She's an advocate, trainer, and survivor. For more than two decades Nancy Yarbrough Banks has helped free women from the bonds of sex trafficking and addiction. Now, her new book is giving people hope.
Her book is called, "The Exodus, Where New Beginnings Happen." It's a heartfelt book about her encounter with darkness. Yarbrough was molested, raped and lured into addiction and human trafficking as a youth. Her problems were compounded by her parents' strained relationship and divorce. Today she is motivated by reaching out to other abused women.
"I get up with great intention to help somebody because I know help was given to me!" asserts Yarbrough.
Her book comes with a journal to help victims break free of addiction and abuse. Yarbrough founded the Fresh Start New Beginnings shelter. It helps women and children find a safe place away from the streets.
"I want to be there for somebody so they can know our darkest moments can have a whole lot of light. They're created by the choices you make afterlife," says Yarbrough.
Terri Woodley uses the book to motivate her though she has never been trafficked.
"I could relate to every chapter. Every chapter was going into detail and stuff. It's just about life," states Woodley.
Woodley is battling another demon.
She reveals, "My problem I might not have a drug addiction but I have a food addiction. I like to eat!"
"Addiction is addiction, it can be gambling addiction a food addiction a sex addiction, anything that is compulsive is an addiction."
Yarbrough notes her book has universal appeal. She adds,
"Addiction is addiction, trauma is trauma. Trauma unresolved causes more pain. That is why the correlation is there and why pain is so widespread. The book can be for anyone at any given time in their lives."
Woodley says the encouragement she got from Yarbrough has boosted her confidence and self-esteem. She shares, "I'm not a person who speaks in public I always try to run and hide. I don't want to be seen. She's bringing that out in me and I thank her for that. A lot of people look at people who are overweight and say I don't want to be around them, she never looked at me like that and I thank her for that."
Yarbrough adds, "You have to look past the physicalities. That's the trouble with most people, Terri has the biggest heart."
Through Yarbrough's counseling Woodley is finding the strength to change her bad habits.
"It's going to be hard, its a struggle, but I just go to do it," admits Woodley.
"To God be the Glory. I just want to be a servant!"
