For over seven years, a local organization has worked to end child sex trafficking and to bring hope to survivors throughout north central and northwest Arkansas. Into the Light was founded in 2015 in Mountain Home, but it serves an area of nearly 15 counties throughout the Natural State.
Into the Light Founding Executive Director Gretchen Smeltzer was a recent guest of the Talk of the Town on KTLO-FM, and she went into further detail into the 501(c)(3) nonprofit’s mission.
Listen:
It’s not always easy to identify a child that has been a victim of sex trafficking. On occasions, a potential victim may be labeled as a “bad kid” or an “instigator.” Smeltzer says without proper intervention, the victim’s trauma can become worse.
Listen:
In 2021, Into the Light served 160 female children and five male children in north central and northwest Arkansas. It also provided in-person crisis intervention to 65 sexually-exploited minors, assisting them in devising an immediate safety plan so they are less vulnerable to the dangers typically associated with sexual exploitation, including violence, traffickers, suicide, drugs, alcohol and exploitation for the production of child pornography.
Into the Light has multiple events to either raise funds or awareness, including an annual prayer breakfast. The nonprofit is always in need of hygiene items that they will place in a backpack for a victim being served by the organization. Smeltzer also encourages community members to organize a group to learn more about child sex trafficking.
Listen:
To learn more about Into the Light, call toll-free at 877-743-7348, email Smeltzer at gretchen@intothelightus.org, or go online to intothelightus.org.
This month, Our Community Cares, sponsored by Danny Porter of Century 21 LeMac Realty, Advanced Auto Body, Farmers and Merchants Bank and KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot, recognizes Into the Light and its mission to combat child sex trafficking in Arkansas. Learn more at ktlo.com/ourcommunitycares.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI