Unconditional
Earlier this year, I was recommended to read “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers. It tells a story based on the book of Hosea and showed me just how miserable the life of a prostitute or sex industry worker can truly be. It didn’t judge those in that industry but rather showed how horrible people have been and just the amount of pain they could be experiencing. Reading this sparked an interest in wanting to help and what is out there to help these women. I came across an organization that I honestly really love.
This organization is a faith-motivated nonprofit located in Indianapolis that walks with women who want to leave the adult entertainment and sex industry. Unconditional started up in 2012 as an outreach program to women in strip clubs. It was a simple group that would visit local clubs, bringing small gifts and attempting to build connections with the women there. The founder and CEO is Sarah Daniels, who focuses the ministry on meeting women “wherever they are with whatever they need,” whether or not they want to stay in the sex industry or leave. She wants to offer women in those situations safety, stability and community rather than judgement.
Unconditional has grown a lot since 2012. They now have six programs for the women they are trying to love and support. These can be from their club visits, classes with free childcare and food, parental help, housing support, resource navigation, and mental health services. With all of these amazing programs, with over 1,680 women receiving direct services, 190 women reached monthly through club visits, and 28 women securing stable housing. Unconditional tells the reality of what these women have gone through with truly heartbreaking statistics. 82% of dancers have experienced domestic violence, 100% of workers have been assaulted at work, 43% of dancers were minors when beginning sex work, and 40% of dancers were forced to give their income to someone else.
Visit their site, learn more about this truly redemptive non-profit
I really liked how there’s actually an organization out there that aims to help women who want to leave this industry. This is definitely a redemptive organization and it’s amazing how they have six programs now to help these women. I also liked how the groups who go visit start by building relationships first instead of trying to sell the idea to them.
I enjoyed learning more about this organization that is definitely doing the work of Jesus. Although this is a group that is often overlooked by Christians, this organization is able to meet these women where they are and show them the love of God regardless of their position. I also appreciate how along with providing direct help, they are educating others of how desperate some of the workers are and how some of them have no choice but to stay in their jobs.