Meet Valerie Carter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Most people don’t realize that in the fight against human trafficking, the rescue moment is actually just the first step—and often, it’s the easiest part. What comes after is the long, often unseen journey of restoration. Survivors have endured layers of trauma, betrayal, and loss, and while freedom from exploitation is critical, it doesn’t automatically bring healing or stability. Many outsiders aren’t aware that the average survivor may need years of intentional support to address deep emotional wounds, rebuild trust, and develop the practical life skills that exploitation stripped away.
At RRT Ministries, our work is about walking that entire road with each woman. We provide Christ-centered, trauma-informed mentorship, discipleship, and emotional healing programs that address the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. We offer workforce development and job training through our social enterprise initiatives, because economic stability is key to breaking cycles of exploitation. We also surround survivors with a community of safe, consistent relationships, because healing doesn’t happen in isolation.

Our ‘industry’ isn’t about quick fixes or short-term aid—it’s about long-term investment, walking with survivors from crisis to stability to leadership, and equipping them to step fully into the life and identity God created them for. That’s the part most people don’t see, but it’s where the real transformation happens.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My professional life has been a blend of ministry, mentorship, Bible teaching, and social enterprise development, all rooted in my passion for helping women heal and rebuild after trauma. I am the founder and director of RRT Ministries (Rescued Redeemed Transformed), a nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse. Through Christ-centered, trauma-informed programs, we focus on identity restoration, emotional healing, and practical job training.
One of my greatest joys is teaching Bible study and leading The Healer’s Touch, a discipleship and healing program based on Isaiah 61, which I share in churches, transitional homes, and community groups. I’m also in the process of launching two social enterprise initiatives—The Trading Post Workforce & Wellness Hub and Station 218. These future ventures will provide sustainable employment, workforce development, and wellness resources for survivors, creating pathways from crisis to stability to leadership.

My work will be featured on The 700 Club, and I’ve partnered with organizations like Alive at Last, Emerging Adult, and local community agencies to extend our reach and impact. I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring women one-on-one, speaking at events, and developing resources that combine biblical truth with practical tools for restoration.

At its core, my career is about building bridges—from brokenness to wholeness, and from survival to thriving. Every role I take on, whether teaching God’s Word, leading my team, or developing new community programs, is aimed at creating spaces where women can encounter hope, healing, and the truth of who they are in Christ

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m still fairly new to the area, so I’m having fun discovering all that North Texas has to offer! If my best friend came to visit for a week, we’d start right here in Celina—grabbing coffee on the square and browsing some of the charming shops. Then, because no Texas trip is complete without it, we’d make a stop at Buc-ee’s for snacks, souvenirs, and that over-the-top Texas road trip experience.
We’d spend a day in Dallas visiting Dealey Plaza to take in the history, then head over for some amazing Texas barbecue at Hutchins BBQ. Fort Worth would be a must for me—especially the Stockyards. We’d see the cattle drive, enjoy some live country music, and end the night at the rodeo (my favorite!).

For a slower pace, we’d explore McKinney’s historic downtown with its antique shops, then stop for lunch at Hugs Café, a wonderful locally owned spot with a mission. We might also head to Frisco for a RoughRiders baseball game. I’d plan an outdoor morning at a nearby park or lake, followed by relaxing time catching up over coffee.

And honestly, since I’m still exploring myself, I’d want to discover a few new places together—it’s always more fun to experience Texas side-by-side with a friend!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today—or able to do the work I do—without the people God has placed in my path. First and foremost, my shoutout goes to Jesus Christ, who rescued and redeemed me, and continues to lead every step of this ministry. I also want to honor my husband, Mark, for his unwavering love, support, and partnership in this calling. He’s walked with me through every high and low, praying over me and believing in the vision God gave me.
I’m deeply grateful to my RRT Ministries teammates—faithful women and men who serve with passion, prayer, and perseverance. Their dedication to walking with survivors, building programs, and keeping the mission moving forward is nothing short of inspiring.

I also want to thank my mentors and ministry partners, like the team at Alive at Last, who model what it means to walk faithfully with survivors. And I cannot forget the many survivors I’ve had the privilege to mentor—their courage, resilience, and hunger for healing inspire me daily.

Finally, I’m thankful for our wider community—friends, prayer warriors, donors, and volunteers—who have stood in the gap, invested in our mission, and helped us build safe places where women can heal, grow, and step into their God-given identity. This is not a journey I’ve walked alone, and every victory belongs to the people who have prayed, served, and believed alongside us.

Website: https://rrtministries.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rescuedredeemedtransformed/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rescuedredeemedtransformed

Image Credits
Jordan Carter