journey update

Leadership perspectives

We’re still feeling the love and support expressed by all of you who attended our benefit gala on May 3rd. There was a palpable atmosphere of compassion in the banquet hall that night.

We are very close to clearing a financial hurdle in the construction of the homes as you will see in this update. This project can only be accomplished by a generous God working through the willing hearts of the Zeteo community. Thank you all!

“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness…”
Isaiah 61:3

Thankful hearts

A little over a month has passed since our “Rebuilding Dreams Together” event, and it was a beautiful evening! I was in awe of how many community members shared the vision of Zeteo Community, filling your tables with neighbors, friends, and colleagues alike. Your enthusiasm and excitement made the night that much more meaningful.

We cannot even begin to convey our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed in a variety of ways before, during, and after the event. To every sponsor, speaker, generous donor, passionate volunteer, and dedicated organizer- thank you! You were crucial in making this event a success. Your diligence has once again demonstrated the strength of our community.

We are deeply moved by everyone’s presence and compassion for the vision God has given us. While there is still work to be done, simply knowing so many are ready to help rebuild dreams together continues to move us forward in faith.

*Progress bar/thermometer as of 7/1/2024 and subject to change.

Sula

Survivor, Leader, and Trafficking Abolitionist

At our May event, we had the privilege of hosting Survivor Leader and Lived Experience Expert, Sula Lael. Prior to the event, we interviewed Sula to gain her insights of the vision of Zeteo Community. Sula emphasized the importance of including survivor input in organizational planning, noting, “Very well-meaning and incredible people can make plans, but they are often disconnected from the reality of what survivors actually need and experience.” We are deeply grateful to Sula and other survivors who have guided us thus far. Establishing Zeteo Community in Wisconsin is a critical step for survivors within our communities.

Sula highlighted the dire need for a safe space for survivors of sexual exploitation, stating, “Every victim in this state deserves a safe place to heal.” One significant hurdle for survivors in Wisconsin is the lack of residential programming. Sula pointed out that vulnerabilities leading to sexual exploitation persist even after escaping. Experts agree that unstable housing is a major factor in survivors being re-exploited. A survey by Safe House Project found that 80% of survivors without stable housing are trafficked again after they escape. Sula stressed, “Meeting these vulnerabilities is one of the greatest ways to prevent re-exploitation and allow healing.”

However, Zeteo Community is to be more than a shelter; offering research-based, trauma-informed therapeutic programming. Sula praised the variety of therapies we plan to offer, recognizing that each survivor has unique needs: “The various types of therapy that you all are going to be offering to survivors is really beautiful… Every survivor is so different, so there will be something incredible for one that maybe doesn’t work as well for another. That is going to be so impactful for survivors in your care.”

When asking what Zeteo Community would mean for survivors seeking help in Wisconsin and beyond, Sula definitively responded with, “Hope.” She went on to explain, “When you are being exploited and sold it is constantly on your mind that there is no way out… there is no hope- life will always be this way… To know there is a place for healing would be hope.”

We are thankful for Sula and her passion to help others heal from the trauma of trafficking in their lives. We deeply value the input and expertise she has provided us and others in her ministry. We look forward to all that’s to come as Zeteo Community continues developing.

To watch the complete interview with Sula, click here.

Oaks of righteousness

Rooted in Isaiah 61, this term has been planted within the heart of Zeteo Community. In this prophetic poem we see the promise of hope and healing in the coming Messiah. In the gospels, we see Jesus “binding up the brokenhearted” and “comforting all who mourn”. Later, He commissions us to do the same, calling us to “love others the way I have loved you”. Isaiah 61:3 describes those of us marked by this love as “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

God makes no mistakes in His imagery.

Oaks are known for not only their hardiness but for being a harbor to hosts of other wildlife. We too are to be a home for those seeking safety.

When we purchased the property in 2022, we immediately noticed that it featured a massive oak tree at its center, standing as a reminder that God had a plan and a place for Zeteo Community all along.

This year, LundinTree blessed us by preserving the beauty of this oak tree safely and conscientiously, once again showing us God’s attention to the details, both big and small. God’s love surpasses our understanding and this oak tree stands as a reminder of our purpose: to be “Oaks of Righteousness” for God’s glory.

LundinTree is a Zeteo Comunity Member organization. This partnership demonstrates their comittment to the community of Dane
county and beyond. They donated their expertise in stewardship of the actual oaks and other trees at the future site of the Zeteo Community.

Educating the greater community

Did you know you can host a Human Trafficking 101 at your local church, community group, job site, or school? We can tailor this awareness opportunity for various lengths, audiences and age groups, and have experience presenting what can be a difficult topic in accessible ways. To inquire about this opportunity, please select “Host an Awareness Event” on our “Get Involved” page. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our website. We offer a variety of areas to serve. Whether you want to mentor women and children, specialize in spreadsheets, love hosting events, or are passionate about fundraising, we have a way for you to use your gifts! “Zeteo Community is just that—a community.”

Showing honor

Our Zeteo Community Members play a crucial role in our mission of caring for exploited women and their children. Guided by Romans 12:10, we seek to honor you and your contributions. While we know not everyone desires public acknowledgment, we look to express gratitude in a variety of ways, such as Zeteo Community Member decals, your company logo on our website, social media posts, newsletter inclusions, and more.

To learn more about becoming a Zeteo Community Member, head to ZeteoCommunity.org/Membership