these powerful stories.Support Connecting Our Stories by joining our Patreon crew HERE.

In today's episode we chat with Sara Werner. She is a licensed psychologist with 26 years of experience with an emphasis on facilitating recovery from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as from other traumatic events. Her heart is to provide support and encouragement as therapy is a deeply personal and transformative journey. Steph and Sara talk about the reality that many children and adults are carrying around trauma and how we can be safe spaces and trusted friends to come alongside the people we know and come in contact with. This episode will give you more tools to listen with as we progress in our Survivors Speak Series. If you or someone you know needs help in any of the areas you listen to in this episode please reach out to us. We have resources and professionals we trust to connect you with.

Rachel is back to share more of her story. She take us along her journey in fighting trafficking from Chicago to Vegas to Minnesota. We hope her experiences and stories will open your eyes and expand your horizons when it comes to thinking about what's normal in the world of trafficking and exploitation. We each have a part to play. We each have a role to fill. May you find yours, as Rachel has.Show your support for the creation of this podcast by becoming a Patreon! Subscribe HERE at any level today.

This is the last episode of the Candid Conversations series (for now...) and today Steph and Lena talk on how important it is for us to become aware. Aware of the issue that is human trafficking. Aware of the issues trafficking produces. Aware of the root causes. Aware of what's going on around us and how to see more clearly our place in the solution. Awareness IS action. Write to us with your questions at storiesfoundation@gmail.com.Become even more aware by taking our online curriculum: The Root Causes of Human Trafficking & Sexual ExploitationSubscribe & support the creation of this content over at Patreon. Patrons get fancy things each month on top of a high five for supporting this podcast!Also, RATE & REVIEW Connecting Our Stories on Apple Podcasts so more people can find us!

Today's conversation is all about action. From purchasing habits to community awareness to speaking up about justice. There is not just one right step of action. Acting on justice matters will look different for each of us. Where can we change? What's your action step? If you have stories of how you've been taking steps towards change, we'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at storiesfoundation@gmail.com. Have you been learning from listening to these podcasts? Subscribe on Patreon to support our podcast! Join the crew HERE. You can also rate & review our podcast HERE so more people find us and become aware.

In this episode Steph & Lena talk through the resources page (www.storiesfoundation.com/learn) to help start you down a path of learning. It's so important to dig into the issues that break your heart. Becoming aware is taking action. Reach out to us at storiesfoundation@gmail.com for further resources and/or questions you have. We'd love to help!Don't forget to leave us a rating and review.Rate & review us here!