Our History
One night that started it all…
In 2003, Harmony Dust found herself parked outside the strip club where she had once worked under the control of her trafficker. As she sat in her car praying for the women inside, she wondered how many of her former coworkers were still there… how many new girls had come and gone… and how many were still working under the control of exploiters who would arrange for further trafficking after the club closed.
Only a few years removed from her own exploitation, Harmony was still walking through her healing journey. Yet she knew she could not stay silent and do nothing.
Inside her car was a stack of postcards she had picked up at a women’s conference.
The message on the front read…
“Her value is far above rubies and pearls”
It was the truth that changed her own life. Harmony began writing handwritten notes on the back of each card, reminding women and girls working in the club that they were not alone, that they were deeply valued, and that hope and support were available whenever they were ready.
That night became the beginning of Treasures.
Humble Beginnings, Expanding Vision
What began with handwritten notes soon grew into a small group of volunteers committed to reaching women experiencing exploitation and trafficking in the commercial sex industry. With little more than a laptop, a printer, and a deep sense of calling, the early team set out to build consistent, relational outreach across strip clubs throughout Southern California and Las Vegas.
There was no blueprint — only a belief that every woman deserved to be seen, valued, and offered support without pressure or expectation.
Over time, Treasures became recognized as an early pioneer in relational, survivor-centered outreach within the anti-trafficking movement.
Outreach and Global Training Impact
As outreach efforts expanded beyond strip clubs to women in pornography, escorting, and survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation, Treasures developed a model centered on dignity, consistency, and trust.
Through outreach, Treasures has provided tens of thousands of gifts and resources to women and girls working in the sex industry, many of whom have identified as survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
Recognizing that the growing anti-trafficking movement needed effective, trauma-informed outreach models, Treasures launched its Outreach Care and Training Program. This initiative equips leaders, service providers, and front line workers and law enforcement agencies with best practices for survivor engagement and care.
Today, Treasures has helped train and equip leaders who have launched outreach efforts in hundreds of cities across 6 continents, while also providing training to allied professionals including social workers, law enforcement agencies, the FBI and DOJ.
Trauma-Informed, Survivor-Led Care and Empowerment
As relationships deepened through outreach, it became clear that long-term healing required more than initial contact. Treasures expanded its services to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, survivor-led care designed to support emotional, relational, spiritual, and practical needs.
What began as small mentoring gatherings has grown into a full continuum of care that includes mentoring, survivor-led support groups, gentle case management, financial empowerment and individualized support.
Treasures also recognizes that freedom from exploitation is closely connected to economic stability. Many of the women served face significant barriers to safe housing, transportation, education, and employment opportunities. In response, Treasures developed the Freedom Fund, which provides financial assistance to help survivors access safe housing, emergency relocation, education, transportation, and other essential needs that support long-term stability.
Through partnerships and economic empowerment opportunities, Treasures helps women access education and vocational pathways that support sustainable independence.
Since its founding, Treasures has provided life-changing services and support to thousands of women impacted by exploitation and trafficking.
To learn more about our impact, view our most recent Annual Report.
The heart of Treasures has always been to meet women right where they are—with compassion, understanding, and practical resources. Over the years, that heart has grown into a range of programs designed to bring hope and healing to women impacted by the sex industry and exploitation.
Learn more about our programs and how you can get involved today!
Get Involved and become a Freedom Fighter!
