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Rondy Smith: Restoring Survivors, Stopping Oppression

by | Jan 2025

Bees flit through bright flowers as women walk by, quietly contemplating the beauty around them. This beauty is reflected in their souls, shining brightly despite all they have been through. The peace and empowerment of Good Hope Farms uplift their future and change their lives, just as they have for dozens of other women before them.

The 25-acre property on the outskirts of Lebanon is dedicated to a difficult but incredibly important mission: restoring survivors of sex trafficking. In the past nine years, around 60 women have come through the program, each leaving with measurably improved mental health and the skills and community necessary to succeed in the wider world. The farm operates under the broader umbrella of Rest Stop Ministries, a nonprofit founded by Rondy Smith for the express purpose of serving victims of human trafficking. It was something she was called to do, Smith said.

“I was Community Life pastor at Hermitage Church of the Nazarene; at the time, I had been there for 10 years in that capacity and was just feeling a real stirring about a fresh expression, if you will, of a gospel-centered ministry that was outside the walls of the church,” Smith said. “I had the particular burden for victims of human trafficking that had really been breaking my heart.”

It took four years to make that vision become a reality. Smith had to find people to support the mission, flesh out her nonprofit and its methods, and find the funds and property to begin serving survivors.

Rest Stop Ministries has three core pillars. The first is to provide a safe, secure space for survivors to heal. In Lebanon, that safe place became Good Hope Farms. Coupled with the peaceful location is an 18-24 month therapeutic healing program to help survivors through the work of healing. All of it is free of charge. Rest Stop Ministries covers counselor, medical, and legal fees for everyone in the program.

“We will take care of your every need free of charge if you’ll just come and do the very hard work of healing,” Smith said. “One of the hardest things they’ll ever do is to heal and then be reintegrated … successfully back into a society as a whole different person living a whole different life in a whole new way.”

The primary goal of the first pillar is improving mental health outcomes, and Smith said the nonprofit is proud of its success there. Everyone who comes to Good Hope Farms takes a mental health assessment. Most women are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, loneliness, and post-traumatic stress disorder — but after just six months, their mental health outcomes begin to improve exponentially.

Pillar two helps residents develop the skills and obtain the documents they need to be successful. Staff assist them with whatever they need to progress, whether learning to read and write, learning to drive, or completing a name change.

They also undergo a 9-month job readiness and skills certification to improve economic stability.

“While they’re in the long-term program doing their healing work, alongside that, they get to earn while they learn in our Hope Enterprise & WorkForce Empowerment,” Smith said.

There are many learning opportunities. Residents run Good Hope Farms’ online store, offering products made by survivors worldwide. The nonprofit is getting ready to launch its own line of survivor-made goods in addition to selling honey harvested on the farm. A partnership with local small business Fried Green Tomatoes allows residents to earn money packing batter and sauce mixes. All of that gives them the skills and experience needed to excel once they leave the farms.

The third pillar of Rest Stop Ministries focuses on supporting alums. Transitioning can be difficult, but the nonprofit offers support for a full year after graduation as graduates find housing, jobs, and community. Smith said every milestone is celebrated throughout their whole journey, whether it’s landing that first job, graduating college, or simply learning to cook.

“Their lives are enriched and impacted while they’re here,” Smith said. “People all the time [ask], ‘Well, what’s your graduation success rate?’ Well, that doesn’t tell the story. What tells the story is all the milestones that they gain while they’re in the program.”

With its expertise in serving survivors, Rest Stop Ministries is a perfect resource for anyone looking to learn more about the crime of sexual exploitation. The nonprofit offers awareness and prevention training for anyone who wants it.

“We’re right here in your county if you’re looking for people who understand this crime and how it happens and how it works,” Smith said. “We just know that we need to continue to educate the public on what this really looks like, who these women are, and what beautiful souls they are.” GN

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