Marie’s story
Marie was just 14 years old when she starting running away and skipping school. Her mother was working two jobs and felt like she could not control her any longer. Marie was bringing home expensive clothing and jewelry. Her mother would question her about it, but it always turned into an argument. Marie and her mother did not get along. Marie had lost trust in her mother because her mother's ex-boyfriend sexually abused her and her mother did not believe her. Nobody knew, but Maria had found an older male that was showering her with attention, affection, and buying her nice gifts. He told her he loved her and that she could not trust her mom. He reminded her that her mom did not believe her about the sexual abuse and he did. He told her how beautiful she was and how she deserved much more. The relationship was great for a few months. Marie would skip school to see him. One day, things changed. He told her they were going for a drive and they were not coming back. This scared Marie. Even though she felt like she loved him, she really did not want to leave her school and her friends. He told her he would care for her and there was no going back. He took her across state lines and their first night together in a hotel, everything changed. Marie saw a side to him that she had never seen. That night - he forced her into prostitution. He reminded her of all the gifts and nice things he had done for her over the past few months. He told her nobody wanted her, not even her mom. He reminded her that her mom believed her ex-boyfriend over her. Marie felt hopeless. She was trapped. He told her this is how they were going to make it and eventually they would have a life together once they saved some money. This went on for 6 months before law enforcement found Marie in a hotel room during a sting. The "boyfriend" had become her pimp.
At OEW Hope House Marie was able to find support.
She received specialized therapy for herself and together with her mom. She spent time with our Christian staff and mentors who encouraged her and reminded her that God has a hope and a future for her. She received healthcare and individualized case plans with weekly goals. She participated in fun outings and enjoyed being a kid again! In our onsite private school, Hope Collegiate Academy, she excelled and caught up on the school she had missed. She was so proud of herself!
Marie was born to FLY! The future is bright for Marie. She is on her road to healing and back home with her mother. Healing is beautiful and it's only because of Christ that girls like Marie can truly be restored.