HOW IT ALL BEGAN…
Scarlet Hope exists to share the hope and love of Jesus with women in the Adult Entertainment Industry. In 2007, God called a young woman named Rachelle Starr to go into a strip club in Louisville, KY and to do something kind and loving for the women working there.
Our ministry was founded on the belief that all people are broken and in need of a Savior. And as believers, we’re commanded by God to GO and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with all people. So Rachelle went to the people God had specifically called her to: women who have been sexually exploited or trafficked.
A single act of obedience led to a national nonprofit ministry serving an average of 350+ women weekly in six major cities. When you say “Yes” to God, He does extraordinary things! That’s where our story comes in.
WHY RENO?
Our Executive Director, Jarré Poh, is a Nevada native who knew since the age of 13 that God was calling her into full-time ministry. While temporarily living in Louisville, KY, she crossed paths with Rachelle and began serving on the Outreach team. Shortly after, she knew God was calling her to bring this ministry to her hometown of Reno, NV.
Nevada is well known for its Adult Entertainment Industry and the fact that it is the only state that has legalized prostitution. In fact, Nevada has the largest commercial sex industry per capita in America with at least 40 establishments in Reno alone. (Source)
The sheer size of the industry reveals a vast need for hope. The reality is that the majority of women in this industry experience many forms of abuse and often feel trapped in their lifestyles. Studies have shown that 89% of women in the adult entertainment industry, when asked, said they wanted to escape, but had no other means for survival. (Source)
That’s why we go, wherever they are and wherever God leads, to tell them there is hope. No matter their past, God loves them and has a better future planned for them. Jarré launched Scarlet Hope Reno in 2014 and we’ve been watching God do extraordinary things ever since.
So, why Reno? The short answer is God. God called. God provided. God opened the doors. It is God’s work He has invited us into. He desires to see the lost found, the broken made whole, lives fully restored for His kingdom and glory! We serve a mighty God who stops at nothing to show His great love to His people. We just get to be His hands and His feet here in Reno, showing His love and offering the hope of the gospel to women in the Adult Entertainment Industry.
