Josiah

When Josiah was born, he was immediately at high risk of exploitation.

Josiah's mother was five months pregnant, HIV positive, and living in a red-light district when she reached out for help. She was in a desperate situation, surrounded by the harsh realities of exploitation and poverty.

The red-light district was no place for anyone, let alone a pregnant woman trying to bring a new life into the world. Despite her dire circumstances, she held onto hope for a better future for her unborn child.

When she gave birth to Josiah, she faced an incredibly difficult decision. She realized she was unable to provide the care and stability that her newborn son needed. Understanding the dangers and vulnerabilities that awaited him in her current environment, she made the heartbreaking choice to give Josiah up into the care of a local woman.

This decision, though painful, was an act of profound love and courage. She wanted to ensure that Josiah had a chance at a life free from the shadows of exploitation, even if she never got that chance. 

Josiah’s new guardian was acutely aware of children's risks in such circumstances. She knew that without a loving and stable home, Josiah could easily become a victim of the very exploitation his mother had sought to protect him from.

Determined to find a better path for him, she began searching tirelessly for a safe place where Josiah could grow up in a nurturing environment and have access to education and opportunities.

Her search led her to Project Rescue, where she connected with one of our safe homes. It was a moment of profound relief and joy. Josiah was welcomed into a community dedicated to children's restoration and holistic care. In this safe home, he found shelter and a supportive family environment where he could thrive.

Surrounded by other children and caring adults, Josiah’s days are filled with learning, play, and the promise of a hopeful future.

Today, Josiah is flourishing. He is receiving the education and care every child deserves. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of compassionate intervention.

At Project Rescue, we are committed to ensuring that children like Josiah grow up in a safe and loving environment, breaking the cycle of exploitation and building a foundation for a brighter future.

You can support a survivor of exploitation’s education by funding a scholarship. Education plays a huge role in a survivor's journey toward restoration. It provides them with personal challenges while equipping them with tools to build a future free of exploitation. With your next gift, please select “I would like to support Scholarships” from the drop-down and be a part of why a survivor finds hope in the future.