FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2025
Gianforte Family Foundation Awards $10,000 to The Worthy Ranch to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking
BILLINGS, MT—The Worthy Ranch is honored to announce a $10,000 grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation to support their ongoing mission to empower survivors of human trafficking. This generous contribution will help expand the organization’s programs that offer healing, education, and hope to survivors.
Founded by Heather Estus, herself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence, The Worthy Ranch focuses on the critical need for aftercare. “Healing is a lifelong process,” says Estus. “Temporary shelter and safety are important, but there’s a gap in services after survivors leave those shelters. In Montana, this gap is especially wide—many survivors are forced to leave the state because our shelters are full and safe housing options are limited.”
“In my own healing,” Estus continues, “I found that programs like equine therapy helped me reclaim my strength. I want to offer that same healing to other women.”
To bring awareness to January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, The Worthy Ranch will host the community event "Tie Blue for Truth: Billings Stands Against Human Trafficking" on Thursday, January 16th, from 3:00–6:00 PM. Volunteers and supporters are invited to join The Worthy Ranch team in tying blue ribbons on the trees in front of the historic Billings Depot on Montana Avenue. These ribbons will be displayed through the end of the month to symbolize ongoing solidarity with survivors and the fight against human trafficking. Businesses on Montana Avenue and in downtown Billings, as well as community members, are encouraged to participate by tying blue ribbons on trees at their homes and businesses to show their support. For more details, visit theworthyranch.org.
In addition, The Worthy Ranch will host its first-ever Empower Retreat for survivors who have successfully completed the first level of their programming. This transformative retreat will take place at the stunning AMB West property, generously provided by the Arthur M Blank Foundation. The organization is seeking community support to help cover programming costs, travel expenses for survivors, and to secure a permanent ranch property for future operations. Donate here. https://www.theworthyranch.org/donate
Learn more about Human Trafficking Prevention Month and how you can help fight this serious issue by visiting the State Department https://www.state.gov/national-human-trafficking-prevention-month/and Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign websites.
---
About The Worthy Ranch
The Worthy Ranch mission is to provide survivors of human trafficking and abuse a path to healing and a purposeful life. Their vision is for survivors to feel worthy of living their best life. Programs include foundational healing courses including equine and eco-therapy, self-worth life coaching, and career development.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Heather Marie Estus
The Worthy Ranch
Email: heathermarie@theworthyranch.com
Website: theworthyranch.org
Phone: 406-200-4867