For years, I lived in a state of normalized survival—confused, fearful, and unable to understand why my relationships and choices continually reflected the chaos of my childhood. Even with strong academic performance and work ethic, unresolved trauma shaped my internal world in ways I could not escape on my own.

Like many abuse survivors, I gravitated toward relationships and environments that mirrored my earliest years, not because I wanted harm, but because my brain had adapted to surviving mistreatment. In therapy, I learned that prolonged or repeated Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) create deeply ingrained relational templates. This is child formation at its worst—and it follows youth into adulthood unless someone intervenes.

The Wilderness Initiative is a community effort to provide trauma-informed, Bible-based curriculum that validates the effects of abuse, illuminates hope in Christ, and fosters emotional healing and forgiveness.

Without emotional support and development, cycles of abuse, instability, and exploitation continue through generations—regardless of knowledge, intelligence, or faith.  

This year we have the honor of partnering with Unfaulted.org to edify young women ages 18-25 who have aged of foster care. This year long pilot program will enable us to quantify emotional development and coping skills as critical life skills are learned and practiced.

Your support today is a worthy investment: The cycle of abuse is only prevented when we aim for the common good together.

Wendy Redroad, Servant Founder
The Wilderness Initiative