It all started with a molasses crinkle cookie recipe from a children’s cookbook I received for my eighth birthday. Encouraged by my mother, a talented cook and baker, I began baking. In our family, preparing and sharing food was a tradition both my parents had carried from childhood. Years later, my husband and I continued that tradition. Each of our five children brought home friends—often for the social appeal of a house full of teenagers, but also for the cookies. Some kids “happened” to arrive as fresh cookies were coming out of the oven. One week, I baked 32 dozen cookies without even realizing it.

As another decade passed and the house grew quiet, I emerged from the routine of cooking, baking, laundry, and cleaning. In January 2011, I learned about human trafficking and was struck by the fact that many sex industry workers were the same age as my children. Later that year, a friend and I decided to visit those working in clubs and brothels. With no organization or contacts, we simply brought what we knew best:  encouragement and hope for those in challenging circumstances, and — COOKIES!

Fourteen years later, we’ve given out over 117,000 cookies to more than 58,500 individuals in the sex industry. Homemade cookies have touched the hearts of many who had never received a homemade sweet.   But who are the real winners? WE are—we count it a privilege to have forged many friendships and earned the trust of people we otherwise would never have met.

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Today, the non-profit Ark Bakery & Café exists to raise awareness of human trafficking and to generate funds for ongoing anti-trafficking initiatives.  All proceeds from product sales (beyond production costs) are used to combat trafficking. Ultimately, The Ark plans to hire those exiting the sex industry and offer training in bakery/culinary arts and small business management.

By purchasing frozen bakery and entrée items from The Ark, you will combat trafficking in tangible ways and help make every crumb count!