From Darkness to Light: A Visit with The Lifeguard Group

There are some topics so heavy, so dark, that it’s hard to imagine anything positive emerging from them. Human trafficking and sexual exploitation fall squarely in that category. But recently, during a visit with Empower and Shine, we encountered an organization that does the seemingly impossible: The Lifeguard Group. Their work is rooted in love and light, transforming a difficult and heavy reality into a beacon of hope for those they serve. What we saw on our visit was nothing short of inspiring.

Turning Tragedy into Hope

The Lifeguard Group doesn’t just fight against horrific sexual violence crimes; they offer a haven of hope and healing for survivors. Our tour of their safe house was a revelation. Gone were the grim images I might have expected. Instead, I found a space filled with beauty and warmth. The safe house, a hidden sanctuary, provides a refuge for women who have survived unthinkable experiences. It’s more than just a shelter—it’s a place of healing and growth. As we walked through the space, we could feel the peace that has been carefully cultivated there. It’s a home, with four bedrooms for women, two emergency rooms for immediate shelter, and plans to expand further. The emergency rooms, donated and designed by local businesses, create a warm and safe environment for new arrivals, where they can begin their journey of healing near the close care of the house manager.

Imagine a place with a breathtaking view, a dance studio that feels like a spa with a sauna, an art studio for creative expression, a soothing hot tub, roaming horses, and a crackling fireplace – all within a warm and inviting space. This is the space created by The Lifeguard Groups founders, Tami and Lowell Hochhalter. The couple first felt the call to help trafficked women while Lowell was a chaplain and speaking at schools. It quickly became clear that they could not ignore all of the calls they were being given. After many years working to combat trafficking, they were able to start the safe house project in 2020. What was once a masculine hunting lodge has been transformed into a peaceful sanctuary that continues to grow. 

The beautiful dance studio and workout room were designed by Jordan, one of our Empower & Shine family members, who serves on the board of The Lifeguard Group and was able to connect us with the incredible organization. She also creates Sunshine Buckets—laundry baskets filled with comforting and healing items for each woman who arrives. Her impact is amazing and one of the many examples of dedicated volunteers who make this mission possible. 

I had no idea what to expect. Despite any initial trepidation on entering their home, the women were incredibly welcoming, inviting us into their shared living space with open arms. This is where the women we met were spending time together. This wasn’t just a shelter; it felt like a home. It truly felt safe, a testament to the life-changing work of The Lifeguard Group. This visit was more than just an eye-opening experience. It was a powerful reminder that even in the face of immense darkness, hope and healing can prevail.

During our visit, we learned about some of the exciting fundraising initiatives that help keep this sanctuary running. One of their key annual events is a golf tournament, where the women in the house take pride in contributing. This year, they made jewelry and baked goods to sell, raising over $500. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about empowerment—showing the women that they are capable of making a difference, both for themselves and for others.

Future Dreams, this is just the beginning! 

The Lifeguard Group has big dreams. After they finish renovating a nearby caretaker’s house to add four more bedrooms, they hope to build tiny homes on the property. These homes will allow women to continue their healing journey in a space of their own while still being close to the support of the safe house. They plan for even more in the future, with the vision of creating a children’s home to address the tragic reality of child trafficking in the U.S. With only 120 beds for trafficked children nationwide, and hundreds of thousands of children trafficked each year, this vision is desperately needed.

One of the most heartbreaking things we learned is that only 1% of sex trafficking victims are ever found. The women living in this safe house are part of that 1%. They have lived through horrors, but they are the lucky ones who survived and are now in a space where they can heal. We met one woman who, while in recovery, is also studying to become a certified nurse’s assistant—another reminder that even in darkness, there is always light.

The need for this work is painfully clear. As I learned, there’s currently a waitlist of 12 women hoping to stay at this safe haven and focus on recovery. Whatever we can do to help The Lifeguard Group reach their future goals is so vital. 

Security is tight, and for good reason. We learned that traffickers sometimes place tracking devices on these women, even embedding them under their skin without their knowledge. The Lifeguard Group has well thought out protection and has never had an issue with someone finding the property. One of their most incredible partnerships is with the Wings of Freedom, a group of volunteer pilots who help locate and transport rescued women to safety. Their slogan, “We did something good today,” comes from the first pilot who delivered a woman safely back to the Lifeguard Group’s care.

They are even working on gaining funding to provide a mobile trailer equipped for sexual assault nurse examinations, bringing critical support directly to victims – a crucial service considering the shortage of qualified nurses. Current estimates are that there are just over 2000 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners in the United States. This creates a huge challenge for women to even access the care they need. 

True Healing

The Lifeguard Group also has a beautiful tradition: when a woman is ready to leave the safe house, she plants a tree. It’s a symbol of hope, growth, and the new life she’s cultivating for herself. The property is a true sanctuary, complete with a garden and horses for equine therapy. One particularly touching detail is the old, worn saddles the women nurture back to life—just as they are nurturing themselves. They take the saddles with them when they are ready to leave. 

One of the most powerful moments of our visit was hearing the sound of one of the women singing along to Fleetwood Mac while cooking in the kitchen with a volunteer. The warmth, safety, and love in that space were palpable, and it reminded us of why this work is so crucial. These women, who have endured so much, deserve this sanctuary and every bit of light it offers.

As Empower & Shine, we are committed to spreading light in the darkest places. Meeting Tami and Lowell and witnessing what they have done with The Lifeguard Group was a humbling experience, and we are grateful to play a part in supporting their mission. Their story, though heavy, is one of hope, healing, and love. And that is the story we want to share with the world.

Click here to donate directly to The Lifeguard Group