The Chosen Ones
Who are The Chosen Ones?
The Chosen Ones, Inc. was founded in 2014 by a mother and daughter with a powerful mission born out of lived experience. At just 14 years old, our co-founder was exploited after being approached by a peer at a local train station who was working for a trafficker. What began as an ordinary encounter turned into a life-altering experience—one that revealed how vulnerable children and families can be to exploitation, often in everyday places and situations.
Out of that pain came purpose. Together, mother and daughter launched The Chosen Ones to turn their family’s story into a movement of prevention, empowerment, and hope.
What Is Child Exploitation?
Child exploitation happens when someone takes advantage of a child for their own benefit, often in ways that are harmful. This can include forcing a child to work, using them for money, or for sexual purposes. Children who face poverty, unstable housing, or lack of support are often more at risk. Exploitation is never the child’s fault—it is always the responsibility of the adult or person taking advantage.
Child Exploitation in Georgia
In 2023, Atlanta was identified as having the second-highest level of human trafficking activity in the United States, with the average age of a child being trafficked ranging between 12 and 14 years old. Approximately 100 juvenile girls are exploited each night in Georgia, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to combat this issue.
These statistics emphasize the critical importance of organizations like The Chosen Ones in addressing and preventing child exploitation in Georgia.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Girls are most at risk of exploitation when multiple vulnerabilities come together. A history of trauma, abuse, or neglect, combined with low self-esteem and lack of affirmation from trusted adults, can leave them seeking validation in unsafe places. Unstable housing, such as living in motels or shelters, running away, or experiencing frequent family conflict, further increases risk. Poverty and limited access to basic needs often make promises of money, gifts, or stability from exploiters more appealing. At the same time, social pressures—like peer influence, bullying, or recruitment by older peers and gangs—can isolate girls and push them into dangerous situations. Communities with high crime, violence, or easy access to drugs and alcohol create additional dangers, while the internet and social media have opened new doors for traffickers to target youth through false relationships or promises. Without strong protective factors like mentorship, safe spaces, supportive families, and positive opportunities, these vulnerabilities make girls especially susceptible to exploitation.
Prevention
Protective factors play a powerful role in keeping girls safe from exploitation. When youth have access to consistent mentorship and positive role models, they gain the confidence and guidance needed to make safer choices. Stable housing and supportive family relationships create a foundation of security that reduces vulnerability. Access to afterschool programs, faith-based groups, and community organizations provides healthy outlets, belonging, and supervision during critical hours. Education and life skills training—such as financial literacy, digital safety, and healthy relationship building—equip girls to recognize red flags and resist manipulation. Strong community networks, including schools, churches, and local organizations, also serve as a safety net, ensuring that no child feels invisible or alone. By fostering environments of trust, affirmation, and opportunity, protective factors empower girls not only to avoid exploitation but also to thrive and reach their fullest potential..
Build Hope. Create Safety
Together, we can give families the tools they need to thrive. Your support strengthens families, prevents exploitation, and builds brighter futures.