Karla’s Story

Karla’s Story

Sometimes, the most life-changing opportunities come when we least expect them. For Karla, a dedicated staff member at Safe Places for Women, this couldn’t be more true. Life had always been about connection—whether as a stay-at-home mom or a Lyft driver, she found joy in interacting with people and being a small part of their journeys. After sending all her kids off to college, Karla longed for and felt called to something deeper, looking for a way to continue nurturing others in a meaningful way. That opportunity came through Safe Places, a role she describes as “an answered prayer.” Now, Karla uses her God-given gifts of empathy, compassion, and care to serve survivors of human trafficking, fulfilling her desire to make a difference while strengthening her faith. In today’s interview, Karla shares her journey to Safe Places, how the organization has impacted her life, and the role faith plays in her daily mission to bring hope and healing to others.

 

  1. How did you find/end up getting involved with SPFW? 

It’s a crazy story! I was a stay at home mom for 10 years, worked for my husband off and on, and 10 years ago, started being a Lyft driver part time because I wanted to make some extra money. I ended up really loving it, but in November of 2023 my car broke down. I was just praying, and I kind of had been praying for a little bit before, because sometimes I would have the passengers and we’d have a really good conversation, or we’d have a conversation about Christ, or just something deeper, and then they get out and leave. I wanted something where people weren’t leaving. I was just praying that I could find some type of work that could be impactful. In December, Rebecca came into my husband’s office looking for some computer equipment, and happened to mention that she was opening Safe Places, if he knew of anyone that might want to work there. And he was like, “my wife  is looking for something!” So it was total word of mouth and organic, and I applied, interviewed and then got hired, and started in January. So it was a total God thing, I don’t know that I would have found it had she not come into my husband’s office. 

 

  1. Why Safe Places?

It just felt like a way for me to use talents that God had given me, that I had been just scratching the surface being a Lyft driver and even a mom. I was struggling last fall. I had a really hard time when our youngest went to college, and this felt like a motherly kind of job in a way too. I think it kind of gave me fulfillment too, like I still have purpose. But I think women go through this in their middle ages, especially when their kids leave home, feeling like “okay, where is my gift right now? And Lord, how do you want to use me?” This just felt like God, saying, “Hey, do you see me over here? Look at all this good stuff that you still have to enjoy!” I feel like it’s been an extension of being a mom. 

 

  1. What’s your favorite part about working with SPFW? 

The relationships. Every day is different. I love that aspect of it. I look forward to coming here and to having a workplace that it’s challenging at times too. There’s challenging days and there’s things that are hard, but you look forward to that because you know that God is preparing a way for you. 




  1. How does your faith play into your role at SPFW?

I love that I get to bring my faith and my walk with the Lord here. I love it because it is so important to me. I love being able to share that with the ladies, and also the realistic part of it too. I’ve shared with them many times the lowest point in my life, when my dad passed away five years ago, and how hard that was for me. I love being able to share those honest feelings with them, and how the Lord has walked through painful times with us. I like the way you can openly share and talk about your faith.

  1. What have you learned about trafficking since working here?

How traumatic it is for the women. How it seems it doesn’t matter where you were raised, how you were raised, it can affect you. These women have done some really hard things, but they are still some of the most amazing people. And I am just so proud to have a relationship with them. I’ve also learned with trafficking that it can be part of your past, it doesn’t have to predict what your future looks like. I’ve seen that and I am so proud and so excited to see what their future does have despite what their past has had. 

As Karla reflects on her journey, she marvels at how God’s timing brought her to Safe Places for Women. What felt like a chance conversation turned out to be a divine appointment, leading her to a role where her gifts of empathy and compassion could shine. Every day, Karla has the opportunity to nurture the women in her care, helping them rediscover their strength and showing them the love of God through her actions. Her story is a reminder that when we trust in God’s plan, even the unexpected can become part of a beautiful purpose.

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