81 - Holding Hope Until They Can Hold It Themselves with Saul Paul

81 - Holding Hope Until They Can Hold It Themselves with Saul Paul

What happens when one caring adult believes in a young person before they believe in themselves? In this inspiring conversation, Jessica Evans sits down with three-time Grammy-nominated musician, speaker, entrepreneur, and youth advocate Saul Paul to explore the life-changing power of mentorship. Saul shares his remarkable journey from foster care and incarceration to performing on global stages, delivering TEDx talks, and leading initiatives that help young people discover purpose, hope, and possibility. Through personal stories about his grandmother's unwavering belief in him, his faith journey, and the creation of the SaulPaul Foundation, Saul reminds us that transformation often begins with a single person who chooses to show up. This episode offers a powerful reminder that your presence may be the catalyst that changes a life. What You Will Learn: Why Saul believes that "dreams are learned." How mentorship helped transform his life after foster care and incarceration. The difference between surviving and thriving after trauma. Why one caring adult can change the trajectory of a young person's life. How mentors help young people borrow hope until they can build their own. The role exposure plays in helping youth dream bigger. Why social capital matters as much as skills and opportunities. How Saul's faith shaped his purpose and future. The vision behind the SaulPaul Foundation and the Dream Lab project. Practical encouragement for anyone who wants to mentor a young person. FAQ: What is Dream Lab? Dream Lab is Saul's upcoming children's music project designed to help young people dream bigger, build confidence, and recognize their ability to create positive change in the world. Why is exposure important for young people? Exposure helps young people see possibilities they may not otherwise encounter. When youth are introduced to new careers, ideas, experiences, and role models, they can begin to imagine a wider range of opportunities for their own lives. How can adults make a difference in a young person's life?Adults can make a difference by consistently showing up, listening, encouraging, and believing in young people. As Saul shares, transformation often begins with one caring adult who chooses to invest their time and attention in someone else's future. Connect with Saul Paul: https://saulpaul.com/ [https://saulpaul.com/] Learn more about becoming a mentor with Allies: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.allies-inc.org/becoming-a-mentor/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.allies-inc.org/becoming-a-mentor/] LOVE. RESPECT. COMMUNITY

80 - Mentoring Through the Eyes of a Mentor and Mentee *Best of Episode*

What does a successful mentoring relationship really look like? In this episode, Jessica and Audrey sit down with longtime mentor Kathy and her mentee, G, to share the story of a relationship that has grown over five and a half years. What began as a mentorship through Allies has become a lifelong friendship rooted in trust, consistency, and unconditional support. Together, they reflect on first impressions, navigating difficult seasons, celebrating milestones, and the small everyday moments that built a lasting bond. From baptisms and births to phone calls during hard times, this conversation offers a powerful look at how healthy relationships can transform lives. Whether you're considering becoming a mentor, seeking support for yourself, or simply looking for encouragement, this episode is a reminder that showing up consistently can make all the difference. What You Will Learn: Why trust is built through consistency, not perfection. How mentoring relationships evolve through different seasons of life. The impact of simply showing up for someone over time. What it looks like to move from mentorship to lifelong friendship. How healthy relationships create ripple effects throughout families and communities. Why mentorship can be transformative for both the mentor and mentee. The role of everyday acts of care in building lasting connections. FAQ: What makes a mentoring relationship successful? Successful mentoring relationships are built on trust, consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to show up over time. Small, everyday interactions often create the strongest foundation for long-term connection. Why is consistency important in mentoring? Consistency helps create a sense of safety and security. Knowing someone will continue showing up, even through life's ups and downs, strengthens trust and connection. How can I become a mentor through Allies? Allies offers mentor training, support, and coaching for individuals interested in walking alongside youth and young adults who have experienced exploitation and trafficking. Visit the Allies website to learn more about current mentoring opportunities. Get Your Tickets for Illuminate 2026 here: https://www.allies-inc.org/illuminate/

79 - Building Trauma-Informed Healthcare Systems for Survivors with Beth Petrucce

What role does healthcare play in identifying and supporting survivors of human trafficking? In this episode, Jessica sits down with Beth Petrucce, a longtime advocate and healthcare leader, to discuss how hospitals, healthcare professionals, and community partnerships are helping strengthen the response to human trafficking across Indiana. Beth shares how her background in social work led her into anti-trafficking work, what trauma-informed care truly looks like inside healthcare settings, and why everyone from physicians to environmental services staff can play a role in recognizing signs of exploitation and helping survivors feel safe. Together, they unpack the importance of collaboration between hospitals, nonprofits, law enforcement, and community organizations while offering practical ways everyday people can become more aware and involved in anti-trafficking efforts. This episode is both eye-opening and hopeful, reminding us that meaningful change happens when communities work together. What You Will Learn: Why healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to identify human trafficking survivors. How trauma-informed care helps survivors feel safe enough to receive support. What the PEAR model is and how it guides healthcare responses to trafficking situations. Why education for frontline healthcare staff is critical in trafficking prevention and response. How hospitals collaborate with nonprofits, law enforcement, and community organizations to support survivors. The difference between common misconceptions about trafficking and what trafficking often looks like in real life. Practical ways community members can become more informed and involved in anti-trafficking work. Why self-care and emotional wellness matter for professionals working in trauma response roles. How data, partnerships, and ongoing training strengthen survivor-centered systems of care. What gives long-term advocates hope in the fight against human trafficking. FAQ: What does trauma-informed care mean in healthcare? Trauma-informed care means interacting with patients in ways that prioritize safety, trust, respect, and emotional awareness. Instead of pressuring survivors for information, providers focus on creating a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered and heard. What are some signs of human trafficking healthcare workers may notice? Potential signs can include someone appearing fearful, controlled by another person, lacking access to identification, showing signs of abuse or neglect, inconsistencies in their story, or being unable to speak privately during appointments. How can community members help fight human trafficking? People can support anti-trafficking efforts by learning the realities of trafficking, volunteering with local organizations, mentoring vulnerable youth, supporting survivor-centered nonprofits, and knowing how to report concerns safely through proper channels. Get Your Tickets for Illuminate 2026 here: https://www.allies-inc.org/illuminate/

78 - Schools as a Protective Factor *Best of Episode*

What if one trusted teacher could change the trajectory of a child’s life? In this episode, Jessica and Audrey sit down with Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High School, to explore the powerful intersection between education and anti-trafficking work. Together, they unpack how schools can become protective spaces for vulnerable youth, why relationships matter more than ever, and what educators, parents, and communities can do to better support students navigating trauma, mental health struggles, and identity development. Dr. Warren shares how her schools are reimagining education through restorative practices, relationship-centered learning, and student empowerment while also addressing the real challenges students face today, including social media pressure, mental health concerns, domestic violence, and exploitation. This conversation is a reminder that preventing trafficking is not just the responsibility of one organization or system. It takes all of us working together to create safe spaces where young people are seen, valued, and supported. What You Will Learn: How education and anti-trafficking efforts intersect in everyday life. Why strong relationships with trusted adults are a major protective factor for students. The importance of teaching students how to think instead of what to think. How restorative practices can help students feel emotionally and physically safe at school. Why mental health support and community partnerships are essential for student success. How social media and technology are impacting students’ mental health and identity development. Ways teachers and schools can recognize warning signs of abuse, trafficking, or unsafe situations. Why empowering students to educate and advocate for their peers can create lasting change. How communities can support schools and vulnerable youth before crisis situations happen. The role parents, educators, churches, mentors, and organizations all play in protecting children. FAQ: How can schools help prevent human trafficking? Schools can help prevent human trafficking by building strong relationships with students, training educators to recognize warning signs, creating emotionally safe environments, and partnering with community organizations that support vulnerable youth. What are protective factors that help keep students safe? Protective factors include trusted adult relationships, emotional support, safe school environments, mental health resources, community involvement, and positive peer connections. Why are teachers important in identifying trafficking or abuse? Teachers interact with students daily and are often able to notice behavioral changes, emotional distress, attendance issues, or signs that something may be wrong in a student’s life.

77 - Online Safety for Everyone with kNot Today *Best of Episode*

Most parents think human trafficking looks like a stranger in a van, but today, it’s happening through screens, games, and social media. Alyssa Van Vactor, Executive Director of kNot Today works to share knowledge and resources that educate families and parents about human trafficking. Join hosts Jessica Evans and Audrey Hood as they share stories and resources for you to learn and be an everyday advocate. This episode breaks down how online grooming actually works, why even “good kids from good families” are at risk, and what parents, caregivers, and communities can do to protect the next generation. You’ll also hear practical tools, real-life examples, and simple ways to start conversations that could make all the difference. If you have kids, work with kids, or simply care about protecting them, this is a conversation you cannot afford to skip. What You Will Learn: How online grooming is now one of the leading pathways into human trafficking. What predators are actually doing inside games, apps, and social platforms. Why kids are especially vulnerable due to brain development and emotional needs. How insecurity, loneliness, and curiosity are being exploited online. What red flags to watch for in both children and suspicious behavior. Simple ways to start age-appropriate conversations about online safety. How to monitor devices and apps without completely losing trust. What tools and resources exist to help parents stay proactive. Why awareness, not fear, is the key to prevention. FAQ: How does online activity connect to human trafficking? Many trafficking situations now begin with online grooming, where predators build trust through conversations before exploiting or manipulating a child. What apps or platforms are most risky? Any platform with chat features, including gaming systems, social media, and messaging apps, can be used for grooming if not monitored. At what age should parents start talking about online safety? Conversations can begin as early as toddler years with body safety, and should evolve into deeper discussions about relationships, boundaries, and online behavior as kids grow. What are signs a child might be at risk? Changes in behavior, secrecy around devices, new “friends” they won’t explain, or sudden exposure to inappropriate content can all be warning signs. FREE COMMUNITY EVENT MAY 12 AT 6:30 PM EST Ascension St. Vincent – William K. Nasser, MD, Healthcare Education and Simulation Center 1801 W 86th Street Indianapolis, 46260 Register here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/alliesinc/event/empoweredtoprotectonlinesafetyforfamilies/ More about kNot Today: https://knottoday.org/ kNot Today Child Protection Guide for Parents & Caregivers: https://knottoday.org/guide/  https://www.defendyoungminds.com LOVE. RESPECT. COMMUNITY Allies, Inc empowers survivors of trafficking & sexual exploitation through mentorship and family support Visit ⁠Allies⁠ [https://www.allies-inc.org/] to learn more about programs and ways you can support. ⁠https://www.allies-inc.org/⁠ [https://www.allies-inc.org/] Donate ⁠https://www.allies-inc.org/donate/ [https://www.allies-inc.org/donate/]