What really raised her suspicions was when one woman was asked questions, she would look to the man next to her for confirmation before answering. Another indicator was a different client who had been dropped off at a hotel known for drug activity.

Experiences such as these led to the formation of Cry Freedom Missions.

“The name Cry Freedom, came from a young woman, Carol Lancaster, who made jewelry and was using it as a fundraiser,” Weeks said. “She kindly offered to teach the women I was getting together, how to make jewelry.”

Once Lancaster had met her fundraising goal, Weeks approached her about using the Cry Freedom name, which would soon become the name and battle cry of her mission.

Outreach started with the Cry Freedom Mission (CFM) team going into jails, local hotels and areas where individuals are living on the streets to meet people where they are.

They look for those at risk of or currently being trafficked, build relationships, offer support, provide basic needs and connect them to treatment, housing and other stabilizing resources.

Whether someone is incarcerated, housed temporarily or experiencing homelessness, CFM aims to bring hope, safety and a pathway forward to those who need it most.

The non-profit organization has a safe house located in Greenville for emergency and long-term care, as well as a transitional living home called Magnolia in Goldsboro.

“We are so appreciative to members who donate to Operation Round Up,” said Weeks. “With these funds we are sowing seeds and we are so grateful to members.”

“We work with the police, social workers, Homeland Security and many other law enforcement agencies across the state to identify women being trafficked,” she said. “In fact, few people end up trafficked by forced coercion or fraud, almost 90% of people being trafficked are trafficked by someone they know.”

The organization puts together black backpacks, which can be left at places where people who may be trafficked gather. The bags are filled with information and toiletries and this helps to bring those in need of help, into contact with CFM.

“We teach churches, schools, law enforcement, social workers and healthcare workers what to look for,” said Weeks. “In many cases, human trafficking is misidentified as something else.”

By building these connections with local agencies, CFM, is helping more women and children get the true help they need.

The $5,000 Operation Round Up grant they received is going to build relationships.

“We are so appreciative to members who donate to Operation Round Up,” said Weeks. “With these funds we are sowing seeds and we are so grateful to members.”

The National Human Trafficking Hotline, 888.373.7888, connects victims and survivors of trafficking.