Compassion2One
February 23rd, 2011 | By: Julie Gunter
After their third of three children graduated from Skyline High School, Steve and Julie Gutzler found themselves wondering, “How should we live the second half of our lives? What will our legacy be?”
Steve with girls in a Philippine safe house
It’s not as though they had gaping holes in their schedules. Steve runs a successful leadership development company that caters to business executives, community leaders, and athletes, and also serves as the pastor at Meadow Creek Church, while Julie brings to the partnership invaluable organizational support. Yet they still felt called to do more.
Their answer came in the form of a personal crusade that aims for nothing less than an end to sex trafficking in the greater Seattle area. Often referred to as modern-day slavery, sex trafficking involves the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of human beings who are entrapped or coerced—through bribery, intimidation, manipulation, or violence—into sexual exploitation. It is most often targeted at young girls who are typically recruited between the ages of 12 and 14, and UNICEF estimates that 1.2 million children are trafficked each year worldwide. The trade generates profits exceeding $32 billion worldwide.
The Gutzlers’ commitment to rescuing victims of sex trafficking can be traced back to a trip they took to the Philippines in 1993; while distributing hygiene packs and rice in the red-light district, they came into contact with throngs of vulnerable young women and children whose stories of fear and suffering could not be ignored. It was an experience that reminds them of Mother Teresa’s words: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
Their next step was to learn as much as they could about the subject; from reading books to building relationships with activists to walking the streets at night, they immersed themselves in statistics, brainstormed strategies, and listened to victims’ stories of betrayal and despair. Then, in 2009, they decided to launch a nonprofit to meet the crisis straight on. Named Compassion2One, the organization’s mission is to save as many children as possible from sex trafficking and victimization, both internationally and here at home.
Steve and Julie Gutzler
Though most often associated with coffee and computers, the greater Seattle area—with its port, nearby Canadian border, and international airport surrounded by hotels—is, unfortunately, considered by sex traffickers an especially attractive destination. Most locals do not realize that a battle for society’s most vulnerable youths, second only in size to the War on Drugs, is taking place in their own communities. And, because pimps frequent areas where children congregate, prime recruiting centers include local malls, community festivals, sporting events, under-21 clubs, and social networks—a parent’s worst nightmare. Through these avenues, potential victims are tracked, lured, and groomed for the trade.
In response, Compassion2One will focus on locally based rescues over the next two years. Though breaking the trauma bond that often exists between pimps and their captives is notoriously difficult, Compassion2One is adept in the process of working with other agencies to transition victimized youths from the streets to safe and nurturing homes with access to health care, emotional support, and other social services. And, as the general public continues to spread awareness (approximately 500 local community members have been trained by Compassion2One so far), many more lives will be saved and crimes prevented.
To join the cause, sign up for an upcoming educational seminar, or register for Compassion2One’s March 12 benefit dinner and silent auction featuring noted CNN correspondent Amber Lyons. This special event will raise funds to support international safe homes, promote street work in Seattle and Portland, continue awareness training, and develop a drop-in center for sexually victimized youths in south King County. More details can be found at Compassion2One.org.
As for the Gutzlers, they are quick to point out that “it’s not about us.” Even so, their service to the community has become a family affair. Their daughter and son-in-law serve on Compassion2One’s advisory board, their older son works in law enforcement in Kirkland, and their younger son is a student at Washington State University, where he plans to help his parents host an awareness training session later this year. The active couple also manage to relax a little too: much-anticipated Sunday dinners with extended family; trips to the dog park with their golden retriever and doberman; regular workouts at the gym.
Yet Steve admits, “From sunrise to sunset, my mind races with all of the things we plan to do.” It’s an ongoing to-do list of projects, ideas, and dreams that share a common theme: changing the world is possible, one child or mindset at a time. Whether at church, at a work retreat, or on the streets, their message of hope—based on a strong work ethic, integrity, and perseverance—has impacted communities, near and far, in positive, life-changing ways. When it comes to creating a personal road map for the years ahead, these longtime Issaquah residents are choosing to make a difference, for the benefit of all.
