Kidnapping Survivor Gina DeJesus To Host Fundraiser For Her New Nonprofit

Gina DeJesus is one of three Cleveland women who miraculously escaped a Seymour Avenue house after almost 10 years of being held captive.

Now, years after emerging into a newfound freedom, DeJesus has launched efforts to help other missing children and adults in Northeast Ohio.

DeJesus, now 31, co-founded Cleveland Missing and the Cleveland Family Center for Missing Children and Adults.

The nonprofit organization aims to support families of missing persons. Cleveland Missing “can help the families navigate their way though the criminal justice and media systems. Our resources can be used to broadcast information about missing persons,” its Facebook page explains.

The organization, with a new physical office space in the Pivot Center, also plans to host a virtual fundraiser to help families in need, 19 News reported Wednesday (February 24).

Here are the details about the online fundraiser:

• What: Online Live Fundraiser to benefit Cleveland Missing
• Where: Facebook Live
• When: Thursday, February 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Goal: $10,000
• To donate: Visit this webpage.
• For more info: Find the Online Live fundraiser event on Facebook

DeJesus was kidnapped on April 2, 2004 on her way home from school, according to Cleveland Missing. After nine years of captivity, she and two other women — Amanda Berry and Michelle Knight — escaped on May 6, 2013.

Sylvia Colon, DeJesus’ cousin and a social activist, teamed up with her to establish the organization and “help other families navigate through this unimaginable time and to help bring their loved ones home.”

Photo: Getty Images