The Hope Project

Mission: To educate frontline workers, youth, parents, churches and other community stakeholders on human trafficking in hopes to prevent, respond, and support victims and survivors.

The Hope Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was founded in 2006 by Jeff and Sue Martineau, and began with a mission to support minor victims of sex trafficking. Initially met with skepticism, the founders shifted focus to educating the West Michigan community about human trafficking, leading survivors to come forward and request services. Today, The Hope Project offers comprehensive support, including case management, therapy, advocacy, mentoring, and essential services, while also addressing prevention for young women vulnerable to trafficking. Using a holistic, trauma-informed approach, the organization focuses on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual restoration. In 2023, it opened its first healing home, Rays of Hope, for adult survivors and expanded into Newaygo County in 2024.

Support the healing of girls and women who have survived sex trafficking and prevent further cases through mentoring and education. We provide case management, individual therapy, group therapy, recovery groups, recovery coaching, support groups, mentoring, and soon housing for youth and adult survivors of sex trafficking. We also have a mentor program for survivors and vulnerable youth.