Healing Action Network
Our History
Healing Action Network began in 2015 when survivor leader Katie Rhoades set out to close the gaps she experienced on her own path to safety and stability. What started as a local response has grown into a statewide network aligning direct services, coalition building, and volunteer power to prevent and respond to trafficking and exploitation across Missouri.
In 2018, we brought the stand-alone Coalition Against Trafficking & Exploitation (CATE) under our banner to connect survivor services with policy, data, and training. The following year, we partnered with AmeriCorps to expand capacity for victim service agencies statewide. In 2024, we launched Volunteer Service Link to recruit and place volunteers and service members where they’re needed most. And in 2025, we refined our structure and identity: rebranding our direct services as the Center for Survivors and reaffirming our organization as Healing Action Network—the hub that stewards CATE, Volunteer Service Link, and the Center for Survivors.
Through each milestone, our focus remains the same: ensuring people can find safety, be heard, and rebuild—while communities become better equipped to prevent harm and support recovery.
Timeline
A decade of building safety, voice, and stability with survivors of trafficking and exploitation across Missouri.
2015
Healing Action Network, Inc. Founded
Survivor leader Katie Rhoades founded Healing Action Network to close the gaps she experienced during her own healing journey as a survivor of trafficking. From day one, our focus has been practical safety, trusted advocacy, and pathways to long‑term stability.
2018
CATE Joins Healing Action Network
Healing Action integrated the stand‑alone Coalition Against Trafficking & Exploitation (CATE) as a program within our organization. Bringing CATE under our banner aligned direct services with statewide collaboration, policy, research, and training, strengthening Missouri’s coordinated response to trafficking and exploitation.
2019
Partnership With AmeriCorps
We launched a partnership with AmeriCorps to build capacity across Missouri’s victim service network. The program:
- Increases identification of trafficking survivors
- Improves data collection and shared practices
Connects trained AmeriCorps Members to agencies statewide - Develops a diverse pool of community responders—strengthening the safety net for survivors
2024
Volunteer Service Link (VSL) Launches
To meet rising needs and effectively manage the statewide AmeriCorps program, Healing Action Network launched Volunteer Service Link (VSL). VSL continues to connect AmeriCorps Members with Missouri victim service organizations and recruits volunteers who support the day‑to‑day work of our direct service teams.
2025
Center for Survivors & Organization Rebrand
With new programs in place, our direct services—previously called Holistic Safety—were re‑named the Center for Survivors (CFS) to reflect a comprehensive, survivor‑centered pathway to safety, recovery, and stability.
2025
Healing Action ➝ Healing Action Network
We refreshed our organizational identity to Healing Action Network—clarifying that we are a hub that stewards three core programs:
- Center for Survivors
- Coalition Against Trafficking & Exploitation (CATE)
- Volunteer Service Link (VSL)
Together, these programs connect survivor services with statewide collaboration and volunteer power—moving Missouri closer to a future free from trafficking and exploitation.
What's Next
We’re building on a decade of impact with expanded services, stronger data, and deeper partnerships. Join us.
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When you give to Healing Action Network, you help ensure survivor safety, expand access to counseling and peer support, and strengthen community responses that hold offenders accountable.