Innocence Freed

09/01/2026

When you want to learn about human trafficking and sexual exploitation, consider where your information is coming from.

Look for education that is grounded in real experience, credible training, survivor-informed practices, and a strong understanding of the complexities surrounding trafficking and exploitation.

Good intentions matter, but accuracy matters too.

Misinformation can reinforce myths, create unnecessary fear, and ultimately hurt the very people we are trying to protect.

Ask questions. Look at experience. Seek credible sources. And choose opportunities to learn from those who have spent time truly understanding this work.

Awareness matters. Credibility matters. Accurate awareness matters even more.

Take a moment to read our latest blog on this important topic. https://innocencefreed.org/who-is-doing-the-educating-matters/

08/31/2026

Before calling a teenage girl “troubled,” ask what happened to her. Anger, running away, substance use, defiance, or sudden changes in behavior can sometimes be signs of trauma, grooming, or exploitation.

Girls need safe adults willing to look beneath the behavior. Less judgment. More understanding. More protection.

08/30/2026

Congratulations to our Founder and CEO, Julie Shrader! ❤️

It is an honor to share that Julie has been selected as one of The Bloc, Inc’s 2026 50 OVER 50 NE Award Recipient! Julie’s journey, resilience, and God given passion for advocating for survivors have made a meaningful impact throughout Nebraska for over 14 years.

We are incredibly proud of Julie and the impact she continues to make through Innocence Freed and beyond. This recognition is so well deserved, and we are honored to celebrate her! ❤️

Congratulations, Julie! 🎉

08/30/2026

Your son or daughter doesn’t have to leave their bedroom to be targeted by a trafficker. Social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps, and private chats have given predators unprecedented access to young people.

Grooming can begin with something that feels completely harmless:

“You’re so pretty.”
“You seem mature for your age.”
“Your parents don’t understand you.”
“You can trust me.”

Then boundaries are slowly crossed. Personal information is gathered. Sexual images may be requested. Secrecy is encouraged. Eventually, manipulation, threats, blackmail, or exploitation can follow.

Talk to your teens about grooming, sextortion, sexual exploitation, and online boundaries before someone else starts the conversation for you.
https://innocencefreed.org/

08/28/2026

💜 A Special Thank You to Julie McCabe! 💜

We are so grateful to Julie McCabe for generously donating beautiful Red Aspen goodie bags for the women and girls we serve at Innocence Freed.

Something as simple as receiving a special gift can remind a survivor that she is seen, valued, and worthy of being cared for. Julie, thank you for using your generosity to bring a little extra joy and encouragement to the women and girls we walk alongside. We appreciate you and your heart for female survivors! 💜

08/26/2026

Reminder...TODAY ONLY!
Grab your Rise Up Gala table of 8 for 20% OFF! Sale ends tonight. Get your table before it’s gone at https://onecau.se/if
Use code: RISEUP20

08/26/2026

🚨 ANNOUNCING! 🚨 ONE DAY ONLY!
For today only, tables of 8 are 20% OFF for the Innocence Freed Rise Up Gala!

Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and join us for an unforgettable evening supporting child and adult survivors of human trafficking and exploitation.

Get your table today before the sale ends! Reserve your table at https://onecau.se/if
Use code: RISEUP20 at checkout. (You must create an account through One Cause in order to purchase)

08/24/2026

San Francisco 49ers owner and CEO Jed York was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, during an investigation involving local police and the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.

York, 46, a Youngstown native, was initially facing charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. Prosecutors later reduced the prostitution charge to disorderly conduct.

York pleaded no contest to the remaining charges, was found guilty, and received a brief jail sentence along with approximately $1,150 in fines. Authorities also seized $160, which was forfeited to the task force.

The case was resolved the same day York appeared in court.

As of Monday, the San Francisco 49ers had not released a public statement.

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was arrested in an Ohio town over the weekend and pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors, court documents show.

08/24/2026

Have you reserved your ticket yet?
Join us for an unforgettable evening of hope, inspiration, and impact as we come together to support child and adult survivors of human trafficking and exploitation.

2026 Innocence Freed, Rise Up Gala
📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
📍 Relevant Center | Elkhorn, Nebraska

Every ticket helps provide hope, healing, advocacy, and life-changing support for survivors on their journey toward freedom.

🎟️ Reserve your seat or become a sponsor today at

https://onecau.se/if

We can't wait to see you there! 💚
Thorne

08/23/2026

Love Others Well.
Jesus calls us to love people, even when it is difficult.

Love does not mean agreeing with everything someone does. It means choosing compassion over cruelty, grace over judgment, and kindness over indifference.

Sometimes love is sitting with someone in their pain. Sometimes it is speaking truth, offering forgiveness, setting healthy boundaries, or simply reminding someone they matter.

“Let all that you do be done in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:14

We cannot fix everything that is broken in this world, but we can choose how we treat the person in front of us. 🤍