The Starfish Project was established in 2006 by a group of people who saw women caught in sexual exploitation in their community and decided to do what they could to help them.

It began with small steps and with a deep desire to love and serve these women in whatever way was possible. After months of building relationships, these women trusted the Starfish Project enough to make the choice to leave their old life behind and start a new life working in our jewelry company.

We support an ever-increasing amount of women through its jewelry making business and has expanded to include housing, counseling, vocational training and health care.

Their goal is to empower exploited woman by providing them with a range of social, emotional and practical opportunities and see every woman valued.

A story of hope from a rescued woman at Starfish Project:

" I was abandoned when I was a young girl. I was left traveling from house to house until finally my mother found me and sold me to a man. Terrified, I ran away and eventually ended up living with my uncle. Not long after, he was diagnosed with cancer. He could not afford the medical bills so he sold me to work in exploitation. When I got there, I was told I owed the boss two months wages and had to sign a contract to work for him for two years. After the contract was up, he said I still owed more money. With no other means to pay off the debt, I felt trapped. I had no choice but to continue in the work.

One day women from the Starfish Project came to the brothel and befriended me. After six months and many visits by them, I realized their concern for me was sincere. I began a new life in the Starfish Project shelter, and I hope to one day have a family of my own."