United for Freedom
🌍 Introducing A New Partner in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
At Freedom Challenge, we believe in the power of collaboration to break cycles of oppression and bring lasting change. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our newest partner in purpose: the I-5 Freedom Network.
In our latest podcast episode, Freedom Challenge Director Tracy Daugherty sits down with Stacey Enmeier, Director of I-5 Freedom Network, for a deeply personal and powerful conversation about calling, compassion, and the fight to end human trafficking—right here in our own communities.
🤝 A Shared Mission
The I-5 Freedom Network is a nonprofit organization based in California, dedicated to disrupting human trafficking through education, advocacy, and survivor support. Their work aligns beautifully with our mission, and together, we’re creating resources that will equip communities to recognize, respond to, and prevent trafficking.
Stacey shares her 20-year journey through nonprofit work, her heart for justice, and the divine “bright pink neon sign” that led her to say yes to this calling. Her story is a reminder that the path to purpose is often paved with small, faithful steps.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How I-5 Freedom Network supports survivors—whom they call “lived experience experts”—with dignity and empowerment.
The importance of prevention education for youth and parents, including terms like “boyfriending” and “sextortion” that are critical to understand.
Why advocacy matters, and how I-5 is helping shape legislation like California’s SB 1414 to hold traffickers accountable.
The power of trusting your gut and being alert to what’s hidden in plain sight.
🕊️ More Than Survivors
One of the most moving parts of the conversation is Stacey’s reflection on the importance of giving survivors permission to dream again. “No one has ever given me permission to dream,” one woman told her. That moment became a turning point—not just for the survivor, but for the entire mission of I-5.
By calling survivors “lived experience experts,” I-5 affirms their wisdom, resilience, and right to lead. It’s not about fixing people—it’s about walking alongside them as they reclaim their lives.
đź“Ť Why This Partnership Matters
While Freedom Challenge has long focused on international trafficking, this partnership brings a powerful domestic lens to our work. Human trafficking is not just a global issue—it’s happening in our neighborhoods, our schools, and even our churches.
Together with I-5 Freedom Network, we’re expanding our reach and deepening our impact. This is just the beginning of a beautiful collaboration rooted in faith, justice, and the belief that freedom is possible.
🎧 Listen Now
Catch the full episode on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/etc.] and stay tuned for Part 2, where Stacey returns with a lived experience expert to share even more insight and hope.
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Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/uiiKcwYb3RM
Listen to the podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/842389/episodes/17484881
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Want to learn more?
The Freedom Challenge US: thefreedomchallenge.com
Operation Mobilization USA: omusa.org
Instagram: @freedomchallengeusa / Facebook: @thefcusa