Standing Strong in 2025: Our Ongoing Fight Against Human Trafficking and Exploitation at Minnesota Good Works

Even though this interview on The Chamber Report is from a few years ago, the heart of our mission at Minnesota Good Works burns brighter than ever. Human trafficking and exploitation remain a hidden crisis in our Minnesota communities—striking neighborhoods we think of as safe—and we're more committed than ever to restoring hope, empowering resilience, and multiplying good works for survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, veterans, working families, and those facing hardship.

In this timeless conversation, our founder Donna Martin shares the spark that launched us: a desperate knock at her door from a young survivor in need. That moment led to our founding in 2021, and today, we're growing stronger, connecting people, purpose, and provision across the state through our Enrichment Program, ministry outreach, and retail initiatives.

The Core of Our Impact: The Enrichment Program

At the center of everything we do is our Enrichment Program—a two-year mentorship initiative offering one-on-one support, resources, and care to survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. We walk alongside them with practical help for employment, housing, transportation, life skills, and more, empowering them to become strong, resilient, and independent while breaking cycles of vulnerability.

We've witnessed countless transformations: from short-term assistance with essentials like car insurance to sustain a job, to long-term guidance that fosters lasting healing and prevents recurring exploitation. With over 35% of Minnesota households still struggling to meet basic needs, our ministry distributions deliver vital goods with dignity to veterans, families, and others in crisis.

Fueling Our Mission Through the Marketplace

We're thrilled to sustain and expand our work through innovative retail partnerships. We source new, deeply discounted products from local retailers and resell them via online marketplaces—with 100% of proceeds directly funding our Enrichment Program, outreach, and prevention efforts against human trafficking and exploitation.

When you shop our online outlets, you're scoring great deals while making a real difference! Every purchase supports a survivor in accessing mentorship, provides essentials to a family in need, or advances our initiatives to combat human trafficking and exploitation. It's purposeful shopping that multiplies good works—and we couldn't do it without you.

Join Us Today—We Need Your Help More Than Ever

As we close out 2025 and look to 2026, exciting transitions are underway, including welcoming the beloved Community Table ministry under our care to continue to carry those good works into 2026 and building connections in Elk River.

The need is urgent, and we're calling on compassionate people like you to step up:

• Become a Mentor: Be a reliable ally in our Enrichment Program—offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support to survivors of human trafficking and exploitation.
• Volunteer: Use your time and talents in our fight against human trafficking and exploitation— we have numerous opportunities and can match your skills to our mission.
• Donate: Your gift, big or small, directly aids survivors, prevents future exploitation, and funds vital programs.
• Shop Our Outlets: Support us with every purchase through our online retail partnerships.
• Become a Sponsor: Partner with us corporately to demonstrate social responsibility and amplify impact for survivors.

Visit minnesotagoodworks.org to sign up, donate, shop, volunteer, or learn more.

Relive the Inspiration

This interview captures the passion that still drives us every day. Watch it now and feel the call to action—because together, we're filling gaps, healing lives, and building a stronger, safer Minnesota free from human trafficking and exploitation.

Thank you for standing with us. Your involvement—through mentoring, volunteering, donating, or shopping—transforms lives and brings hope to survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. Let's multiply good works together in 2025 and beyond! 💙✨