We have all seen the commercials of animals living in horrific situations abandoned and rejected, starving and chained. For just $19 a month, 63 cents a day you can “save an animal and not stand by while they suffer.” I love animals, I am against any cruelty and people should be held accountable.   Help me understand though, why we can feel good about throwing 63 cents a day toward that cause, but judge and turn a blind eye to the atrocities of human trafficking. Help me unde

They say humans have a deeply rooted need for connection in our biology, that we are inherently social creatures. For the longest time I had a hard time with this concept, and to be honest more days than not still struggle with this. You see that was the furthest thing I ever wanted or knew I would end up needing the most. Growing up I could not think of a single person who did not want something from me or to use my body. I learned from a very young age that it was me agains

The Starfish Story: There is a story about a person who was walking along a beach where a storm had washed up thousands of starfish, leaving them stranded. They start picking up individual starfish and gently tossing them back into the sea. An observer questions the action, pointing out the vast number of starfish and the impossibility of saving them all. The person picks up another starfish, throws it into the waves, and says, "I made a difference to that one." This story h

I never had a childhood like others. From my earliest memories at 2 or 3 years old there has always been extreme violence and torture inflicted on me. I often wonder why I am still here. I continue to live through more than my share of abuse that has almost killed me on numerous occasions. Growing up I was manipulated to believe that it was “normal” for this to happen to unwanted girls from my mother and that it was the only way to show pure love from my father. When I got ma

We often hear stories of survivors that are disturbing and heartbreaking and wonder “why didn’t someone do something!” I’ve heard stories too where the survivor has said “why didn’t you come sooner?” Those questions drive me to be someone who will do something! Xquisite is recognizing that intentional steps for a path forward for survivors of domestic, family and teen violence is vital for survival.  We believe that the degree of need is much greater than any of us realize, b

It is estimated that there are over 27 million victims of human trafficking in the world today. Statistics state that over 42% of adults...

I received a call one night from a young woman who had been violently raped in one of our local brothels.  Her value was completely...

The past four years have completely changed my life. If you knew me back then don’t for a second think that you know me now. I have gone...