Deb is the founder and Executive Director for The Homestead. Deb has had a couple of close relatives in the sex industry which prompted her to seek training and expertise on this topic originally. She has received training through FAST curriculum (Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking) at Wesleyan Headquarters, the Not for Sale Campaign, Polaris Project, I.C.T.SOS in Wichita, and StripChurch Ministry in addition to the personal reading and research she has done on her own. Deb is currently the Executive Pastor at Westview Community Church and has been on the leadership team at WCC since 1996. She graduated from Manhattan Christian College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible and Family ministry, and a minor in Christian Education. Deb was ordained in the Wesleyan Church in July of 2004 and in 2013 graduated with a Master of Science degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.
The causes of human trafficking are complex. While many may be under the impression that human trafficking is driven by poverty, there are in fact many factors at play. Things like a lack of education, government corruption, political instability, war, and a lack of human rights protections all contribute. Human trafficking is caused by a tapestry of issues all working together.