ABOUT US
RISE UP KC is a small, grassroots group of Kansas City women with a passion for ending human trafficking. We have come together to make a difference in our communities, our city and abroad. We partner with local non-profits who dedicate their lives to rescuing and rehabilitating human trafficking survivors. Our goal is to host a variety of events and fundraisers to raise awareness and support our partners in fight against human trafficking. We are all volunteering our time and skills to make this happen. Please help us spread the word and if you want to be involved, reach out!
BRITTANY
Hi! My name is Brittany, and I am a licensed massage therapist. I’m a wife to my amazing husband, and a mom to three beautiful babies! My family is my world!
I’ve always had a passion for children and I get so much joy from helping others. I knew human trafficking existed, but never heard much about it, so I naively assumed this was just happening in far away countries. I was horrified to find out that this was so prevalent here, in our home country, and the numbers/statistics shook me to the core. When I look at my three babies, I think – “what if it were one of them?” – and that is enough motivation for me to fight for the innocent babies all over the world.
“From a small spark, a great flame has risen.”
CHELSEA
Hi! I am blessed to be married to my pre-school sweetheart. I am the very proud Godmother to 2 boys and “TeeTee” to 8 nieces and nephews. I work in HR and am currently answering God’s call to serve Him.
God called me to join the fight against human trafficking over a decade ago. I was a senior in high school when I discovered how horrendous this issue is. I was encouraged by my history teacher to keep fighting and never give up. In college I worked with various local non-profits that work to bring hope and rehabilitation to survivors. During Christmas of 2012, I solicited donations to create (the very first round of) “Hope Kits” full of hygiene and toiletry items and gave them to the DOJ for survivors. I became an O.U.R. Abolitionist in March of 2016. With the grace from God and a supportive husband and family, I never gave up on victims and survivors despite most people turning the other way when I bring this up or share countless articles on social media. I do it for my Godchildren/nieces/nephews and every other child out there. No little girl grows up with a dream to be trafficked, sold, or objectified. I am beyond passionate about this issue and I truly believe Rise Up KC will move mountains. Proverbs 3:5-6 💕
AMY
My name is Amy. I grew up in the KC area. I married my high school sweetheart and we have three amazing kids. I am a registered nurse who currently stays home with my kiddos.
The Lord woke me to the true horror these humans face and He has called me to be a voice for those without one. The lack of awareness must change and I feel called to do something about that. As a mama of three, I know that there is no population more vulnerable and we must speak out. I pray Rise Up KC brings all glory for His Kingdom. 💙
LEEANN
My name is LeeAnn – I grew up in Wellsville, KS and went to K State where I met my husband. We have 2 beautiful children and I work as a Food Counselor for a local company.
It was only recently that I started seeing the alarming statistics about human trafficking and I simply could not ignore this issue. Especially when it comes to children. I kept envisioning these innocent victims as my own children and I knew that if it were my child, I would want every single person in our city advocating for them. God has placed it directly on my heart to get involved with Rise Up KC – so here I am, to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
LIBBY
My name is Libby, I am Kansas City area native and a busy mom of 3. Like all moms, my kids are my world!
Since I was young I’ve had a very deep conviction and call to share truth and light and to help those in need. Like so many others I’ve become aware of the horrific reality of the modern day slave trade and the huge industry of sex trafficking, especially of children! Knowing that Kansas City is a very prevalent hot spot for sex trafficking in the US is why I’ve partnered with this incredible group of women to make a difference and use what I have to take action and put a stop to it!
No man, woman or child should ever have to experience the horrors that more 40 million people worldwide are living in. God has given us all a voice, and I chose to use mine loudly and boldly on behalf of those that are being silenced. I believe that together, we can rise up and become the generation to end human trafficking.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8-9