About Us
Our story starts with a nudge from God...
- 2009 - Suzi's Heart Breaks For Trafficking Victims
- October 2020 - Esthers Rising Idea is Born
- May 2021 - First Fundraiser for Esthers Rising
- November 2021 - Accepted Into The Samaritan Women Institute for Shelter Care Mentorship Program
- August 2022 - Hope Givers Gala
- March 2023 - Victim Advocate Training with South Dakota Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault
- April 2023 - Held Booth at Faith & Hope Community Breakfast in Rapid City
- May 2023 - Weekly Consulting with Foster Kairos/Eden's Glory
- June 2023 - Acquired Free23 House
- june 2023 - Fountain Springs LYN Crew Built Privacy Fence
- June 2023 - Began Leadership Training with South Dakota Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault
- July 2023 - Attended Statewide Law Enforcement Training
- July 2023 - Active in Sturgis Rally Trafficking Awareness & Prevention
- August 2023 - Began Free23 Program
Suzi’s Story:
Suzi Kremer has a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from South Dakota State University. She has worked for South Dakota Child Protective Services, overseeing the transitional living program. She worked as a home-based counselor with a local mental health organization and has taught Common Sense Parenting classes. Most recently, she was the administrative assistant for the local school district administration office. Suzi is a wife to Chad, and a mom of three. She also helps with the daily tasks for Kremer Buffalo.
Suzi first learned about human trafficking on a mission trip to Africa in 2009. Her heart for justice was stirred and she knew she was called to do something about it. She quit her job in June of 2016 and moved towards helping victims of trafficking.
Cheri’s Story:
Cheri attended Colorado Christian University undergraduate and has a bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in Elementary and Middle School Education. She has taken graduate courses through the University of South Dakota, University of Sioux Falls, Dakota State University, and Black Hills State University. She taught elementary school for 15 years. She has worked as Director of the Custer Youth House and as the Intake Coordinator at Teen Challenge girls youth facility. Cheri is a wife, mom of four and grandma of one. She also helps with the family construction business and is very involved in her local church and ministry.
Cheri has had a heart for kids since a young age. She knew that after being in education for several years, God had other things for her to do. At a meeting in October of 2020, all of Suzi and Cheri’s experience and passion came together. They knew that they had been called by the Lord to establish a safe house and restorative care home for girls who have been sex trafficked and sexually exploited.
Founders Suzi and Cheri have been working, praying and advocating for Esthers Rising from the time the burden was laid on their hearts. The laborious process of bringing it into a tangible reality has been time-staking and extremely fulfilling. Both Suzi and Cheri now serve on the West River Anti-Trafficking Task Force and have received training in ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma Informed Care) and by The Association for Recovery for Children. Both have volunteered for community anti-trafficking prevention and awareness projects. They are currently going through The Samaritan Women Institute for Shelter Care mentorship program.
Esthers Rising Praises
- Planning 3rd Annual Gala
- Opened Free23 Program
- Participated in Love Your Neighbor Week
- Free23 Self-Care Groups Began
- Meraki Box event
Our Team
Cheri Hartman
Co-Founder/Executive Director of Development
Suzi Kremer
Co-Founder/Executive Director of Operations
Matthew Tramp
Community Engagement Coordinator
Elizabeth Tramp
Volunteer Coordinator
Hannah McLeod
Communications Coordinator
Our 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. "
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."
Judy Mildren
"Judy works in Human Services and chose this field because of her great compasssion for others. She likes to share encouragement and hope with her clients. Judy began her career at Children's Home Shelter for Family Safety (formerly Children's Inn, Sioux Falls) as a Counselor and Shift Supervisor. After a move to Arizona, Judy worked at Arizona Baptist Children's Services, working with foster and adoptive families writing home studies and teaching parenting classes. Later she was promoted to Director of the Foster Care and Adoption Services program. After returning to South Dakota, she was hired by the Cornerstone Rescue Mission. There she worked in various capacities, including working with homeless women and children. it was during that time that she joined the newly formed SD West River Human Trafficking Task Force. Since then, Judy has helped many victims/survivors of human trafficking while working as an Advocate with anti-trafficking agencies."
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."
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."
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