The Catholic Morning Show

Hope for Survivors: Fighting Human Trafficking in Iowa - Aimee McDonald - 09/18/2026

Episode Summary

Aimee McDonald, executive director of Dorothy's House, joins Deacon Mark Campbell to explain how Iowa's only complete continuum of care is helping survivors of human trafficking heal. She describes the full path from law enforcement partnerships and crisis housing to long-term restoration, transitional living, and aftercare. Aimee also explains why trafficking happens "in plain sight" across Iowa and previews the Pickle for a Purpose pickleball fundraiser on September 26.

Episode Notes

Aimee McDonald, executive director of Dorothy's House in Des Moines, talks with Deacon Mark Campbell, talks with Deacon Mark Campbell about serving women whose lives have been interrupted by human trafficking. Dorothy's House is the only complete continuum of care for trafficking survivors in Iowa and the Midwest, and one of very few in the country. Its care includes:

• Law enforcement partnership: on-site services during undercover sting operations.
• Crisis services: a roughly 30-day stay to rest and secure identification, SNAP benefits, and health insurance.
• Restoration program: 4–9 months focused on healing and life skills.
• Transitional living: subsidized, sliding-scale apartments.
• Aftercare: a support group for graduates and survivors in the community.

Aimee explains that trafficking happens everywhere, in big cities, small towns, and rural Iowa, often in plain sight. She describes the heavy burden survivors carry, including trauma, mental illness, substance use, and homelessness. After adding crisis services, the ministry grew from serving about 15 women a year to 49, a 220% increase. It now has 20 staff, a budget of more than $1 million, and a second building to shrink its waitlist. Aimee also shares how a decade in homeless services led her to this work: "It was definitely a God thing."

Support the mission at the second annual Pickle for a Purpose pickleball tournament, which has recreational and competitive divisions for any skill level:

• Date and time: Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Location: Hickory Glen Park, 1000 SE 68th Street, Pleasant Hill
• Cost: $50 per team with a four-game minimum, and $25 for a second bracket
• Registration: DorothysHouse.org or 515-802-1239

A gala is planned for next year. Follow Dorothy's House on social media for updates.

Heard on the Catholic Morning Show, weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on Iowa Catholic Radio. More at IowaCatholicRadio.com.

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Episode Contributors:Deacon Mark Campbell, Aimee McDonald

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