Helping Captives, an anti-human trafficking ministry based in Spokane, Washington, is working to help women escape exploitation through prevention, intervention, and recovery services. Human trafficking is estimated to generate about $150 billion annually worldwide, making it one of the most profitable criminal enterprises.
Founder and CEO Caleb Altmeyer said many victims arrive in crisis, struggling with addiction, abuse, and trauma. Since its founding, the ministry has rescued more than 400 trafficking victims. Altmeyer was inspired to launch the organization after learning that a childhood neighbor had been trafficked by her parents beginning at age six.
The ministry opened its first safe house in 2017 and quickly realized the need for professional mental health and addiction specialists as demand grew. According to the FBI, more than 90 percent of detected trafficking victims worldwide are women and girls.
To expand services, Helping Captives transformed a former strip club into a 24-hour Freedom Center where law enforcement can bring trafficking victims for care and support. Altmeyer also shared stories of women who have experienced significant recovery and life change through the ministry, including some who now serve on staff and help others find healing and hope.
