Our Story
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” — Colossians 1:13
How Redemption Place Began
Before Richard and Tanya Rivera married, God had already planted a vision in Tanya’s heart — a calling to fight for children who had been silenced, exploited, and forgotten.
Years earlier, after watching a film about modern-day slavery, Tanya felt a powerful conviction that she was meant to be part of ending human trafficking. It wasn’t just emotion — it was a divine assignment.
She began learning everything she could about trafficking in the United States, especially the reality facing vulnerable children. The more she studied, the more she felt the weight of the need and the urgency of the call.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” — Colossians 1:13
That verse became her foundation. Tanya often said she wanted to help “bring them out of darkness” — to give children a safe place to heal and experience God’s love in a tangible way.
A Shared
Calling
When Tanya met Richard, she was upfront about her calling. She told him that saying yes to her meant saying yes to this mission. Richard didn’t hesitate. He saw what God had placed on her heart and made the decision to stand beside her — fully committed to building something that could change lives.
Together, the Riveras began praying and preparing for what would become Redemption Place. They recognized that in their region, there were few — if any — safe, long-term housing options for minors rescued from trafficking, abuse, or exploitation, especially those struggling with trauma and substance abuse. Local agencies and law enforcement could identify victims, but had nowhere to place them for real recovery.
That realization became the spark. If no one else was creating a place for healing, they would.
The Mission Grows
What started as a calling has become a mission.
Today, Redemption Place is a faith-based 501(c)(3) organization based in Blairsville, Georgia, dedicated to:
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Providing safe housing for minors who have survived trafficking, abuse, or exploitation.
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Offering after-care support that includes trauma-informed counseling, life-skills development, and spiritual restoration.
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Educating communities to recognize the signs of trafficking and prevent exploitation before it begins.
The Riveras and their growing team partner with local agencies, churches, and volunteers to fill a critical gap — offering safety and hope where there was once only fear and instability.
At the heart of it all is one simple belief:
Everything is forgivable, and everyone is redeemable.
3 Ways to Help
1
Donate
Your gift helps build and sustain homes for child survivors.
2
Volunteer
Offer your time, resources, or skills.
Connect us to your church, business, or community.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” — Proverbs 31:8
Looking Ahead
The vision doesn’t end with one home.
The Riveras are developing a long-term restoration and re-entry program — a place where survivors can continue healing, grow in faith, and rebuild their futures with confidence.
Their prayer is simple:
That every child who walks through the doors of Redemption Place will find safety, belonging, and the transforming love of Christ.
Freedom is possible. Healing is real. Redemption begins here.
Join us in building a future where every child is safe, known, and free.