How it Began

In 2015, the founders of Action169 recognized a growing call to address commercial sexual exploitation and addiction through advocacy, prevention, outreach, and restorative care.

Early in the journey, Jenna De Jong helped articulate what would become the heartbeat of Action169: reflecting God's love through tangible action. Awareness and educational events soon followed, while Danielle Freitag's desire—as a survivor—to return to the places she once knew became a reality. Outreach to women working in the sex industry began with consistency, compassion, and prayer.

Prayer quickly became the foundation of the organization. Weekly prayer gatherings laid the groundwork for the mission and helped shape the three pillars that continue to guide Action169 today: Prevention, Intervention, and Restoration.

In its early years, Action169 operated under the covering of Pray First Ministries, founded by Ruth Schueler. Ruth provided spiritual leadership, encouragement, and guidance during the formative years of the organization.

In 2018, Ruth transferred the 501(c)(3) to Corey and Danielle Freitag and Michael and Jenna De Jong, officially entrusting them with the leadership of Action169. She continues to serve as a Board Member and Prayer Pastor, and her wisdom, leadership, and faithful intercession remain an important part of the organization's story.

Since that time, Action169 has:

• Established Bella Daughter, a survivor-informed outreach initiative that engages women working in strip clubs with dignity, compassion, and practical support. In addition to leading local outreach efforts, Action169 has partnered with and supported other strip club outreach organizations, helping extend care, resources, and hope to women across the region.

• Hosted school presentations, trainings, and community events to equip youth, families, and professionals

• Developed trauma-informed, faith-based restoration care for women overcoming exploitation and addiction

• Formed partnerships with dress boutiques to create Runway for Action, now housed in our brick-and-mortar store, Goodnews Collective

• Expanded the reach of Action169's mission through public awareness campaigns, including a Highway 169 billboard, podcast content, speaking engagements, and other community outreach initiatives.

What started in prayer has become a movement—rooted in faith, built on obedience, and fueled by love.

And still, the best is yet to come.

“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”

— Acts 16:9