Hope in Their Hands: Phones Empower Survivors of Human Trafficking

When a group of donated phones were activated recently, they became much more than just devices — they became lifelines.

One of our dedicated partners, Lisa Eicher, Service Provider Support Director with the Indiana Trafficking Victim Assistance Program (ITVAP), shared an inspiring story about how these phones made an immediate difference for a group of women living in a safe house for human trafficking survivors.

A Safe Place — and a Fresh Start

For safety reasons, the safe house’s location remains confidential. The women who arrive there are beginning their journey toward safety and healing — often leaving everything behind, including their cell phones.

Many survivors have had their abusers use technology to track or monitor them, so personal phones are not allowed within the residence. While this policy protects them, it also leaves many women suddenly without a way to communicate — no means to contact loved ones, children, or support services.

As Lisa shared,

“The women who live there do not take their old phones with them… For many of the women, this leaves them without a phone of their own until they begin working.”

Meeting an Immediate Need

When Lisa offered a set of phones through the 911 Cell Phone Bank donation program, the reaction was immediate and heartfelt:

“Both the organization and the survivors were ecstatic,” she said. “Having a phone to stay connected to their support systems, including children in some cases, has greatly improved their positive outlook and lessened feelings of isolation.”

The women worked together to set up wireless calling and review phone safety protocols — taking steps not only to connect with others but to do so securely.

More Than Just a Device

For Lisa and her team, the experience was deeply rewarding:

“Being able to activate and deliver these phones was such a joy! We often struggle to find the best resource for human trafficking victims, leaving us feeling like we didn’t quite meet a need in the way we and the survivor hoped. However, being able to hand this resource to each woman, with no strings attached, was meeting the exact need that was requested — and having prepaid minutes on the phone was a bonus.”

Each phone represented freedom, safety, and reconnection — tangible proof that something as simple as a working device can help rebuild lives.

Continuing the Mission

At 911 Cell Phone Bank, we’re honored to partner with service providers like Lisa and organizations like ITVAP, who ensure survivors of human trafficking have access to communication when they need it most.

Every phone you donate or every partnership we form has the power to help someone stay connected — to family, to hope, and to a safer future.

Learn more about how you can support our mission at 911CellPhoneBank.org.