Laura Ross, Founder
Laura has been married for 25 years and is a proud mother of 5 children. She is a committed Christian leader who has recently joined the fight against human trafficking as founder of SEEDS Canada. Laura welcomes your questions and the opportunity to speak to your church or service club about this new nonprofit organization.
Vicki Olatundun, Executive Director & Abolitionist
Vicki Olatundun is our Executive Director, a former criminal law Attorney ,turned social justice advocate ,she is known for her visionary abilities as a non-profit strategist and leader.
In 2014, she was a nominee for the prestigious Woman of Distinction Award and in 2015 she was declared a “Change Maker, one of Canada’s 40 women who are making Canada a better place “ by Canadian Living Magazine. Awarded along with her team in 2021, the Difference Maker Award by the Guelph Chamber. MPP Guelph Community Award 2022 for her contribution to her local community with helping newcomer families fight food insecurity.
When Vicki isn’t speaking and educating others, she is on the front lines helping families in need and leading the charge against human trafficking as a modern-day abolitionist.
She advocates for those that face poverty and homelessness as well as victims of sex-trafficking and has been making a sustainable difference supporting Canadians over the last 15 years.
She is married with two children and spends any extra time cheering them on while they play basketball.
Shelley Martindale, Program Manager
Shelley Martindale is our new Program Manager, born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario she spent almost 10 years working in Northern Alberta most of those years working as the Dean of Women at a local Bible college there.
She is very adventurous and loves the outdoors. Shelley worked for one year at Wilderness Bible college where she experienced many things for the first time such as ice climbing, winter camping, white water kayaking, canoeing and rafting, and canoe trips in the US. You can’t keep away her away from a good road trip, she has travelled through half the United States and most of Canada. She is well travelled and comes with a wealth of experience in mentoring, discipleship and leadership.
A new story for sex-trafficking survivors
SEEDS Program is a holistic approach to restoration. Survivors, who have had everything stolen from them, get the stability and rest they need to dream again! While in our program, survivors are equipped with the wrap around services and resources they need to be transformed. They can also accomplish goals they never knew were possible to tackle – things like getting their GED, reconnecting with their children and family, getting their driver’s license, and even learning to swim.
SEEDS provides a home and program where women receive a personalized education plan, medical aid, trauma therapy, job placement, case management, and restorative services. They also have the opportunity to build healthy and safe relationships that will follow them into their final stage of the program. The final stage is where survivors receive individualized planning and assistance with living independently, career goals, and continued support. SEEDS is there with them every step of the way through their transformation!
SEEDS is not a crisis center or shelter but is a long-term solution for 18+ survivors of sex trafficking and/or exploitation. If a survivor is ready to start a new life outside of what they have known, SEEDS is the perfect place to start.
Today, seeds provides a sustained multi-stage, long-term residence structure for women to start anew, to change their stories, and to live whole, independent lives.
SEEDS
Refuge
We are launching a home to provide care, counselling, and education for each stage of the recovery process.
Prevention
Our goal is to generate public awareness and help at-risk young women avoid becoming prey to human trafficking.
Do you know the signs of human trafficking?
Renewal
We’re imagining a better tomorrow for exploited women, one of hope, peace, and recovery. We provide the skills and opportunities that help survivors find a new start in life.
Join us
sex-trafficking survivors today!