Our Story

“Providing shelter and healing while igniting hope and restoration to those freed from the abuses of Human Trafficking”

One by one we can work together to bring hope and healing to survivors of human trafficking.

Welcome to the Rising Hope Foundation. Thank you for taking the time and making the decision to get involved in the fight against Human Trafficking. Any amount of support for Rising Hope helps us to bring restoration to the lives of Human Trafficking Victims in the United States.

I began to realize the magnitude of this atrocity twenty years ago in the trucking industry. Traveling the country and seeing young girls on a regular basis being driven into truck stops and forced to go around and knock on driver’s doors was a real awakening for me. It occurred to me that what I was witnessing was “modern day slavery.” Many of these girls were 12 to 13 years of age or less. It broke my heart. It also stirred in me to do something to help and I knew that eventually I would want to do all I could to make a difference in rescuing these young girls. After several years of driving truck I made a career change to fulfill a dream and became a Concert Promoter for Christian Artists. While working as a Concert Promoter my passion to help bring awareness and help to victims of human trafficking never diminished.

In January 2013 my wife Vicki and I began the process of setting up a non-profit organization, The Rising Hope Foundation for restoration and healing of victims of human trafficking. With prayers and support of friends and contributors we can make a real difference in the lives of young women enslaved by human trafficking. Rising Hope’s goal is to build the first FREEDOM RANCH in Brainerd MN. This Freedom Ranch will be a safe home where these young girls rescued from the abuses of human trafficking can begin the healing process with the help of trained counselors, educators, and health care professionals. Our board of directors is also from the land of 10,000 lakes. One by one we can work together to bring hope and healing to victims of human trafficking.

David Leckie Co-Founder Rising Hope Foundation

The FREEDOM RANCH

Through Strategic placement of future Freedom Ranches,
Rising Hope Foundation will provide not only healing but community awareness and education through our extensive marketing campaigns that will help to end human trafficking in their communities.  The Freedom Ranch provides the opportunity for businesses, individuals, and local organizations to come together as a community for a common cause through monetary donations, building materials, volunteerism, and job creation. These relationships formed will be the Foundation in each Community for continued growth and sustainability.

  • 98% Completed – Brainerd MN.
  • 90% of materials and labor have been donated to date.
  • Providing long term recovery care and mental health services for young girls ages 12 to 17.
  • Education and life skills training.
  • Equine Therapy.
  • Licensing Manual submitted to the State on November 14, 2022.

Equine Assisted Therapy & Equine Assisted/Facilitated Learning

Evidence based treatment for many of the mental health and behavioral challenges survivors of trafficking, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation struggle with.

Benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy & Learning are:

  • Confidence
  • Self-Efficacy
  • Self-Concept
  • Communication
  • Trust
  • Perspective
  • Decreased Isolation
  • Self-Acceptance
  • Impulse Control
  • Social Skills
  • Boundaries
  • Spiritual Connection

Fundraising Events

  • Rising Hope Foundation brings the Thrivefest North Festival annually to the upper Midwest.
  • This Festival along with other concert events nationwide provide another platform of awareness and fundraising opportunities to Rising Hope Foundation.
  • Rising Hope Foundation also holds National & Regional Fundraisers as a way of updating our supporters and raising additional support.

Sustainable Products

Rising Hope Foundation has developed their own line of fair trade and Organic coffee that Feature 8 signature blends.

Rising Hope coffee is sold online as well as multiple retail locations generating sustainable income.

Rising Hope Foundation provides information on Human Trafficking directly on our packaging which brings awareness right into people’s homes.

Rising Hope coffee is also used as a fundraising tool for organizations, schools and local youth groups.

Rising Hope Foundation is currently developing a line of custom Jewelry that will be available Online and for Retail outlets.

The Future Vision

  • Through Strategic placement of future Freedom Ranches, Rising Hope Foundation will provide not only healing but community awareness and education through our extensive marketing campaigns that will help to end human trafficking in their communities.
  • The Freedom Ranch provides the opportunity for businesses, individuals, and local organizations to come together as a community for a common cause through monetary donations, building materials, volunteerism, and job creation.
  • These relationships formed will be the Foundation in each Community for continued growth and sustainability.