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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Agape House To Host Fundraiser To Support Women At-Risk Of Sexual Trafficking

agape-house-photoThe Agape House, Inc., a 501C(3) start-up non-profit organization that helps prevent young women from being lured or coerced into prostitution and sexual trafficking, will host its first Annual Fundraising Agape Women Win Reception on Thurs., Oct. 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center (Boathouse) – 3800 Lake Washington Blvd. S. in Seattle.

Former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Ron Sims will serve as emcee for this special evening that will feature live music, appetizers, a no-host bar, poetry reading, a silent auction, and an opportunity to learn more about Agape House and the women that it serves.

The mission of Agape House is to help all who are in need, but the primary focus is to reach predominantly African American young women. While African Americans account for 7% of the overall population, they make up approximately 40% of the children in foster care and one third of homeless youth in King County. They are disproportionately over-represented and underserved.

Many of the youth Agape House tries to reach share similar circumstances and stories. Their stories often go untold and in some cases, when they are told, the lack of action by organizations charged with their protection can lead to dire consequences.

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For example, a young woman named Sheneka moved to the Northwest with her mother, who had been very ill. Once they arrived, her mother took a turn for the worse and passed away. Sheneka had to be placed in foster care. While there she was raped every other night by the father of the foster family she had been placed with. The caseworker she told about her situation did not seem to understand. When she turned 18, Sheneka moved out, as she had “aged-out” of foster care. There was no place for her, so she immediately ended up homeless and on the streets. When asked why, she simply said, “I had no place to go. I was tired of working for DSHS for free, and I wanted to make money for myself. I wanted to survive.”

Sheneka is an example of the over-represented, under-served African-American youth in King County that Agape House hopes to help. According to Kiti Ward, Executive Director of Agape House, 60% of women enslaved by prostitution and sexual trafficking went through the foster care system.

“We seek to get to young women before the streets do,” says Ward.

“The Agape House serves as a bridge to equip and empower young, single women between the ages of 18-24, who are aging out of foster care, or are homeless by providing a place where they can grow and develop while receiving safe housing.

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In addition to housing, Agape House provides Mother mentors, culturally competent care, wrap-around therapeutic services and medical care, academic connections, job/internship training, living skills and more.

It is a unique program in that it provides early intervention services,” added Ward.

Advanced tickets and information for the event can be found at the Agape House website http://theagapehouseinc.org, or by contacting Kiti Ward at (206) 579-6648, or Ron Ward at (206) 850-5558. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

“Please join us and make a donation to this endeavor of the heart,” said Ward. “Assist us to make it flourish on behalf of these young women.”

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