Church group works to help strippers set out on a different path

(WXYZ) - There are more women involved in the sex industry now than any time in history.

Years ago, Laura Urenda worked as a hostess in a strip club and while she may have left the industry, her heart is still with the women who work there.

“We understand these women have a story that matters and matters to us,” said Urenda.

So for Valentine’s Day and other holidays for three years, Laura and other women who are part of an outreach group called My Sister Song have been going into strip clubs all around metro-Detroit.

They are taking gift bags to build a connection with the dancers as well as cards with phone numbers for resources they may need.

“Our biggest goal is that they know they are loved and valued," said Urenda.

My Sister Song is affiliated with Connection Church in Canton where many church goers help make the gifts to give to the dancers and others in the sex industry. Laura says they just want to be a positive force in the lives of others.

“We have seen girls just take off and fly, get police records straightened out,” said Urenda.

For more information on My Sister Song, go to www.mysistersong.com .