Community-Driven Solutions for Foster Care Challenges – Amber Knowles of Riverside Project – Ep. 80

Why do so many foster care systems fall short in providing adequate support for vulnerable children and families? Amber’s firsthand experiences highlighted critical gaps within the foster care system, motivating her to establish the Riverside Project. Riverside Project focuses on collaborative system change and the mobilization of churches and communities to fill gaps in the foster care system.

We also explore the complexities and potential of transitioning to a community-based foster care model. Amber emphasizes the benefits and challenges of fostering regional ownership and community collaboration. Whether through volunteering, praying, or responding to local needs, everyone has something valuable to offer.

Learn more at https://riversideproject.org/.

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The Addiction No One is Talking About: SLAA – with Jessica Gobble and Bri McCarthy – Ep. 89

December 16, 2025Podcast

We're familiar with the importance of physical freedom for survivors of trafficking, but what happens when they are still trapped by invisible addiction? Join host Micah Gamboa and Elijah Rising's recovery specialists Jessica Gobble and Bri McCarthy as they explore a critical yet rarely discussed aspect of survivor care: SLAA. This groundbreaking conversation reveals why addressing intimacy-related trauma is essential...

Angela Williams: Trafficked in Houston, Now Fighting Back – Ep. 88

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Human trafficking happens closer to home than most people realize—often through those we trust most. Angela Williams shares her powerful testimony of surviving commercial sexual exploitation in Houston, from her first exposure at age 12 to her miraculous extraction eight years ago. Now an advocate working directly with law enforcement and at-risk youth, Angela offers raw insights into the realities...

A Journey of Fighting Human Trafficking with Dennis and Bobbie Mark – Ep. 85

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Dennis and Bobbie share the raw realities of trauma-informed care, the evolution of a comprehensive program, and how they've helped shape law enforcement approaches to supporting survivors.

Recapping This Year (2024) at Elijah Rising – Ep. 84

December 27, 2024Podcast

Every organization working to combat human trafficking dreams of the day their services won’t be needed. At Elijah Rising, we’ve spent 2024 moving closer to that vision through direct action, community support, and faith-based healing. Join hosts David and Micah as they share inspiring stories of transformation from their anti-trafficking work in Houston, including milestone achievements in survivor recovery, program...

Prayer as a Catalyst for Justice and Action – Ep. 82

November 20, 2024Podcast

Elijah Rising’s origin story. We get asked all the time- how did you all get started fighting trafficking? The answer is that our first response to our increased awareness of trafficking was prayer. From there, we were quickly moved to action. Prayer has continued to be the foundation of everything we do at Elijah Rising. This episode is audio only....

Trafficking in Asia – Tommy Broyles – Ep. 81

August 29, 2024Podcast

Before Tommy Broyles began serving as Elijah Rising’s Development Associate and grant writer, he worked in Asia with a nonprofit that served child trafficking survivors. In this episode, Tommy describes what it was like doing anti-trafficking work in Asia and the specific challenges they faced there. He also talks about the differences between serving in Asia and America, and he...