Natalie Grant has an impressive resume'. The 5-time Dove Female Vocalist of the Year has had a GRAMMY nod, several hit songs and she has long gotten the admiration of her peers. By this time next year, she will have added executive movie producer to her list of accomplishments.
In 2014, Word Entertainment is scheduled to release In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom with Grant as the executive producer and narrator. The movie will aim to let the world know about the thousands of women and children in the U.S. who are forced, coerced, or deceived into the commercial sex trade each year. The movie will just be one part of the campaign - the other two parts will consist of a compilation worship album, and a 31 day devotional / group study guide.
Natalie, a mother of three girls, was like most of us in America - blind to the fact that sexual slavery happens right here in our cities and towns. That changed one night while she was sitting in the comfort of her home, watching the local news. She said, "Twelve girls under the age of 18 were found in the same apartment with just dirty mattresses on the floor; they had broken up a brothel and it was one mile from my front door." As she learned more about the plight that is hitting the women and children of our world in increasing numbers, she knew that she had to do something to help make a difference. She formed Abolution International, originally called The Home Foundation, in order to support aftercare programs for sex trafficking victims around the world. Now, under the leadership of Stacia Freeman. Abolition International has helped launch, expand and improve aftercare programs in India, Moldova, Cambodia and the United States.
The film will take viewers into five US cities where five unsuspecting families will have their eyes opened to what's happening right down the street "in plain sight." It will share stories of hope and freedom as Abolition International aftercare homes are profiled in each of the five towns.
In a press release, David Trotter, co-executive producer, said, "Most Americans are completely oblivious to the fact that thousands of women and children are enslaved within their own communities. This isn't limited to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York. We're talking about cities across America - from Sacramento to Dallas to Tampa - where the unthinkable is happening."
The goal of In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom is to do more than just educate - AI wants to empower a generation of abolitionists to rise up and take action on behalf of women and children who are being exploited. Together, we CAN make a difference. Together, we CAN create change. Natalie said, "If you have a heart beating inside of you, I don't understand how it couldn't be important to you" and as a woman, a mother, a grandmother and someone with a definite heartbeat, I completely agree.
In order to fund this 3-part venture, Abolition International needs to raise $75,000. Your tax deductible contribution can and will make a difference. For 38 more days, donations are being taken through indiegogo.com. For as little as $15 or as much as $5000, you can help change a life. Natalie is not taking any compensation for her part in the project but you, as contributors, will be given thank you gifts for helping.
