OPS Featured in HSD’s Community Corner

We are thrilled to announce that the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS) has been selected for a special feature in the Human Services Department’s Community Corner for January 2025. This recognition shines a spotlight on the relentless dedication and hard work of our team in supporting survivors and enhancing our community's well-being.

In the feature, Rekina Perry, our esteemed Executive Director, shares insights into the pivotal role OPS plays in empowering individuals affected by commercial sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. Through survivor-led advocacy, trauma-informed care, and holistic support, we create vital pathways to safety and stability while addressing systemic oppression and fostering resilience.

Our collaboration with Seattle Human Services amplifies our efforts, allowing us to extend indispensable services such as mobile advocacy, therapeutic programs, and comprehensive outreach, ensuring that survivors have the support they need to heal and thrive.

Read the full story here: Community Corner - Organization for Prostitution Survivors

We hope this article increases awareness about the critical services we provide and inspires more people to support our mission. It’s an honor to have our efforts recognized, and we are inspired to continue making a significant impact. Thanks to each of you for your unwavering support and dedication to OPS. Together, we are making a difference!

Reels of Real Voices NHTAM Event

Reflections on "Reels of Real Voices": A Night of Empowerment and Advocacy

On a brisk Thursday evening, January 16th, the Aurora Commons became a beacon of hope and solidarity. The event, "Reels of Real Voices," arranged in the spirit of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, was more than just an educational affair; it was a profound gathering that celebrated the resilience and courage of trafficking survivors.

From 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, participants were immersed in a series of powerful video clips, each narrating personal journeys of hardship and triumph. These stories weren't just spoken; they were fervently felt by everyone in the room. The aim was clear: to echo the strength of survivors and to shine a relentless light on the pressing issue of human trafficking.

January is a significant month as it marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and "Reels of Real Voices" was a fitting tribute to this cause. At OPS, our mission is to foster healing and empowerment among survivors, and this event was a cornerstone of such efforts. By educating, supporting, and advocating, we strive to dismantle the shadows of gender-based violence and pave the way towards freedom and justice.

In collaboration with invaluable partners like REST, YWCA, and Aurora Commons, the evening was designed to ensure that voices that often go unheard were listened to, respected, and valued. The integration of a word cloud where attendees could send affirmations to the survivors sharing their stories added a unique and interactive element to the experience, visibly showing support and compassion.

Moreover, the incorporation of a Q&A session via QR codes allowed for a dynamic interaction between speakers and the audience, fostering a two-way conversation that was both enlightening and uplifting. The discussion that followed each video opened up a forum for deeper understanding and community connection.

The enthusiasm and support from various service providers and supporters such as StolenYouth, Indian Health Services, and legal professionals, added a layer of communal solidarity that was palpable throughout the evening. Their involvement underscored the collective effort required to tackle such a critical human rights issue.

As the night drew to a close, the feeling of unity and determination was overwhelming. Thanks to everyone who attended and participated, the event not only raised awareness but also empowered each of us to continue advocating for and supporting survivors of trafficking.

The impact of "Reels of Real Voices" was profound, leaving us all with a renewed commitment to fight against human trafficking and to support those who have courageously walked the path from survivor to thriver.

Together, we are stronger, and together, we can make a difference.

A Thank You for the Unforgettable 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway and BBQ

As we look back with fondness and warmth on the 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway and BBQ, our hearts swell with gratitude. The day was much more than a celebration with succulent BBQ and harmonious melodies; it was a day where we interlaced resilience and camaraderie into our collective journey.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to:

• @bf_giftbox

• @hashtaglunchbagsea

• The Silent Task Force

• The More We Love

Your generosity in providing backpacks and nourishment for the event was a testament to the power of united efforts and heartfelt giving.

To every individual who graced us with their presence, you brought more than just the tangible gifts of backpacks, writing tools, and educational materials. You brought the intangible yet immeasurable gift of hope, reinforcing belief in the innate potential of survivors and the bright futures ahead for them and their children as they step forward courageously into their educational journeys.

To all the cherished participants, know that your presence was a beacon of light, uplifting hearts and solidifying our commitment to a collective path of growth, healing, and empowerment. To those who lovingly prepared the meals, your effort resonated as a symphony of kindness, providing sustenance that went beyond the physical, touching the very essence of our spirits.

Each donation gleamed with the promise of endless opportunities, assuring that you've contributed to lighting the way for a child's pursuit of knowledge and personal success.

In unity, we achieved so much more than sharing a meal or supplying essentials for the school year. We reinforced a sacred pledge—a pledge that every survivor in our midst is embraced by the warmth of an understanding community, emboldened by the transformative power of education, and supported in their belief of a future that glows with endless possibilities.

We are forever grateful for your solidarity, love, and unwavering support. Together, we are crafting a world where survivors can not only reclaim their narrative but thrive within it.

The Green River Victims Memorial Exhibit at Slip Gallery

This exhibit was on display from June 11th through July 5th 2024.

At : Slip Gallery: 2301 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

What is the GRVM?

OPS formed the Green River Victims Memorial, a series of tiles created by survivors in dedication to those who lost their lives.

As part of this living memorial, artist Maggie Smith has been working alongside CSE survivors in art workshops hosted by Seattle OPS. Survivors use ceramic sculpture and tiles to capture their unique perspectives and experiences in ongoing sessions that have taken place since October 2017.

The Art Workshops themselves are a critical aspect of the Living Memorial, as they continue to offer a safe haven for survivors to unleash their creativity and express their stories in bold and innovative ways, reinforcing OPS's commitment to healing, recovery, and empowerment.

About the tiles:

OPS is raising public awareness about changing the narrative when it comes to survivors of CSE and to create a living memorial.

To achieve this, we are excited to announce our upcoming traveling exhibition featuring 100 exquisite ceramic tiles created by CSE survivors in OPS workshops.

Each glazed tile, carefully crafted, serves as a powerful expression of the individual artist's response to the horrific serial killings.

In this extraordinary exhibit, you will encounter tiles that honor and commemorate the lives of individual victims, paying tribute to their untold stories.

Others delve deep into highly personal iconography exploring the issue of this violence, shedding light on the pain and healing. Amongst these creations, you will also find tiles that exude love, hope, and an unwavering spirit of resilience.

Seattle OPS and Aurora Commons Community Health Fair & BBQ 2024 Event

In reflecting on the Seattle OPS and Aurora Commons Community Health Fair & BBQ 2024 Event, our hearts overflow with gratitude for each person who contributed and participated in this meaningful gathering.

We sincerely hope that your time at the event was not only enjoyable but also deeply enriching:

✨ Savoring Delicious BBQ: Delighting in a range of flavorful and wholesome dishes that nourished both body and soul!
✨ Accessing DSHS Mobile Van Services: Engaging with crucial resources to enhance your overall well-being, ranging from applications to renewals and updates.
✨ Connecting with On-site Nurses: Engaging in compassionate dialogues with skilled nurses who offered essential health consultations and invaluable guidance.
✨ Receiving Free Health Kits: Obtaining vital health essentials like Band-Aids, hand sanitizers, and first aid supplies, ensuring immediate well-being and safety.
✨ Empowering Resources: Equipping yourselves with informative materials and resources on topics such as COVID-19, sexual health, and wound care, fostering empowerment and knowledge.
✨ Availability of HIV At-home Test Kits and COVID-19 Test Kits: Stay tuned for updates on future health-related events and opportunities!

Your presence and solidarity embodied the unwavering spirit of resilience, hope, and support that defines our OPS community. Together, we stand united in our mission to eradicate gender-based violence, uplift survivors, and cultivate pathways to healing and recovery.

We extend our deepest gratitude for your steadfast dedication and invaluable contributions to our vibrant community. Anticipate more empowering experiences and collaborative ventures with us as we forge ahead in creating a world of healing, empowerment, and unity.

OPS Pop-Up Shop May 2024

Gratitude abounds for all who helped make our OPS Op-Up Shop event a success. We were able to provide clothing and support to between 55 and 60 survivors and their families, witnessing the healing power of comfort and empowerment.

A heartfelt thank you to the Burien Police Department for joining us and offering their unwavering support. Their presence not only affirmed the significance of our mission but also showcased a dedication to collaborative, positive change.

Their interest in partnering with us for training speaks volumes about the impact we are creating and the narrative we are reshaping. This is how we shift the narrative. This is how we demonstrate to survivors that there is support out here. This is how we drive tangible change.

OPS is not solely about providing assistance; it's about igniting transformative change and healing, for those we serve and for ourselves.

Thank you all again as this event was a powerful testament to the healing capacity of community and solidarity.

Authentic Resilience: Unveiling Survivor Stories with Sarah Ann from the Seattle Organization of Prostitution Survivors

In this episode of "All the Way Authentic," host Kevin P. Henry engages in a powerful conversation with Sarah Ann, a survivor of trafficking and a dedicated advocate. Sarah shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity, shedding light on the challenges she faced as a survivor and her role as a CSE (Commercial Sexual Exploitation) survivor advocate and program coordinator at the Seattle Organization of Prostitution Survivors.

Sarah opens up about her resilience, breaking through the shadows of abuse, and emerging stronger than ever. She takes us on a journey of transformation, from the darkness of disbelief within her own family to the triumphant reconstruction of her relationship with her mom.

Join the conversation as Sarah Ann spills the beans on the power of healing, the impact of trauma, and the magic that happens when survivors reclaim their voices. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into the incredible spoken word that'll leave you in awe of the strength and courage found within every survivor.

Discover the groundbreaking work happening at the Seattle Organization of Prostitution Survivors and why survivor advocates like Sarah Ann are the unsung heroes in the battle against exploitation.

This episode is not just a conversation; it's a celebration of resilience, a symphony of triumph, and a reminder that, yes, healing is not only possible but extraordinary! Don't miss out on the empowering moments that will leave you inspired to embrace authenticity, break down stigmas, and stand tall in the face of adversity.

OPS on KIRO7

INTERVIEW WITH REBEKAH FONDEN, OPS BOARD PRESIDENT

Nearly 100 people attended Together We Rise, a 3-hour sex trafficking awareness event on January 28 at Black Coffee Northwest in Shoreline. The event featured speakers, including new OPS Executive Director Rekina Perry and Black Coffee co-owner Darnesha Weary. In addition, there was a legal Trafficking 101 presentation, inspirational poetry, and testimonials from survivors. 

Together We Rise Celebration

January 28 at 5pm

Black Coffee NW
16743 Aurora Ave N
Shoreline, WA

Register

Please join us to celebrate our new Executive Director Rekina Perry, learn more about our work, and raise awareness to human trafficking

Featuring:

Food & Drinks
Performances
Silent Auction by OPS Artists
Speakers and Presentations

New Leadership at OPS

In early 2023, Rekina Perry will be taking over as Executive Director at OPS!

Rekina has been part of the OPS community for years, and there could not be a more perfect next step for this organization.

We’ll be holding an event (date TBA) to celebrate Rekina and OPS, and will share much more information then. In the meantime, Rekina has shared a little about her vision and priorities for OPS.

This includes increasing support for staff, promoting equitable and livable wages, and providing structure amid the transitions. “If the people who are doing this work are not taken care of, it trickles down to the survivors we serve. And we want to support the survivors the most, that’s paramount,” Rekina said, addressing the impact that wellness among staff has on the work we do.

Rekina is also interested in raising awareness about OPS, stating, “A lot of people need to know there is an organization like OPS. We’re one of a kind, honestly.” Rekina shared the impact OPS had on her and how the women who worked with her, including some current staff, were a huge part of her own journey. She sees this in the way OPS as a community supports survivors, stating, “We ride with these women no matter what.”

One important aspect of OPS that Rekina wanted to highlight is its goal to meet people where they are at. “The one thing I love about this program is we help people wherever they are,” Rekina said. “They have the compass, right, they let us know where they are and what they need help with.” This nonjudgmental approach to service delivery is one Rekina wants to use to run OPS as well. She argues that unconditional love and a safe, judgement-free space allows us to improve ourselves and strengthen community. “The things that are uncomfortable help us grow and really help us expand our perception of good, bad — of the judgments that we made.”

Please join us in welcoming Rekina to her new role!

Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Decision

Written by Rekina Perry

The Organization for Prostitution Survivor’s mission is to accompany survivors of prostitution in creating and sustaining efforts to heal from, and end, the practice of gender-based violence. OPS is survivor-founded, survivor-led, staffed predominately by survivors, and we elevate survivors in all we do.

In response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, OPS and its staff feel it is imperative to state our position, and plan to respond to this unsettling and distressing decision. We firmly believe that all survivors have a right to safety, autonomy, economic security, and full agency. Safety requires economic security and this requires undoing racialized harm. We stand on our beliefs that all women should have access to care and resources that relate to their overall wellbeing, and we at OPS will continue to provide resources to populations impacted by this decision. With regard to racialized injustices and marginalized populations, we realize that this group is a majority of whom we serve.

We believe that the decision to end the right to access abortion is an attack on women and an attempt to seek and capitalize on systems that promote power and control, which is rooted in gender-based violence. The consequences stemming from the overturning of Roe v. Wade will be markedly grave. In response, we at OPS are willing to be creative in the catalyzation of solutions and will continue to stand in solidarity with survivors during the times ahead. 

| | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Overturning Roe v. Wade will negatively impact women’s safety, autonomy, economic security, full agency, and will disproportionately impact BIPOC women, CSE survivors, survivors of all violence against women and gender-based violence, and those who hold other intersecting and overlapping marginalized identities. We are working to create a response to the anticipated influx of calls from out-of-state survivors seeking abortions. We also know that this decision will put a strain on our healthcare systems, and survivors will need additional information, support, resources, and accompaniment to navigate birth control, abortion, and other reproductive health practices. We will continue to incorporate these important supports into our services.

Please follow us, stay informed, and if you would like to take action click here to give to OPS.

“Coyote”

Written By Martha Linehan

Coyote

A coyote came right up onto our deck the other night
It was a sign of luck and fair warning
We try to keep the cats in after dark but they slip out just to take it all in
We don’t leave food around for the wildlife anymore
Hunger is power
Outrage is a gift
The price we all pay for the killing
The invasive procedures
The illegal abortions
The Black Codes
The guns
The blood
The catcalls
The gentrification
The lynchings
The apathy
All of it
Outrage is a gift
There are many ways to do battle

MML

5/30/22, 6/12/22, 6/24/2022

Raven Talk, QAWQS: Art, Healing, & Transformation AT OPS

June 18, 2022 at 2pm
Register here

Join OPS staff and Raven Chronicles Press for this conversation about the role art plays at OPS. Nykki Canete will lead a discussion with other OPS staff, Martha Linehan, Rekina Perry, SarahAnn Hamilton, and Searetha Simons, on, among other topics, the art workshop and how art is used in their programming to facilitate healing and transformation for survivors.

Noel Gomez on “All the Way Authentic” Podcast

OPS founder and staff member Noel Gomez talks with OPS board member Kevin P. Henry in his podcast “All the Way Authentic.” Noel discusses commercial sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, preventing the exploitation of youth, ways to support survivors as they leave the life, and the book she is writing.

Below is a description from the show:

Noel Gomez knows from experience the danger and emotional trauma of being a victim of Human Trafficking. Today, she stands tall as a survivor and has spent years helping youth and women who have gotten out of "The Life." Noel is the co-founder of the Organization of Prostitution Survivors in Seattle, Washington. She talks candidly about the signs that someone is being trafficked and shares her wisdom on how to help survivors re-adjust and acclimate to a new life in society after they escape their trafficker.

Noel has unmatched knowledge and expertise around supporting commercially sexually exploited women, and especially understanding and responding to the needs of girls and other youth. In this episode she weaves her brilliant insight into these issue alongside her own experiences and history.

After you listen, be sure to check out the King County CSEC Task Force Podcast episodes that feature other OPS staff and partners, including advocates Chelsea Olsen and SarahAnn Harris Hamilton.