Jacksonville woman honored by FBI for work in assisting human trafficking victims

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is recognizing a local woman who has spent years advocating for human trafficking survivors.

Rachel White was honored for her leadership in tackling a growing problem in Northeast Florida. An idea turned into a passion after she heard a startling story on the radio.

“’Her Song’ began four years ago, at a traffic light, when I heard a woman share her journey out of human trafficking over the radio,” said Rachel White.

White felt compelled to tackle this issue by starting a non-profit called “Her Song,” which provides aftercare services to sex trafficking survivors.

“These women are victims of crime and they deserve our attention. Many of these women have history of abuse in their childhood,” explained White.

Her organization helps young women who were trapped in modern day slavery by providing them free mental health counseling, purposeful group discussions along with resources.

On Wednesday, the FBI recognized her work in the community by honoring White as the recipient of the 2016 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.

“These women come to us and they need everything; housing, job skills, and they also need life training skills,” said White.

White told Action News Jax she believes her calling is to help these women heal from the devastating effects attached to sex trafficking.

“This is a community problem. Let’s band our arms together, let’s circle around these women, and let’s provide a foundation. It makes their life better, it makes our community better, and Jacksonville better,” said White.

White wants to provide more care to survivors; her dream is to raise enough money to create a fully operational "Her Song Residential Community," where women can confide and heal in a supportive group.

“This is an opportunity for our communities to surround a unique group of women that deserve a chance to live their life and to life in freedom,” explained White.”

She believes every woman, every person deserves to be free from human trafficking.'

If you would like to help Rachel White in her endeavor, please click here. 

Cox Media Group