On April 11, the St. Andrews Optimist Club welcomed Heather Pagan, Survivor Support Director for Lighthouse for Life, to share an update on the organization’s mission and its impact in the community.
Lighthouse for Life focuses on rescuing victims of sex trafficking and, through Pagan’s role, helps restore survivors to normal living. Pagan provided valuable insights into the nature and pervasiveness of the issue, highlighting that sex trafficking is not confined to any one type of neighborhood or community.
She emphasized that while many associate trafficking with violent abductions, the reality is often much more subtle. Grooming, a tactic used by perpetrators, is a widespread epidemic that often goes unnoticed, she explained. Pagan, herself a survivor of trafficking, referred to the experience as being trapped in “the life,” and shared that nationally, victims spend an average of seven years in such circumstances.
Lighthouse for Life takes a holistic approach to recovery, addressing survivors’ mental, physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs.
The organization’s physical address is currently known (1038 St. Andrews Road), but efforts are underway to establish a future group home at an undisclosed location to better protect and support those in recovery. Fundraising for this new facility is ongoing.
Pagan’s message served as a sobering but hopeful reminder of the realities of trafficking—and the critical importance of community support in fighting and healing from it.
Pictured are Pagan and Optimist Club President Gary Boyd.
