On Friday, October 17, hundreds gathered at The Grove Community Church in Riverside for A Time to Remember—the annual fall gala benefiting Rebirth Homes. The evening was filled with warmth, gratitude, and reflection as supporters came together to champion the organization’s mission: rescuing and restoring women in Riverside County who have been victims of human trafficking.

Rebirth Homes Founder and CEO Debbie Martis opened the evening with a moving address, recalling the early challenges of bringing the vision to life. She spoke candidly about the organization’s humble beginnings, the struggles that tested their faith, and the incredible outpouring of community support that made survival possible. When Rebirth Homes began, there were three programs locally helping women emerge from trafficking. Today, Rebirth Homes stands as the only one still operating; proof of both its strength and the ongoing need for resources as the crisis of human trafficking continues to grow.

The evening featured a heartfelt panel discussion highlighting the deep impact of the organization’s work. One panelist, a survivor-turned-volunteer, shared what “remembering” means to her; from her painful past to her journey toward healing and now giving back to others entering the program. Anne Rogan, an Alessandro Heights resident and longtime supporter, reflected on her experience walking alongside Debbie from the very beginning, when Rebirth Homes was only an idea. A third panelist, a longtime donor who traveled in for the event, shared how he feels God’s presence each time he gives to this powerful mission.

The most emotional moment of the night came when another survivor bravely shared her story. Once a nurse with a promising career, she was abducted and held captive in a shed for monthschained and isolated simply because of her identity. Her release came only by chance, but her rescue by local law enforcement led her to Rebirth Homes. Today, she has graduated from the program and returned to her nursing career, her words overflowing with gratitude and hope.

As the evening concluded, there was a shared sense of purpose and unity in the room, a reminder that while the darkness of human trafficking persists, so does the light of compassion. Rebirth Homes continues to stand as that light in our community, offering each woman who enters its doors the chance for a new beginning.

I would like to give a special thanks to everyone who attended and gave what they could to help support this very important program. I would also like to personally thank Hailey, the creator of Hailey Bell Creations. She creates all those great Riverside Raincross stickers, clothes, and goods we see all around town. Hailey and her father, John, donated an amazing box of HBC gifts for silent auction. Thank you, again.

If you’d like to learn more about Rebirth Homes and how to support, visit their website at rebirthhomes.com or find them on social media.