It’s a dark world claiming the innocence of tens of thousands of children, but Brooke Crowder isn’t afraid of the darkness. She is creating a refuge so the young victims have a place to go and recover.
“We’ve got to do something. There’s no place for these children to heal after they’re rescued,” says Crowder. “There’s this big, gaping hole.”
Brooke Crowder, ACC Graduate, at the Texas Capitol.
Crowder learned about the extent of child sex trafficking after moving to Costa Rica in 2006. She discovered American children weren’t safe from the scourge when she returned home four years later.
There are 46,000 children reported missing each year in Texas. It is estimated that one in seven of those children are or will become victims of sex trafficking.
Crowder decided to take action. In 2013, she registered for Austin Community College’s Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management (CNLM) program to develop the skills to establish and manage a nonprofit organization.
She shared with her classmates her dream to develop a safe place for victims to heal. Together, they developed the framework for The Refuge for Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking.
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“I spent 24 years working with non-profits, but I didn’t have the confidence to start one on my own,” says Crowder. “This team changed my mind. I had all their support. Soon the whole community had our back.
“We got incorporated quickly. We landed our tax-exempt status in just two months. We raised close to $300,000 with in-kind donations.”
Fifty acres in Bastrop County have been donated for the Refuge, and Crowder is working to get permits and licenses. She expects to break ground in early 2015 on a facility with room for up to 50 girls who will be placed at the Refuge through state and local agencies and from local law enforcement. She envisions several facilities someday to serve both boys and girls.
The refuge will include eight residential cottages, on-site schooling, and advanced therapeutic programs.
“By this time next year we’ll have children at the Refuge getting help,” says Crowder. “It’s filling the need for these children, it’s filling the need in our community, and it’s filling a need across the nation.”
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By Cristina October 17, 2014 - 11:25 am
This is such an incredible thing that will be done. l am extremely interested in getting involved and I know that here in the state of Texas many of these families that suffer these horrible situations speak Spanish as the primary language and l can connect you to a group of Spanish speaking people who would love to help in any way possible. l commend you and the community involved for such a great refuge for those who would not have received it.
By M.Lynn October 17, 2014 - 2:42 pm
I would love to learn more about this organization as well and help.
By Elizabeth October 17, 2014 - 1:14 pm
This is amazing! and I would love to get involved. I’m really excited to see what the future holds for this.
By Anita October 19, 2014 - 5:44 am
Brooke, you are a champion for these children and their needs. I, too, would like information on how to help further your cause, assist in the building of the refuge and help those children achieve a lasting quality of life.
By sara turner October 19, 2014 - 9:18 pm
Awesome job Brooke, I too would like to help. I am looking forward to possibly be a advocate myself and correspond together for Texas hurting children. Thank you for taking the steps into getting the management skills for a rewarding career. Texas kids will certainly thank you too.
By Scott October 20, 2014 - 3:08 pm
Awesome work! I would be interested in helping in some capacity.
By Amy Goettle October 28, 2014 - 10:26 am
Way to go Brooke! It was a pleasure getting to know you last year and watch your enthusiasm and passion for The Refuge grow. I’m so happy you’re seeing your dream realized.
By Nastasja October 28, 2014 - 11:41 am
Hi Brooke, I am currently taking the CNLM class. I am a retired foster parent that only learned about human trafficking a couple of years ago. My goal is to work with someone like you to help stop this global crime. Please let me know what I can do to help.
By Jill Gonzalez October 29, 2014 - 5:12 pm
Brooke,
Great Job! I’m so glad to hear that things are moving so quickly for you. You are going to help so many people!
By Ann Boswell November 4, 2014 - 9:31 pm
Brooke,
Congratulations! You’re going to help so many people. Dreams do come true!! Please keep us posted!
By Hailey November 5, 2014 - 9:41 am
Congrats, Brooke! Excellent work!
By Laura G. Vargas November 5, 2014 - 10:58 am
I would also love to learn more and help, that I am going to sign up for the class. Thanks for caring.