Episode 233. Amy Leenerts – Founder/Director of Free2Hope.org

Sexually abused as a young child, Amy Leenerts was told that she was to blame for what happened to her. This set off something in her mind and made her believe that whenever something negative happened, it was her fault.

Abuse followed her throughout childhood including a traumatic rape at age 19. Amy often felt “marked,” as though something inherently evil in her allowed abusers to find her. After years of being a victim, Amy began to live a healthy, restored life.

Her perspective widened and she began to notice others who suffered the effects of sexual abuse, exploitation, & human trafficking. Now she devotes much of her energy to finding new approaches to prevent human trafficking & other sex crimes against women & children throughout Kentucky & ultimately to help victims begin their journey toward health and wholeness.

Through this perspective, she founded Free2Hope Inc., a non-profit devoted to prevention programs and public training on human trafficking. Free2Hope Inc. has the long-term goals of mentoring survivors, job programs, a drop-in center & establishes a safe house for abused women and children in Kentucky. On the way to that dream, Amy has garnered a number of awards. In 2015, Amy received the Human Rights Award from the United Nations Association, Kentucky Division, Kentucky Division & Liberator Award from Kentucky Rescue & Restore. In 2016, she received The Voices for Victims Award from the Indiana Attorney General. And in 2017, Amy received the Innovative Program Award from Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs & Nominated to the Survivor Council of Kentucky.