Restore Corps
As the main resource for addressing human trafficking in West Tennessee, Restore Corps by Freed Life stands as a beacon of hope for survivors and a catalyst for meaningful change. Founded in 2013 and based in Memphis, this organization works tirelessly to end human trafficking through comprehensive support services, community education, and advocacy for better laws.
Carry the Torch through Memphis is a monthly series highlighting the great work of nonprofit organizations in Memphis. This article was written by team members at Campfire Collective in collaboration with I Love Memphis.
We spoke with Rachel Haaga, Co-founder and CEO of Restore Corps, to learn more about the organization's mission, impact, and vision for the future.
How did Restore Corps start?
Our team began as the anti-trafficking initiative of Operation Broken Silence in 2010. In 2011 and 2012, several volunteers with shared experiences of witnessing exploitation came together in Memphis to make a difference.
In those early years, the volunteer team helped twenty-eight trafficking survivors and provided training and expert advice to many organizations throughout Tennessee. They developed specialized knowledge about human trafficking and committed to addressing this serious issue in Memphis. The team also wrote and advocated for twenty-nine changes to state laws, all of which are now in effect.
Restore Corps became an official nonprofit organization in January 2013. In 2016, we began operating under Memphis Leadership Foundation. By 2018, we hired our first Director of Survivor Services, Coasy Hale, and Survivor Care Coordinator, Yesica Baggett, and moved into our own Survivor Care Center. In November 2023, Restore Corps, led by Rachel Haaga and Coasy Hale, launched a new independent nonprofit called Freed Life.
Why is this organization located in Memphis? Said a different way, what Memphis-specific need is Restore Corps responding to?
Restore Corps serves 21 counties in West Tennessee from our Memphis base because this area has significant needs. According to a 2023 study by Engage Together, Shelby County ranked as the highest-risk county in Tennessee for human trafficking.
The biggest risk factors in our region include poverty and housing insecurity, along with high rates of sexual assault, domestic violence, and drug-related crimes. These conditions can make people more vulnerable to exploitation.
This issue also disproportionately affects people of color. Research from Rights 4 Girls shows that 40% of trafficking victims are identified as Black women, and 73% of girls in the juvenile justice system have experienced abuse or neglect, which increases their vulnerability.
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How can Memphians get involved with your organization or volunteer?
Memphians interested in joining our cause have several ways to get involved. The simplest way to start is by emailing us at info@restorecorps.org to learn about current opportunities. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds who want to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. For those ready to take action, you can complete our volunteer registration form at Volunteer Registration, where you'll find information about various roles and training requirements. Whether you can offer a few hours or a long-term commitment, your support makes our work possible.
