Community Voices: Gwen England, CATCH Court Program Leader

Stories have the power to connect, to heal, and to inspire change. On this World Storytelling Day, WAV is launching Community Voices, a platform to highlight individuals and organizations making a lasting impact in our communities. Our first feature is "Community Voices: Gwen England, CATCH Court Program Leader". CATCH Court is an initiative that is changing lives by providing a pathway out of exploitation for women in Franklin County.

CATCH Court (Changing Actions to Change Habits) is a specialized docket that recognizes the humanity and resilience of women who have been identified as victims of human trafficking or have been exploited through the sex industry. More than just a legal program, CATCH offers a lifeline—giving participants the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.

A Safe Haven for Healing

In a recent conversation, Gwen shared the heart of CATCH Court’s mission: “CATCH was originally created to offer women who have been identified in our criminal legal system as potential victims of human trafficking or have been exploited through the sex industry in some way to exit the sex industry and also rebuild their lives through wraparound resources.”

These wraparound resources include workforce development, mentorship, trauma-informed care, and a strong support network. Women in the program don’t just find legal aid—they find a community that believes in their potential.

WAV and CATCH Court

We Amplify Voices (WAV) supports CATCH Court through the power of storytelling and creative expression. WAV facilitators lead a year-long arts-based youth program in Columbus City middle schools and extend that same transformative approach to the women of CATCH Court through specialized workshops.

Over the course of 10 weeks, WAV partnered with members of the CATCH Court graduating class to co-create an original song, "Raised My Wings". This collaborative songwriting workshop provided a space for the women to share their journeys, reflect on their strength, and turn their lived experiences into art. The song’s title represents the incredible resilience of these survivors as they rise above their past and reclaim their futures. At the participants’ request, two dedicated CATCH staff members, Gwen and Caroline, performed their anthem—a testament to the deep bonds and community within the program.

Through storytelling, music, and intimate interviews, WAV helps break the stigma surrounding human trafficking while uplifting survivor voices. WAV’s partnership with CATCH Court ensures that these powerful narratives reach the broader community, fostering empathy, awareness, and meaningful action.

"Raised My Wings" feat. Catch Court staff Gwen England & Caroline Moore

Listen on Apple Music

Listen on Spotify

Watch and Listen on Youtube

How You Can Support the Mission of CATCH Court

For those wondering how to get involved, Gwen points to Freedom a la Cart, a nonprofit partner of CATCH Court that provides job training, mentorship, and social enterprise opportunities through their downtown café. Volunteers can contribute by:

Bringing and serving lunch to CATCH participants every Thursday between court sessions.
Assisting with rides, events, and mentorship.
Supporting Freedom a la Cart’s workforce development initiatives.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit Freedom a la Cart.

Sustaining the Work: The Importance of Community

The work of leading a program like CATCH Court is emotionally demanding. Gwen stays grounded by prioritizing connections with the people who uplift her. “There’s a few select people in my life that feed into me and provide me with a sense of care and support that I need to be able to sustain this work,” she shares. Outside of work, she finds balance through exercise, reading, and spending time with her son, Titus—her greatest source of joy.

A Call to Action

CATCH Court is a testament to the transformative power of second chances and community support. Today, on World Storytelling Day, we encourage you to listen, learn, and take action. Whether through volunteering, spreading awareness, or simply choosing to believe in someone's capacity for change, we all have a role to play in fostering hope and redemption.

WAV is honored to be a part of this movement, using the power of storytelling to uplift and inspire. By sharing these voices, we can create a future where survivors are not only heard but celebrated for their courage and perseverance.