Blog Archive

You’re Invited! 11th Annual Gala, Illuminating Hope

Rest Stop Ministries would be honored by your presence at the 11th Annual Gala, Illuminating Hope. Join us on Friday, September 15, 2023 at Hermitage Church of the Nazarene in Old Hickory, Tennessee. ​Guests will enjoy a catered dinner, an inspiring message from Survivor Guest Speaker, Cyntoia Brown-Long, and many stories from Rest Stop Ministries’ 8 years of serving survivors. We are eager to shine a light on all God has done in the lives of the women we serve! ​In addition to our Silent Auction, we’ll have our Good Hope Farms Shop on site! Browse our Silent Auction in person before placing your bid using our virtual platform. Then, purchase your favorite handcrafted items from the Good Hope Farms Shop, our Social Enterprise dedicated to supporting survivors of trafficking both locally and globally. Every sale promotes the economic empowerment of RSM residents and helps sustain the residential restoration program of RSM. ​This is going to be an evening you won’t want to miss. Tickets can be purchased individually or as tables of 8. Purchase tickets here and save your seat today! ​Become a Sponsor for Illuminating Hope ​By becoming a Sponsor Underwriter for our Annual Gala, our largest fundraising event each year, you enable us to cover the costs of the Gala before the event so that every dollar raised that night goes directly to the provision of care for our survivors in the residential program. For more information regarding Sponsor-level benefits, marketing exposure, and/or requesting an invoice, contact RSM Director of Development, Caitlin Strecker, at [email protected].

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Join Us! Blind Eyes Opened

You are invited to a viewing of Blind Eyes Opened: The Truth About Sex Trafficking in America at The Capitol Theatre in the historic Lebanon, TN Square on Thursday, April 27. Blind Eyes Opened is a first-of-a-kind documentary that looks into the sex trafficking industry in the United States through a faith lens. The film exposes the darkness that fuels demand, highlights survivors’ transformations, engages lawmakers, law enforcement, organizations, ministries and experts across the country committed to ending the atrocities, all while showing Christ as the hope for all involved. This event falls during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and we are eager to elevate survivors’ voices and engage the faith community in this issue from a Kingdom of God perspective. Guests will hear from Rest Stop Ministries’ Founder and Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Rondy Smith, as she equips you with attainable action steps. You will walk away feeling confident about different ways to truly make an impact! Each ticket purchase will include: One bag of gourmet popcorn One bottle of water or soft drink **Additional popcorn and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are available NOW – CLICK HERE to purchase yours today!   Come Early!   When our doors open at 5:00pm, we will have our Good Hope Farms Shop set up for guests to browse and shop from our collection of handcrafted goods created by survivors locally and globally – including items created and packaged by RSM Residents! Good Hope Farms is the social enterprise of Rest Stop Ministries, supporting survivors of trafficking both locally and globally. Every sale promotes their economic empowerment and helps sustain the residential restoration program of RSM. ​ Don’t miss out – Grab your tickets here!

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A Look at 2022

In 2022, 13 Residents have lived at Good Hope Farms and participated in our long-term restorative residential program, receiving a comprehensive array of supportive services in order to heal from the complex trauma caused by sex trafficking. Each day a woman was in our care, she was learning healthy coping skills, shifting her perspective about her future, and experiencing Good Hope. ​We invite you to join us in celebrating the many milestones and accomplishments RSM Residents experienced this year. Click here to read more. ​Through the generous support of this community, we are able to keep our doors open and provide excellent care for survivors of sex trafficking while stopping cycles of oppression. The milestones, accomplishments, and wrap-around services residents receive would not be possible without you! As you plan your year-end charitable giving, please consider partnering financially with Rest Stop Ministries. Donations can be made through our secure Kindful platform by clicking here. For larger amounts, please mail checks to the address listed below in order to save the credit card and processing fees. To receive 2022 giving credit, checks must be dated by December 31, 2022. ​Rest Stop Ministries PO Box 156 Hermitage, TN 37076

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✨ Run for Freedom Sponsor Spotlight: Corinthian Mortgage Group ✨

Our 4th Annual Run for Freedom wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors! Their support helps make this event a success while advancing the mission of Rest Stop Ministries to restore survivors and stop oppression. 

As we count down to race day, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the businesses and community partners who are running alongside us in the fight against domestic sex trafficking. Join us in celebrating these amazing supporters who are helping make freedom possible! 

Sometimes a simple introduction through a local networking group leads to something meaningful! Our Community Engagement Manager, Connie, met Jennifer Morris, owner of @CorinthianMortgageGroup, through Lebanon In Motion, and we’re so glad their paths crossed!

Jennifer has a heart for her community and a passion for supporting local small businesses and nonprofits. Now, she’s bringing that same community-minded spirit to Rest Stop Ministries as a first-time sponsor of our 4th Annual Run for Freedom! 

We love seeing local business owners use their influence to make a difference right here in our community. Jennifer, thank you for choosing to support RSM and for helping shine a light on the work being done to restore survivors of domestic sex trafficking and stop oppression.

We’re delighted to have Corinthian Mortgage Group joining us for this year’s race! 

👟 Come be part of the movement on November 14, 2026! Run, walk, or cheer as we come together for freedom!
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/MountJuliet/HalfandHalfMarathonMJ

#RunForFreedom #RestStopMinistries #CorinthianMortgageGroup #SponsorSpotlight #CommunityMatters

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🏃‍♀️ There’s still time to join us for Run for Freedom!

Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, or our 5K and 10K Ruck — we have a place for you at the starting line!

📅 November 14 | Mt. Juliet High School | 9 AM

🔗 Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/MountJuliet/HalfandHalfMarathonMJ
Link is also in our bio!

Every registration supports the work of Rest Stop Ministries, which provides long-term residential care, healing, and restoration for female survivors of trafficking and exploitation.

#RunForFreedom #RestStopMinistries #RunForHer #MtJulietTN5k

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✨ Run For Freedom Sponsor Spotlight: Fleet Feet, Mt. Juliet! ✨

Our 4th Annual Run for Freedom wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors! Their support helps make this event a success while advancing the mission of Rest Stop Ministries to restore survivors and stop oppression. 

As we count down to race day, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the businesses and community partners who are running alongside us in the fight against domestic sex trafficking. Join us in celebrating these amazing supporters who are helping make freedom possible! 

A great pair of running shoes can take you a long way, and having @FleetFeetMtJuliet in our corner has helped take the Run for Freedom a long way, too! 🏃‍♀️

Fleet Feet Mt. Juliet has been a faithful sponsor of our past races, and we’re so grateful to have their continued support for our 4th Annual Run for Freedom! Their commitment helps us bring our community together for a cause that matters: supporting survivors of domestic sex trafficking as they rebuild their lives and discover what freedom can look like.

Thank you, Fleet Feet Mt. Juliet, for continuing to show up for this race and for the women at Rest Stop Ministries. We’re grateful to have you in our running community! 

📅 Ready to hit the pavement for a purpose? Join us on November 14, 2026, for the 4th Annual Run for Freedom!
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/MountJuliet/HalfandHalfMarathonMJ

#RunForFreedom #RestStopMinistries #FleetFeetMtJuliet #SponsorSpotlight #RunForHerFreedom

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🍂🎃 A Little Fall Fun at Octoberfest! 🎃🍂

Beautiful weather, festive fall fun, a little shopping, and some delicious food made for a wonderful day out for RSM residents! ❤️

The ladies enjoyed exploring the local Octoberfest food and craft fair, browsing the booths, soaking up the sunshine, and taking in all the sights, sounds, and flavors of the season.

And of course, no festival outing is complete without something delicious to eat! A special thank-you to our community partners at Fried Green Tomatoes Food Truck, @FriedGreenTomatoes_SecretSauce, for helping make the day even more special.

At RSM, restoration happens in many ways. Sometimes it looks like hard work and healing, and sometimes it looks like laughter, community, fresh air, and the simple joy of making new and joy-filled memories together. We’re grateful for opportunities like these! 

#RestStopMinistries #UnmaskingFreedom #GenerousHospitality #FallFun #CommunityPartners

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💙 This Giving Tuesday, Give the Gift of Freedom.

Restoration doesn't happen overnight. It's a journey that takes time, care, and a community willing to invest in the lives of women beginning a new chapter filled with hope, healing, and restoration.

This Giving Tuesday, we're inviting you to be part of that journey. Visit the link in our bio to donate.

https://reststop.kindful.com/?campaign=1446166

Mark your calendars for December 1st. We can't wait to share how you can help give the gift of freedom this season.

#GivingTuesday #RestStopMinistries #GiveTheGiftOfFreedom

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✨ Run for Freedom Sponsor Spotlight: Vulcan Materials Company! ✨

Our 4th Annual Run for Freedom wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors! Their support helps make this event a success while advancing the mission of Rest Stop Ministries to restore survivors and stop oppression. 

As we count down to race day, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the businesses and community partners who are running alongside us in the fight against domestic sex trafficking. Join us in celebrating these amazing supporters who are helping make freedom possible! 

We’re excited to introduce @VulcanMaterialsCompany as a first-time sponsor of a Rest Stop Ministries event! 

Building stronger communities takes more than bricks and mortar. It takes people and organizations willing to invest in the well-being of others. This November, Vulcan Materials Company is helping us build something that truly matters: a future where survivors of domestic sex trafficking have the safety, resources, and support they need to reclaim their lives.

We’re honored to have Vulcan Materials Company be part of this year’s Run for Freedom. Their sponsorship helps fuel the work happening every day at RSM as women move forward on their journeys toward healing and independence. 

Thank you, Vulcan Materials Company, for being part of a race with a purpose far beyond the finish line!

👟 Come run, walk, or cheer with us on November 14, 2026! Every mile is an opportunity to stand for freedom.
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/MountJuliet/HalfandHalfMarathonMJ

#RunForFreedom #RestStopMinistries #VulcanMaterialsCompany #SponsorSpotlight #RunForHerFreedom

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🏃‍♀️ WE’RE 77 RUNNERS AWAY FROM CLOSING THE GAP! 🏃‍♂️

That’s 77 more people choosing to show up, get moving, and make a difference in the lives of survivors of domestic sex trafficking.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, a rucker, or just looking for a fun way to spend the morning with friends and family, there’s a place for YOU at the starting line! 

💙 Grab your running buddies.
💙 Rally your coworkers.
💙 Bring the whole family.
💙 Help us CLOSE THE GAP!

Every registration supports the life-changing work happening at Rest Stop Ministries. Let's show up for HER! 

November 14th at 9 am, Mt. Juliet High School
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/MountJuliet/HalfandHalfMarathonMJ

Who's in?! Tag someone who needs to be there with you!

#RunForFreedom #RestStopMinistries #CloseTheGap #RunForHER #FreedomStartsHere

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✨ Run for Freedom Sponsor Spotlight: Anderson Marine! ✨

Our 4th Annual Run for Freedom wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors! Their support helps make this event a success while advancing the mission of Rest Stop Ministries to restore survivors and stop oppression. 

As we count down to race day, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the businesses and community partners who are running alongside us in the fight against domestic sex trafficking. Join us in celebrating these amazing supporters who are helping make freedom possible! 

Help us give a big welcome to Anderson Marine, joining us for the first time as an event sponsor for Rest Stop Ministries’ 4th Annual Run for Freedom! 

We love seeing new faces come alongside our mission! Every sponsor who steps up helps us continue the work of walking with survivors of domestic sex trafficking through healing, restoration, and the journey toward a life filled with hope and opportunity.

Anderson Marine, thank you for choosing to be part of this year’s race and for helping make a lasting impact in the lives of the women we serve. We’re so glad to have you on board! 

👟 Ready to make a difference? Join us on November 14, 2026, for a morning of community, fun, and running for HER freedom!
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/MountJuliet/HalfandHalfMarathonMJ

#RunForFreedom #RestStopMinistries #AndersonMarine #SponsorSpotlight #RunForHerFreedom

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