Rebecca Bender Initiative
Civic and Social OrganizationsTexas, United States2-10 Employees
Rebecca Bender Initiative is a survivor-led nonprofit based in Lake Worth, Texas, focused on combating human trafficking and its effects on individuals and communities. It operates two programs, Equip and Elevate, to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts and amplify survivor voices. Equip provides training for law enforcement, community leaders, professionals, and families, and shares survivor stories through podcasts, online courses, and documentaries. Elevate Academy offers a 12-week online track for professional development and economic empowerment, with full tuition support and three courses led by survivor educators, complemented by weekly cohorts. Graduates gain ongoing access to a virtual library of electives and post-graduate opportunities. Elevate serves students across 580 U.S. locations and 14 countries, and its founder remains active in national anti-trafficking work through advisory roles and expert testimony.