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November 4, 2024
“I will die helping those who need compassion and understanding.”
Julie Shrader’s unwavering commitment to her life’s mission runs deeper than the depths she herself has traversed. She’s chosen to walk alongside survivors as they work in the raw and vulnerable place of trauma and healing. It’s hard, brave work—as is the healing journey itself, as Julie knows first-hand.
“My journey wasn’t easy, and it began in a place of darkness, loneliness, and ab*se driven by my own experiences with se*ual exploitation and feelings of inadequacy.” She’s faced the complex emotional landscape of shame, self-hatred, self-blame, and confusion–feelings often echoed by those who have experienced se*ual exploitation.
Julie credits her faith in helping transform her pain into her purpose “to help other survivors find the light at the end of the tunnel and create spaces where they could heal in their own time, on their own terms.”
In 2012, Julie’s grit and determination drove her purpose forward, taking shape as a non-profit organization in Nebraska. For over a decade, she channeled her heart and hard-won victories over her own personal trauma into deep, compassionate care for survivors.
As a pioneer in a field often characterized by well-meaning yet under-informed individuals, her survivor-led organization set itself apart by adhering to trauma-focused care principles, prioritizing safety, and offering holistic support to address the long-term healing needs of survivors.
Julie looks back on the organization's early days, characterized by tight budgets and unimaginable challenges when her steadfast dedication to her mission and faith in Jesus proved instrumental in overcoming those hurdles.
The remarkable transformations of women from despair to resilience and self-worth that Julie witnessed served as a continuous reminder of the significance of her mission. She’ll never forget when one woman looked at her and said:
“For the first time, I finally feel free.”
Freedom runs deep.
It’s so much more than being physically unchained and unbound. Many individuals who are trafficked and exploited aren’t physically restrained, and the reasons they don’t leave vary and may be complex. To unravel the trauma, manipulation, and ab*se to move from surviving to thriving is a difficult, long-term, and non-linear road.
What stands out about Julie is her ability to truly see each woman’s uniqueness, their individual stories and paths to recovery–and their shared resilience.
What many consider unthinkable, Julie has stared down. She firmly believes healing is possible, no matter the depths of hell someone has been through, a belief solidified by her experiences with the women she’s served.
Several years ago, Julie felt the Lord calling her to open a recovery home for se*ually exploited and trafficked children. Through her nonprofit, she purchased a home in 2023, and Julie began working on the expansion. But then in March 2024, an unimaginable betrayal struck.
After twelve years of founding and growing her non-profit, the chairperson of her board forced Julie out. Heartbreak doesn’t scratch the surface of how she felt. So much of her life, heart and soul was poured into this organization, and she wholeheartedly believed in the mission and loved the clients–how could this have happened?
So she did what she knew.
After much prayer and reflection, Julie determined that a new beginning was before her. She began working anew, pouring all of her experiences and wisdom into a new initiative.
In Nebraska, there is a gaping void of supports for children who’ve experienced se*ual exploitation. Julie’s mission was still the same, to help survivors, but this time, she would dig even deeper into the systemic roots of se*ual exploitation.
Today, Julie’s vision of a haven is taking shape–she’s started an aftercare program for minors and adult female survivors, which includes equine-assisted therapy, and is working on securing a shelter. She also continues to focus on holistic, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care, centered on an empowerment model.
“Innocence Freed is built on the pillars of empathy, resilience, and freedom. It’s about more than just surviving–it’s about thriving.”
Julie is a brilliant victor who chooses healing, compassion and integrity daily, as she continues to value each individual, determined they be “seen, heard, and given the tools to not just survive their trauma but to rise above.”
Through her faith and determination, Julie transformed her personal experiences of se*ual exploitation and trauma into a powerful mission to support and uplift others. Her journey serves as a reminder that our stories can move beyond our hurt and trauma to a space of strength, self-determination, and empowerment that can inspire and help others.
“I continue to fight for every woman’s right to be free from exploitation to reclaim her life and to heal on her terms.”
To support Julie Shrader’s work, go to https://innocencefreed.org/donate/
