About Us

Our story starts with a nudge from God...

October 2020 - Esthers Rising Idea is Born
December 2020 - Esthers Rising is Officially a
501(c) Nonprofit
April 2021 - First Fundraiser for Esthers Rising
November 2021 - Accepted Into The Samaritan Women
Institute for Shelter Care Mentorship Program
August 2022 - 1st Annual Hope Givers Gala
May 2023 - Weekly Consulting with
Foster Kairos/Eden's Glory
June 2023 - Acquired Free23 House
June 2023 - Began Leadership Training with SD
Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault
August 2023 - Began Free23 Program
May 2024 - First Annual Fun Run
July 2024 - Site Visit to Refuge Ranch in Texas
August 2023 through August 2024 - 14 Girls helped total
December 2024 - 1st Annual Festival of Trees

In October 2020, Cheri Hartman and Suzi Kremer met with local anti-trafficking leaders to explore how they could join the fight against human trafficking in the Black Hills of South Dakota. From that conversation came a clear and urgent insight: adolescent survivors were an underserved group in desperate need of specialized support.

Motivated by this calling, Cheri and Suzi began praying, planning, and preparing. Just a few months later, in December 2020, Esthers Rising was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and in April 2021 it held its first fundraiser.

In November 2021, Esthers Rising joined the Institute for Survivor Care mentorship program, gaining vital guidance and insight into trauma-informed care. As the vision grew, so did the team—reaching five dedicated members by 2023.

A pivotal milestone came in June 2023, when Esthers Rising was gifted a residence to use as an office and intake location. From that opportunity, the Free23 Program was born—an initiative that connects adolescent survivors with counseling, life skills training, and essential resources. Free23 removes major barriers such as transportation and cost, creating access to the care these girls desperately need.

By the end of 2024, Esthers Rising had walked alongside 14 young survivors, offering them hope and healing through the Free23 program and our network of compassionate support services.

Looking ahead, our ultimate goal is to establish a restorative care home where girls can live for up to 18 months as they heal and prepare to reintegrate into life beyond trafficking. We’re prayerfully working toward opening the home by the end of 2025, with full operations by 2026.

Everything we do is made possible by generous supporters like you. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for standing with us as we rise together.

Esthers Rising Praises

Helped 14 girls find restorative services
Raised $40,000 at our 3rd Gala
Hosted 1st Annual Rapid City Festival of Trees
Opened Free23 Program
Reached Over 1,500 People through Community Engagement
Networked through Various Conferences Nationwide

Our Team

Our Board

Director of the Board

Roland Bauer

"Roland Bauer joined the Board of Directors in summer of 2021 at the invitation of the co-founders Suzi Kremer and Cheri Hartman. As he was introduced to their vision of creating a home for young adolescents who are coming out of the sex-trafficking trade, it took a strong hold in his heart. Roland has served on numerous non-profit boards including The Journey Church, James Henry Counseling Services, and His Banner Ministries. He, along with his wife, Jackie, are ordained ministers and served as Executive Pastors at the Journey Church in New Jersey. He currently serves on the Advisory Council for The Almond Branch (W. Milford, NJ) as well as the Custer TeamMates Board, a mentoring program for children. "

Board Member

David Asbridge

"David Asbridge joined the Board of Directors of Esthers Rising in January 2023 after being asked by Chairman Bauer. Prior to this calling, he and his wife, Pam, moved to Rapid City, SD in 1975. David formed a Home Building Company in the spring of 1976 and retired from the company in 2019. David and Pam attend Fountain Springs Church and are both involved in several Christian organizations. He has served on many non-profit, civic and trade association board of directors over his many years as a business owner. When the opportunity to join the mission of Esthers Rising arose, David had to answer the call. His heart breaks for the victims of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking and he is dedicated to doing anything he can through his position on the board."

Board Member

Hollie Strand

"Hollie Strand joined the Board of Directors in 2024. Hollie works as a Forensic Examiner for the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Working in the field for the last 26 years, she has held the positions of police officer, forensic interviewer, and counselor with an extensive history providing therapy for individuals in the correctional system. She has a passion for helping others and was thrilled when she was asked to join the Esthers Rising Board of Directors. She is passionate about the path God has put in front of her and is excited to be a part of Esthers Rising's mission to help rescue, redeem and renew child survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation."

Board Member

Holly Glatt

"Holly Glatt joined the Board of Directors of Esther’s Rising in August 2023 after an invitation from the founders, Suzi and Cheri. Holly was born and raised in Spearfish, SD and has lived in Rapid City, SD as a successful real estate agent for the past 11 years. Holly is a member of Fountain Springs Church and has spent time over the past 3 years volunteering through the church to support foster families in our community! Holly's initial calling to help at-risk youth ignited a sense of purpose within her, pushing her to take action. It was during the Esther's Rising Gala in 2022 that Holly felt a nudge on her heart and a strong desire to deepen her involvement with this non-profit. She considers it a great honor to be part of such a transformative and impactful mission and brings to the Esther’s Rising Board passion, heart, and the desire for restoration in young victims of human trafficking and exploitation."