Mindy Hughes is a sex trafficking survivor that has overcome the trauma of her experiences and is now a passionate abolitionist, mentor, and advocate for other survivors across Western Michigan. Today a wife and mother of four, her life has been completely transformed by her faith in God and she has found a variety of ways to help spread the hope that she has found. She is dedicated to increasing public awareness, supporting fellow trafficking victims and vulnerable youth at risk for trafficking, and equipping other survivors to become anti-trafficking advocates. In 2015, Mindy was awarded the Michigan Liberator Award.
Mindy operates CUBS, a ministry for youth at risk for trafficking, which is supported by Women at Risk International (WAR). As a Momma Bear for CUBS, Mindy supports vulnerable young men ages 14 to 21 who are residents of Newaygo, Oceana, or Muskegon counties. These young men are at risk either to be trafficked or become a trafficker. To provide consistent support and encouragement to them, Mindy takes them organizes outdoor activities, movie nights and Sunday dinners for her cubs and throughout the years, she has impacted the lives of over 90 young men.
Mindy is involved with several other anti-trafficking organizations. She is a member of the Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force, a coalition of over 90 member agencies that are working to prevent trafficking, pursue prosecution of perpetrators, and protect trafficking victims, and the National Survivors Network. Since 2008, she has served on the Advisory Board of The Hope Project, a faith-based organization in Muskegon, Michigan dedicated to supporting survivors through case management, mentoring, and counseling, as well as and raising public awareness. She is an Advisor for the Step Forward Program, a 12-step initiative to help trafficking victims through the healing process. She also has worked with the Michigan Women’s Foundation and alongside Songs Against Slavery to increase awareness of trafficking through benefit concerts and musician partnerships.
