Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Musick.
Hi Kellie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I never expected to start a nonprofit. My background is in nursing, and for many years my focus was raising my two boys as a stay-at-home mom. My divorce became an unexpected turning point in my life. As I sought God’s direction for what came next, He began placing the issue of human trafficking on my heart in a way I couldn’t ignore.
As I learned more, I was struck not only by the realities of trafficking itself, but by what happened after survivors completed long-term recovery programs. Many women had done the incredibly hard work of healing, yet still faced overwhelming barriers to independent living. Without stable housing, financial resources, rental history, or a strong support system, many remained vulnerable to homelessness, unsafe relationships, or even re-exploitation.
Through prayer, research, and conversations with organizations already serving survivors, it became clear that God was calling me to help fill that gap. Today, The Dogwood House is building a faith-based transitional and independent housing community where women who have survived sex trafficking can rebuild their lives with stability, dignity, and hope through Christ.
Looking back, I can see how God used a season I never would have chosen to prepare me for a mission I never would have imagined.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges has been building something I’ve never built before. My background is in nursing, not nonprofit leadership, so every step has required learning—from governance and strategic planning to fundraising, grant writing, and organizational development. There have been plenty of moments where the vision felt much bigger than my experience.
Building a nonprofit from the ground up also means asking people to believe in a vision they can’t walk through yet. Before there’s a building, before residents move in, and before lives are visibly being changed, you’re inviting others to believe in what God has placed on your heart. That has stretched my faith in ways I never expected.
Another challenge has been balancing this work while raising my two boys. Starting a nonprofit isn’t a typical 9-to-5 endeavor, and there have been been many late nights and early mornings spent researching, writing, networking, and praying over decisions.
Through it all, I’ve learned that I don’t have to have every answer before taking the next step. God has consistently provided the right people, resources, and opportunities exactly when they’ve been needed. Looking back, every challenge has strengthened my faith and reinforced that this mission is His before it’s mine.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Dogwood House. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Dogwood House is a faith-based nonprofit creating transitional and independent housing for women who have survived sex trafficking. Our mission is to bridge the critical gap between long-term recovery programs and lasting independence by providing safe housing, practical support, financial guidance, and a Christ-centered community where women can continue rebuilding their lives.
What sets us apart is our focus on what happens after recovery. Many survivors complete excellent long-term recovery programs but still face significant barriers to independent living, including limited savings, little or no rental history, unstable housing, and a lack of ongoing support. The Dogwood House exists to provide that next step—offering private apartments, life-skills development, financial coaching, community partnerships, and a supportive environment where women can build stability while living independently.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that we’re intentionally creating a home, not an institution. Residents will live in private apartments where they can practice independent living while remaining connected to a caring community that encourages growth, dignity, and restoration through Christ. Our goal isn’t simply to provide housing—it’s to help women build a strong foundation for a future marked by stability, purpose, and hope.
Ultimately, I want people to understand that recovery doesn’t end when a program graduates someone. Independence takes time, support, and community. We believe every woman deserves not only the opportunity to recover, but also the opportunity to thrive.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that obedience doesn’t require having everything figured out. When I first felt called to start The Dogwood House, I had no nonprofit experience, no fundraising background, and no roadmap for how to build an organization. If I had waited until I felt fully qualified, I never would have started.
I’ve learned that God rarely reveals the entire path at once. Instead, He asks us to take the next faithful step. Time and time again, I’ve watched Him provide the right people, opportunities, wisdom, and encouragement exactly when they were needed—not always when I wanted them, but always at the right time.
I’ve also learned that meaningful change is rarely built overnight. It takes patience, perseverance, and a willingness to keep showing up even when progress feels slow. Every conversation, every relationship, every board member, every donor, and every lesson learned has become another brick in the foundation of what I believe God is building.
More than anything, this journey has taught me that faith isn’t simply believing God can do something extraordinary—it’s trusting Him enough to take the next step before you can see the whole picture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedogwoodhouse.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.dogwood.house
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HoJt5q4gB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-dogwood-house-founding-campaign
