GALA INFORMATION
The 4th annual gala benefiting Beyond Trafficking will be held Saturday, March 2, at the Taylor County Expo Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.

By Loretta Fulton

When Stephanie Andrade-Rocha founded Beyond Trafficking in 2017, she brought with her a world of work and lifetime experience. 

She acknowledges that growing up, she didn’t think education would play a significant role in her life, which led her to drop out of Cooper High School. She later earned a GED, took some classes at Cisco College, and completed two programs at American Commercial College in certified assistant and medical office specialist. Now, she is pursuing a degree in Christian counseling through Manna University. Her long term goal is to get a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington. 

Before starting Beyond Trafficking, Andrade-Rocha was part of the 911 team for the West Central Texas Council of Governments. She also was a medical assistant in a pediatrician’s office, which allowed her to gain medical knowledge and skills. For a while, she stayed at home with her young children, which reinforced her belief that education is not limited to the classroom. As a stay-at-home mom, she made it a priority to educate her children on important values and lifeskills that would shape them into compassionate, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.

“Now, as I embark on this journey with Beyond Trafficking, my passion for public education has only grown stronger,” she said. “I am determined to use my skills and experiences to educate communities on the issue of human trafficking and work towards creating a safer and more just world for all.”

Stephanie Andrade-Rocha

Name: Stephanie Andrade-Rocha 
Position: Founder/Executive Director, Beyond Trafficking
Education: Attended Cooper High School but did not graduate. Later got a GED. Attended Cisco College and completed two programs at American Commercial College, certified medical assistant and medical office specialist. Currently pursuing a degree in Christian counseling through Manna University, with plans to pursue a master’s in social work from the University of Texas in Arlington. 
Family: Husband, Oscar, five boys, three grandchildren
Community Involvement: Safe House Project, National Association of Victims’ Advocates, The Texas Balance of State Continuum of Care (TX BoS CoC) Board, Texas Homeless Network, Shared Hope International, Safehouse Project, National Trafficking Shelter Alliance, American Association of Christian Counselors, Darius Mayfield Foundation Board, National Association of Public Educators Advisor, Moms of America, Operation Underground Railroad, AHS PTA, Project Graduation, Public Educators of Texas, Toastmasters, Beltway Missions
Honors: Volunteer of the Year, Abilene Independent School District. In 2021, I received the coveted Viva Babe Award from Consuela, a recognition that celebrates strong, influential women who inspire and make a difference in their communities. In 2023, I was honored with the Women of Outstanding Achievement award.

Q What prompted you to start Beyond Trafficking? 
A I started Beyond Trafficking because I witnessed the deception and ugliness of trafficking firsthand. It hit close to home when someone I loved became a victim, and I saw the devastating effects it had on their life.

At first, I didn’t know what to do or how to help. But then, I felt a calling from the Lord to take action. As I learned more about what was happening in my own city, I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. The verse that was given to me by God was Isaiah 42:6-7:

“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

This verse spoke directly to my heart and gave me the determination and inspiration I needed to start Beyond Trafficking. It was clear that this was my personal mission– to be a light for those who are in darkness, to open the eyes of others and free captives from this terrible industry.

I couldn’t continue to stand idly by while innocent lives were being destroyed. So, I took that verse and turned it into action. I created Beyond Trafficking as a way to educate people about the realities of trafficking and how they can help make a difference.

Throughout my journey, I have encountered many challenges and obstacles. But my personal mission is what keeps me going. It’s a constant reminder of why I started Beyond Trafficking in the first place and the impact it can make on those who are suffering.

My tone may be determined and passionate, but at the heart of it all, my mission is deeply personal. I hope that through my work with Beyond Trafficking, I can make a positive change in the lives of survivors and help shed light to this heinous crime. 

Q How big is your staff now?
A At Beyond Trafficking, we are dedicated to serving those affected by human trafficking. Our organization operates through a team of passionate volunteers and committed board members who work tirelessly every day to make a difference in the lives of survivors.

But our efforts would not be possible without our dedicated staff. With a team of 7 individuals, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the table, we are able to provide comprehensive support and services to those who need it most. 

At the helm of our team is our clinical director, who holds a doctorate and provides invaluable guidance and leadership. Through their expertise and experience, they ensure that our programs and services are evidence-based and effective in addressing the needs of survivors.

Q How big of an issue is sex trafficking in Abilene? 
A It’s a problem that is far too big to ignore. Human trafficking is a crime that is incredibly hard to measure due to its underground and secretive nature. But we do know that the I-20 corridor, which runs through Abilene, has become a hot spot for trafficking activity. This means that our community is not immune to this heinous crime–in fact, it’s right at our doorstep.

At Beyond Trafficking, we have witnessed the number of survivors seeking our help continuously grow. And this is just a small representation of the larger issue at hand. We know that there are many more victims out there who have yet to be identified and rescued.

But we also see hope in these numbers – it means that people are becoming more aware of human trafficking and are reaching out for help. It means that organizations like Beyond Trafficking are making a difference in the lives of survivors. And it means that we can continue to grow and expand our efforts to combat this issue.

Q How do you help victims of sex trafficking? 
A At Beyond Trafficking, our mission is to serve as a wrap-around support system for survivors of sex and labor trafficking. We believe that no one should have to navigate the path of post-trauma healing alone. We serve not just as a point of contact but as a partner in their journey towards recovery and empowerment. We extend our support to address not only their immediate physical needs, but also the mental and spiritual healing that is crucial to their well-being. From providing safe housing and supplying essentials through our Beloved Boutique to connecting survivors with community organizations for food and transportation, our support is comprehensive and unwavering. 

Beyond just addressing the physical necessities, we are deeply committed to facilitating mental and spiritual healing for our survivors. We believe that counseling plays an integral part in this process. To that end, we connect our survivors with professional counselors who are equipped to help navigate the complexities of post-trafficking trauma. In addition to one-on-one counseling, we also organize group meetings where survivors can share their experiences and draw strength from each other’s stories. We believe mentorship is a powerful tool for empowerment and recovery, so we match survivors with mentors who can guide them on their journey. Lastly, our partnership with freedom ministries helps address the spiritual needs of our survivors, offering them a source of hope and inspiration as they reclaim their lives beyond trafficking.

We are determined to create a safe space for survivors and their families, driven by a deep-seated belief in their resilience and capacity for renewal. Our mission is inspired by their strength, and it is our privilege to serve and partner with them on their path to recovery.

Q What is the status of Amada House?
A The Amada House project has officially broken ground and construction is well underway. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of professional builders such as Country Side Home and Lantrip Custom Homes, along with other community members, our dream of creating a safe haven for survivors is becoming a reality.

Once completed, Amada House will be able to accommodate up to 10 survivors at a time, offering them a safe shelter to begin their healing journey. We are also proud to announce that we have partnered with safehouses throughout the country for long-term placement of survivors.

This project would not be possible without the generous support of numerous businesses who have donated their resources and funds towards this cause. It truly takes a village to make a positive impact in our community, and we are grateful for every contribution towards Amada House. 

With the continuous outpouring of community support and dedication, we aim to have Amada House operational by the end of the year. This timeline is more than a goal – it’s a beacon of hope for survivors, a testament to the strength of our united community, and a statement of our shared commitment to providing a safe refuge for those who need it most. As we navigate through the construction phase, we’re not just building walls and roofs; we’re creating a sanctuary where healing begins and survivors reclaim their lives. 

Q What fundraisers do you have throughout the year?
A One of the ways we raise funds to support our mission is through our annual gala. This event brings together members of the community for a night of awareness, inspiration, and community. It is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this fight and that together, we can make a difference.

But our fundraising efforts do not stop there. We are currently in the middle of a capital campaign to finish raising funds for the Amada House project. 

Q Anything else you wish to add:
A I never thought I would be doing this line of work, but when God calls, you answer. It wasn’t in my plans to start a nonprofit organization, but sometimes our paths take unexpected turns. And so, here I am–determined and inspired to make a positive impact.

At first, I planned to focus my efforts on another country – a place far away from my hometown where I was born and raised. But in the process of building this organization, I realized that I couldn’t ignore the needs of my own community. After all, this is where my children and grandchildren live – how could I not establish something here?

Although the journey has had its challenges, the strength and resilience of the survivors we have the privilege of serving have kept me going. But it’s not just them, it’s also the love and support from our board, volunteers, and community that keeps this venture moving forward.

I have a deep love for this Abilene community, and it’s an honor to be able to serve those in need here. It may not have been part of my original plan, but sometimes our greatest calling comes from unexpected places. And I am grateful to be answering that call every day through this mission.