Community Change
For 3 decades, A Way Out Ministries has sought to not only help and support women getting out of the sex industry, but also to equip and protect communities from the harmful effects of the sex industry on neighborhoods, minors, and community spaces.
Partnering with Memphis and Shelby County officials, code enforcement, civic and church groups, we advocate for legislation and ordinances that help deter the sex industry and protect the vulnerable.
OUR PAST IMPACT - PORNOGRAPHY AND THE PUBLIC
1995 - The doors were removed from private booths in adult bookstores
2000 - Shelby County Public Libraries put internet filters on computers to protect children
2012 - Shelby County adopted the ordinance that brought tighter regulations on the strip clubs in Memphis
2016 - Began meeting with the TN legislature
to advocate for new laws that impose stronger penalties for pimps convicted of sex trafficking
2017 - Began advocating to remove barriers to
employment for women who are victims of sex trafficking and prostitution
2019 - Began advocating for a Safer Internet for Children Act at both State and Federal levels
Because we recognize the harmful connection between the prevalence of pornography and the sex industry, we spoke up for and successfully partnered with Memphis Public Libraries adding internet filters to their public access computers to help prevent accidental discovery by children or misuse of the computers by adult library patrons. We continue to educate communities about the harmful affects of porn on children and how it perpetuates the harmful environment of the sex industry.
2nd
highest rising crime in Tennessee
Sex trafficking is the 2nd highest rising crime in the state of TN with Shelby County being the 4th highest county in the state for trafficking cases.
100+
cases of sex trafficking reported
Over 100 cases of sex trafficking of adults and minors are reported in Shelby County each year.
11-14
tweens are especially vulnerable
The average age of entry into sex trafficking is 11-14 years old. These are the ages of children in 4th through 9th grade.
A Future and a Hope
Most of the women that we help get out of the sex industry as adults were lured or forced into it as vulnerable minors, or experienced sexual abuse or assault as a minor. By advocating for and protecting at-risk minors, we seek to break the cycle of trafficking at the source. Additionally, ministry is focused on assisting those seeking to rebuild their lives, connecting them with meaningful work, and a new healthy community support system.
Future community goals
Expand our trauma-informed Christ-centered residential program on 80 acres of rural land donated to the ministry enabling us to expand the number of survivors we can serve
Continuing to be involved with the promotion of state and federal legislation aimed at curbing the impact of pornography on minors both in TN and nationally
Continuing to rescue and restore women ensnared by sex trafficking and the commercial sex industry
Grow involvement in local community and churches by speaking about pornography and sex trafficking
Expanding our ministry to street outreach and intervention, that launched in 2022
Launch end-demand efforts to reach and support men involved in the sex industry to help them find A Way Out
How to Help
We could not do this life-restoring work without support from our volunteers, donors, and community partners. Whether you have time, talent, or treasure to share, there are many ways to be involved that help support and encourage the women we serve. Below are a few ways to serve.
Donate
Our work is funded through the generous contributions of individuals, companies, churches, and foundations. Financial donations are accepted via mail or our secure online portal.
Volunteer
Individuals can be involved in supporting and encouraging our clients as they walk down the path of healing in many ways - such as mentoring, teaching, or even making a meal.