From Silenced to Saved

Jenelle Goodrich’s childhood experience taught her two things: the saving grace of strong community and a tough, determined work ethic can transform lives.

Jenelle’s mother suffered from substance use disorder and fell prey to those who took advantage of her vulnerability. Jenelle was 10 years old when her mom died. Fortunately, Jenelle had close family and community to raise her. She credits that foundation as the reason she can do her work today.

“I was lucky that I had a strong family unit with my father and grandparents so that I could take a very different path,” Jenelle says. “I look back and think I was allowed to endure and witness this and grow in a way that some day I could give back to those in need.”

Jenelle is the founder and executive director of From Silenced to Saved, a faith-based, third-party case management organization focused on the recovery, restoration, and healing of victims of domestic human trafficking. They provide individualized victim support through trauma-informed mentorship, community awareness and education, legislative reform advocacy, and on-site engagement with law enforcement agencies.

Jenelle pursues this demanding, exhausting work with the passion and grit of a warrior. Her 60-hour-plus work weeks are unpaid. She believes it is her higher calling to provide support to those who suffer.

“I push forward daily, hoping someone I assist feels loved and served enough to save themselves," Jenelle says. "My mother didn’t have these options and choices when she was alive. If I convince one person, then it is worth every late night, hard day, crying in the car, and pure madness and chaotic schedule doing this work brings.”

Faith-based FSTS doesn’t push dogma onto those it serves, Jenelle says. “I don’t care who you love, your pronouns, how you identify, or your skin color, if you’ve been harmed, I am going to serve you without judgment, period,” she says.

FSTS has an official, accredited relationship with law enforcement and is invited on-site to intervene immediately when officers encounter victims.

According to Vikki Migoya, FBI Denver Public Affairs Officer, "FSTS Is the only non-governmental organization to work with the FBI Denver Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which operates in Colorado and Wyoming. FSTS works with FBI task force members and victim specialists to respond on-scene during national operations to assist with providing emergency services such as transportation, lodging, food, and clothing.”

Jenelle was honored with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in 2022.

“We are honored to recognize Ms. Goodrich and her organization for their commitment to helping recovered victims. She works closely with community partners to bridge the gap with law enforcement in order to provide mission-critical support,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. "We are proud to partner with From Silenced to Saved.”

A graduate of Colorado Christian University, Jenelle studied philosophy, counseling, and theology, specifically focused on cults and the occult. She began counseling in a Christian setting, helping people escape a cult-controlled life, which is strikingly relevant to the work she does now, she says. Jenelle then completed her Certified Family Trauma Professional course, Mental Health First Aid, and Psychotherapy Training. For nine years, Jenelle has been a partner at a high school for survivors and a high-risk school for both girls and boys. Appointed by Gov. Jared Polis, she serves on the Colorado Human Trafficking Council and the Advisory Alliance Committee.

Jenelle acknowledges that success in this work looks different in each case and can come in small doses. For one person, it may include reduced drug use and risky behavior. For another, it may be completing high school and moving into independent living.

“Everyone I have worked with has a success story, even if it seems small,” Jenelle says. “Success is sprinkled throughout like glitter, only shining at times, but it’s absolutely still there. The key is recognizing them and applauding even the smallest victories so they build another success on top of that.”

Find out more about From Silenced to Saved and donate to this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization at FromSilencedToSaved.org.