"At one point in my life, I tried to walk away from this Project and my faith. It was too heavy, and it seemed like nothing had changed. At that point, truly, I felt like God just kept making me run into it [human trafficking] in some shape or form. I was like, 'Ok, I am supposed to be doing this. You are trying to tell me something.' I approached the Project differently; instead of being so angry at the world, I flipped it. I look at success instead. I look at the people trying to help instead of just the bad people," said Stacy Schaffer, Founder and Executive Director of 31:8 Project. 

As an undergraduate at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, Stacy Schaffer learned about human trafficking. Growing up in Wishek, North Dakota, she had not considered the causes, impacts, and issues surrounding this crime and the victims.

"In 2006, a professor encouraged us to listen to a guest speaker and get extra credit. I went, and they were talking about the topic of human trafficking. I just felt compelled to do something," said Stacy.

She found herself on a mission trip to Guatemala. While there, she had the opportunity to assist with a case involving an eight-year-old girl who had been trafficked. 

"She was taken to a brothel and repeatedly sexually abused. Fortunately, we were able to intervene and provide her with services. This kind of assistance is very uncommon, obviously in underdeveloped areas. She is doing well. She ended up getting married and having kids. It was a true success story.  Her name is Anna.  Anna is really my why behind doing this work," said Stacy.

Fast-forward to 2015, when Stacy launched the 31:8 Project. The name comes from Proverbs 31:8: "Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves." The original mission was to focus on education.

"We spent all our time educating people of all ages, fifth grade and up, on what is human trafficking," said Stacy. "Now, we also talk about topics like sexual exploitation, internet safety, as well as pornography. We added a few other areas of programming since that time as well. We added our bravery backpack program."

The Bravery Backpack program started through a law enforcement officer passionate about helping kids.

"He told us that there are many times where they must arrest the parent or guardian, or we go to a crime scene, and these kids are waiting hours at the station before we can find a placement," Stacy explained. "Anytime someone is a victim of a crime, they are more susceptible to things like human trafficking. We added the Survivor Mentorship Program three years ago. We provide direct services to adult victims of human trafficking or sexual exploitation.  Victims, ages 18 and up, are paired with a mentor. That mentor helps them to achieve different goals. We have a survivor who just got her associate degree and was accepted into a social work program. A survivor who, because of her trauma, is finding it challenging for her to leave her house. We have a support group that meets biweekly."

The 31:8 Project has expanded statewide. There are offices in Bismarck and Dickinson, North Dakota. People from all walks of life are utilizing the expanding services. In 2020, 74 presentations were delivered, and 2023 119 were delivered.  Watch a video about the 31:8 Project.

"Through the presentations and social media platforms, we estimated we reached around 25,000 people in some capacity. At the Bakken Human Trafficking Summit summit, which we do every year, we have seen an increase from 133 in 2022 to that increased from 2022 to 2023. We had 100 and 158 in 2023. This year, we expect close to 250 people," shared Stacy.

In 2022, 228 Bravery Backpacks were distributed. In 2023, there were 606 children and youth that received Bravery Backpacks. The survivor group grew from 12 people in 2020 to 32 in 2023. 

in 2020, 74 presentations were delivered. In 2023, there were 119 presentations. 

"We serve across state lines," said Stacy. "We reach people in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota. I always tell people that anytime you have a gathering where there are a lot of people, you just naturally have more criminal activity like human trafficking."  

The 31:8 Project is funded through grants, corporate sponsors, and private donors. There are five employees, but only some are full-time. 

The small successes and her faith keep Stacy invested and inspired in the mission of the 31:8 Project. 

"I think it is the small successes that make a difference. I know we are not going to reach every survivor out there. But if we can change the course for at least some people, that would be my motivation and inspiration. We can do this and provide resources and just let people know that someone cares," said Stacy. "I have learned that everybody needs something to believe in, which is my faith. My faith has grown stronger over the years."

Schaffer will be one of the speakers during the 2024 Annual Conference. Register by Friday, May 24, 2024, at 5 p.m. to avoide a late fee.

Gifts to the 2024 Miracle Offering will help to expand the impact of the 31:8 Project. Each year, churches and individuals in the Dakotas Annual Conference demonstrate their love for God and their neighbors through the Miracle Offering presented during worship at our Annual Conference Session.

The Miracle Offering will be divided among the following recipients: the 31:8 Project, Abbott House’s Bridges Therapeutic Foster Care, recovery ministry grants, and the Clergy Sustentation Fund.  

Congregations are invited to collect supplies and backpacks for the Bravery Backpacks program through the 31:8 Project. There will be an opportunity to put the backpacks together at Annual Conference in Bismarck. Learn more about Bravery Backpacks for ages 2-12. Learn more about Bravery Backpacks for ages 13-17.