Abuse Victims Find New Path At Point Loma Nazarene University

SAN DIEGO, CA -- San Diego's Point Loma Nazarene University is doing its part in helping victims of sex trafficking find a new path in life. The university is behind the Beauty for Ashes Scholarship Fund, a program that offers a free four-year education of survivors of abuse. It also offers counseling and career services, according to a 10News report.

Ebony Jones is a recent recipient of the scholarship fund. Jones told 10News she was abused as early as 9 years old and raised by a single mother who was also a prostitute and drug addict.

Jones eventually stepped into prostitution herself when she met a man on MySpace.

"The honeymoon phase was awesome," Jones told 10News. "We had all this money. In that moment, the money is a form of addiction. In that moment, you can buy whatever you want."

But after years of the "game," Jones realized she wanted much more for herself in life. She flipped the switch and joined of several people to become a student at the coveted university.

"It's more than a piece of paper," Jones said. "This scholarship defines that I made it."

Jamie Gates of the Beauty for Ashes Scholarship Fund told 10News the program gives survivors hope.

"This can help someone turn the corner from being depressed, from being without a horizon, to now say there is a new path," Gates said.

For more information about the Beauty for Ashes Scholarship Fund, go to www.pointloma.edu.

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