As Seattle prepares for a major global soccer event, REST is preparing to meet the moment with awareness, outreach, and survivor-centered support. Learn why large events make community preparedness so important, what REST is doing to strengthen response, and how you can help survivors know there is a safe place to turn.
Healing does not always happen in obvious ways. Sometimes it looks like gathering around a table for Easter dinner, joining a supportive conversation, or laughing together over banana splits. In April, REST shelter guests experienced meaningful moments of joy, connection, and care that helped create space for hope. Read more about how these moments are supporting healing at REST.
Camp REST created space for belonging, healing, and possibility in March. From shared meals and creative activities to a restorative visit to Salish Lodge, guests experienced moments of connection, care, and encouragement. The month also marked meaningful transitions as two guests took important next steps toward stability and independence. Read more about how Camp REST helped create room for rest, community, and new possibilities.
This spring, REST is expanding shelter capacity from 7 beds to 12, but this story is about more than additional space. It is about listening to survivors, rethinking language, and creating environments that feel safe, dignified, and deeply restorative. From renaming our shelter the Essential RESToration Center to launching the new RESToration Transition Center, every detail reflects a commitment to care that is thoughtful, survivor centered, and designed to support what comes next. Read how this expansion is helping create more room for healing, hope, and lasting restoration.
Fifteen years ago, REST began with one bold belief: survivors deserve dignity, compassion, and real pathways forward. Since 2009, that belief has looked like calls answered when someone had nowhere else to turn, advocates showing up again and again, and a community refusing to look away. In our 15-year anniversary blog, we reflect on REST’s journey from our beginnings in 2009 through becoming an official 501(c)(3) in 2011, what this milestone truly represents, and why we’re more committed than ever to the work ahead. Read the full post to celebrate with us and see what’s next.
When Laura Lucht learned about REST’s mission through her church, she felt called to help. Although her work schedule made in-person volunteering difficult, she found a meaningful way to serve through REST’s Monthly Online Prayer Gathering. Read how Laura’s faithfulness in prayer and purpose is making a powerful impact for survivors and inspiring others to join this vital work.
For more than two years, Brian Coon has been showing up for survivors through homemade meals, volunteer days, and unwavering support for REST’s mission. From a chance opportunity at church to a deeply personal connection through HOPE training, Brian’s story is one of compassion in action. Read how “jumping in” became a meaningful and joyful way to make a difference.
Susanna Southworth, PhD, JD of Restore the Child, PLLC shares how she leads with empowerment while advocating for survivors of sex trafficking and child sexual abuse material. Through litigation, she helps survivors pursue restitution and civil judgments as part of their healing journey and supports survivor centered organizations like CHILD USA and Rotary International. Susanna also reflects on the mindset that guides her work, “Find the joy in learning,” and the inspiration she draws from retired State Supreme Court Justice Faith Ireland, a legal scholar and mentor to other women.
Megan Fouty of Tin Can shares how she leads with authenticity and creates pathways for emerging women leaders through mentorship and connection. Overseeing legal and people functions at a Seattle technology start-up, Megan stays connected with mentees, speaks at law schools on building networks of support, and wrote The Art of Networking to help underrepresented leaders strengthen their network and brand. Explore the full spotlight to hear Megan’s leadership approach and advice for the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Jenna Butler, an applied research scientist at Microsoft, shares what it means to lead with joy, clear boundaries, and authenticity while raising a family and building a career. She reflects on modeling family first leadership for emerging women, why “No is a complete sentence,” and the lasting influence of her mother’s legacy. Read Jenna’s advice on navigating a rapidly changing world and staying grounded in what matters most.
Most of the photographs representing survivors on this website are stock photography and feature models used for illustrative purposes only. With a few carefully evaluated exceptions, we do not publish or share photos of survivors at REST.
