At 18, I found myself homeless and struggling with substance abuse—a situation I never wanted. After graduating early from high school, I was groomed at 16 by a man who was 24. I believed he cared for me, but that was not truly love. When I turned 18, I left foster care and, shortly after, ended the relationship. I began experiencing street harassment and eventually fell into drug addiction with meth and pills.

I was trafficked by this man, who forced me into dangerous situations, including non-consensual sex and abuse. One of the most traumatic experiences was waking up to him touching me while I was asleep. One night, he took me to an abandoned house and told me he would be back, leaving me alone. I hid there for two days in fear until I gained the courage to escape.

After that, I moved into an apartment with a man who was 55 years old, feeling trapped again. Certainly. Here’s a rephrased third-person version of that statement:

I would often consume over an eighth of an ounce of drugs each day. During this time, I was prostituted to multiple men almost daily, living in constant fear of being raped. The substance use left me feeling so high that I sometimes wanted to hurt myself, simply to feel invincible and escape my pain.

Throughout my journey, I met a girl I grew close to, and we shared a bond that made me feel safe—until her bruises and changing behavior indicated she was also suffering.

Desperate for change, I met a kind woman named Jennifer at a safe center. She reassured me I didn’t have to live in fear anymore and that I could leave the streets behind. With her support, I decided to give up drugs and trust her. She took me to a hotel for three days, where I experienced a spiritual awakening—getting baptized and feeling God’s presence for the first time in my life. That moment was life-changing, filling my heart with love and hope.

Jennifer became like family—a mother figure who helped me find faith and a new path. I literally become like an older sister to her daughter i will forever see and be her family. The red headed step child. I am forever grateful for her compassion and the love that restored my life. Today, I stand with hope and gratitude, thankful for second chances and the healing I’ve found. I love my GOD AND HE IS GOOD! One thing I will never ever forget that Jennifer taught me it to forgive like Jesus and yes, I forgive my abusers!! Spread love and Jesus!

Jennifer Beagle is a beacon of light and hope. Her lived experience as a survivor has not damaged her, it has empowered her. As a human trafficking law enforcement instructor, I have utilized Jennifer as a speaker for my classes. She is always well- received, appreciated, and most importantly, seen as an overcomer. Jennifer not only is a trusted speaker, but a person I consider a close friend. Her laugh and personality are contagious! I can see how victims currently in the web of trafficking can relate to her due to her experience and how they are able to envision themselves successfully exiting the life with the help of Her Hope Kentucky. Her Hope Kentucky is Jennifer’s creation, a space and home for survivors regaining their freedom and independence from the chains of trafficking. One meeting or conversation with her is a glimpse into God’s reformative power and grace. Her raw honesty about her traumas, losses, and eventually her successes are shown through every presentation she shares and God’s light shines through her.

When I met Jennifer, I was in a situation where it was either back to the streets or find a healthy place within an hour. I wanted so hard to never go back. I was willing to do anything to be in a safe place. But in one instance, my safe place was no longer available to me. I called Jennifer I explained my situation and I’ll never forget her words “Come home, babe?” I packed my stuff in my car and had a safe place within the hour. The world told me I was an addict, a criminal, and a bad mother. Jennifer told me I was delivered, strong, and nothing is impossible with Jesus. My value came from people while I was addicted. Jennifer taught me my value comes from Jesus. The world is an unforgiving place but Jesus he forgives, and he restores. I remember people used to say, “Ill pray for you” or “pray about it”. These two responses used to make me so angry. But I have learned a mustard seed of faith will turn your whole life around. Life as a Christian is not all rainbows and times can be rough. But if you keep faith God will bring you out of what you’re going through. When he brings you out of the mess, it will not be in the way you wanted it done or how you thought it would happen. It will be ten times better and never what you expected. So, when it’s done you know, this is straight from the Lord. Stay faithful through the ups and the downs. Jennifer never sugar coated anything. She showed me love but discipline at the same time. She walked it like she talked it. She made sure to let me know we are not perfect, but Jesus still loves your imperfect self. She was always transparent with her own struggles so, I could have an idea of how to fight my own. My greatest empowerment I have learned from Jennifer is: I am not an addict, I am not a prostitute, I am not a nobody, I am not a criminal, and I am not a bad mother. I am a daughter of a KING so, BUCK UP BUTTERCUP this ride is going to bumpy but rewarding all at the same time.