RW Supply + Design’s mission is that we exist UNTIL EVERY CHILD IS HOME. One year ago, I posted this story from A21 (an antitrafficking organization). In light of my focus on Family Preservation, and because it is one of my favorites, I am reposting it….

Like many children in Cambodia, Sophy spends a lot of time with extended family. Unfortunately, one of her cousins utilized their close relationship to traffick her. He took Sophy across the border and forced her to beg for money on the streets of Thailand.

Every night she was forced to beg for long hours without having a proper meal. She endured physical and psychological abuse which no child should ever have to experience.

When police conducted surveillance, Sophy’s cousin would hide her. One day the police noticed her. In collaboration with the A21 team in Thailand (www.a21.org), they assisted Sophy off the streets and into safety. A21 social workers consistently spent time with Sophy, making her feel safe and cared for—all while planning and ensuring a safe return home.

When it was time for Sophy to return home, the A21 team, alongside government agents in both countries, repatriated Sophy back to Cambodia safely. The team traveled to her home community and met with her family to prepare a reintegration plan, including enrolling Sophy in school so she could learn to read and write.

Today, she lives free and happily with her family, experiencing a healthy childhood with a bright future ahead of her.

The ability to support A21, and work until the day that every child is home, is solely because of the work that you do each day!