Celebrate Black History Month by exploring Seattle through the neighborhoods that Black entrepreneurs and makers help shape every day. We’ve put together a curated guide of Black-owned businesses in and around Columbia City, Rainier Valley, Hillman City, and the Central District, plus easy “day out” itineraries to make supporting local simple and fun. Read the full blog to discover the list, plan your route, and find new favorites!
January at REST was a quiet return to what matters most: routine, connection, and steady steps forward. With workshops restarting, community spaces reopening, and our team growing stronger, we’ve seen again how consistency helps survivors refocus, rebuild momentum, and move toward their goals. Read the full blog to see what’s been happening inside the ERC and how your support is making it possible.
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.
REST’s new Signature Tea Collection is here, and it’s steeped in purpose. These six bright and cozy blends on Adagio let you enjoy a cup you love while supporting survivors, with five percent of every purchase going back to REST. In the blog, meet each tea, discover our “tea mates” pairings, and learn how this simple ritual can help create safety, steady care, and new beginnings.
December at REST was filled with moments of connection, creativity, and hope. From a Winter Wonderland Open Mic Night where guests shared music and stories, to Holiday Spirit Week activities and a caroling visit that brought joy to seniors in memory care, this season reminded us how powerful community can be. We also celebrated making Christmas morning special for shelter guests and honored our team with quarterly Value Awards. Read the full recap and see what hope in action looked like all month.
At REST, we encounter real stories of resilience daily. Vulnerable youth, seeking love and security, often face exploitation. Each journey is a battle for safety and hope. In this blog post, we share five representative stories of young lives affected by sex trafficking, now on the path to recovery with REST's support.
Meet Mandy and Cecil, two compassionate individuals at REST. Mandy, a mental health therapist, has supported over 100 survivors, specializing in trauma treatment. Cecil, a wellness coach, draws from personal struggles to offer hope to survivors. Both prioritize their own mental well-being while caring for others. Their dedication embodies REST's values, inspiring hope during Mental Health Awareness Month.
During National Volunteer Week (April 21-27), we're celebrating our amazing volunteers who are the heart of our organization. Their dedication to ending sex trafficking inspires us all. We thank them for their tireless efforts and invite others to join our mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
June Guzman, a compassionate Case Manager at the ERC Emergency Shelter, embodies the essence of advocacy and empowerment. Guiding shelter guests through their 90-day stay, June's proactive approach and dedication to innovation shine through in her creation of essential tools like the Welcome Packet and the BinGO sheet, providing guests with vital information and visual aids to track progress. Inspired by her sixth-grade teacher's lessons on positivity during a challenging time, June is committed to mentoring and supporting younger generations, both within her family and in the community. Through her tireless efforts, June fosters a legacy of leadership and empowerment, demonstrating the transformative power of compassion and resilience in creating positive change.
Heather Brewer, an intrepid international entrepreneur, juggles her debut technology startup with her adventurous global exploits aboard her boat. With over 25 years in international management consulting, Heather's bold spirit propels her to navigate uncharted waters, both literally and figuratively. She mentors students and alumni at the University of Washington, fostering a culture of fearlessness and innovation. Her tenacity led her to establish the Certificate of International Studies in Business, reshaping the educational landscape for future leaders. Inspired by Chaitra Vedullapalli's Women in Cloud initiative, Heather champions empowerment and inclusivity, ensuring women and allies have the tools to thrive. As a dedicated community leader, Heather creates safe spaces for dialogue and support, nurturing the aspirations of younger generations and survivors of sex trafficking through her involvement with REST. Heather Brewer epitomizes resilience and empowerment, leaving a lasting legacy of courage and impact.
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.
