When we talk about corporate social responsibility, we often think in terms of donations and initiatives. But what happens when a healthcare company's mission to heal extends far beyond treating wounds? This is the story of how The Wound Pros joined the fight against human trafficking and discovered that healing can happen in ways never imagined.

When Two Missions Collide

In 2023, one conversation changed everything. Tyler Schwab, founder of Libertas International, sat down with Dr. Releford, our CEO and Co-founder, to share stories that were both devastating and full of possibility. He talked about young women across Latin America, trafficking survivors, who needed far more than rescue. They needed rehabilitation, education, medical attention, and most crucially, the opportunity to rewrite their stories.

For Dr. Releford, the connection was instant and profound. Here was an organization tackling the kind of comprehensive healing that aligned with our values of not just addressing surface problems, but getting to the heart of what restoration really means. That conversation planted the seeds for a partnership that would impact how we define our mission.

More Than Money Can Buy

What started with a $100K commitment in 2023 evolved into something infinitely more valuable than financial backing. We've learned that our greatest strength is our people and the unique gifts they bring.

Take Ayanna Releford, Business optimization portfolio leader at The Wound Pros, whose heart for service is only matched by her linguistic abilities. As a multilingual English tutor and now Libertas International Ambassador, Ayanna has worked face-to-face with survivors, teaching English to young women who are piecing their lives back together. Her cohort started with three students and has grown to five, each one representing an incredible journey toward independence.

"The trauma these girls have endured is unimaginable," Ayanna remarks, "but with the assistance of our entire Wound Pros family, we're helping them chase their dreams and build a life filled with opportunities."

Witnessing Moments of Transformation

Real impact doesn't show up in annual reports. It shows up in moments that give people back their power and help them write new chapters. 

Here are some incredible moments we shared with these young, brilliant women: 

Standing for Justice: When our funding helped build a legal team to pursue a trafficker who had violated 50 children, we witnessed something incredible. One young survivor stood before the court and delivered testimony so powerful that the judge quoted her words throughout the entire sentencing. This was a young woman discovering that her voice had the power to protect others.

Ocean Waves and New Beginnings: Two young women experienced the beach for the first time, laughing as waves touched their feet, feeling the freedom to exist in a beautiful moment simply. For survivors who had known only control and exploitation, this was proof that joy is still possible.

The Power of Choice: After an arduous yet rewarding weekend, the young girls were taken to shop at Target. What started as a quest to find US candy turned into a grand shopping spree. For many, a trip to Target to buy lip gloss and sunglasses is nothing out of the ordinary. However, this was an experience that the young girls cherished. 

From Survivor to Speaker: One of the young women was invited to address a large international gathering in Switzerland, which marked a complete transformation from victim to advocate, from voiceless to a powerful voice for change.

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Healing the Invisible Wounds

As healthcare professionals, we know that the deepest wounds often can't be seen. The trauma of trafficking creates injuries that go well beyond physical harm. It damages dignity, trust, hope, and self-worth. Through Libertas International, we've discovered that healing these invisible wounds requires community, opportunity, education, and an unwavering belief that every person deserves the chance to start over.

A Partner For the Long Haul

One might ask why a wound care company invests so heavily in fighting human trafficking in Latin America. The answer lies in our understanding of what healing really means.

We've always known that effective wound care addresses not just the injury but the whole person, including their environment, their support system, their ability to follow treatment plans, and their hope for recovery. In working with Libertas, we've discovered that these principles apply globally. 

Looking ahead, we're exploring ways to:

• Offer ongoing professional mentorship for survivors
• Connect survivors with educational and entrepreneurial opportunities
• Use our voice to shine more light on trafficking and survivor empowerment
• Build sustainable support systems that last long after the initial funding

To learn more about Libertas International and its life-changing work, visit libertasinternational.org. To read about The Wound Pros' initial commitment to this cause, visit our original announcement here.

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