A rural Mower County couple is joining the struggle of abused and trafficked women and they are doing it through a process of empowerment.

Tim and Doreen Carroll are part of an effort to start a residential program that, among other things, will help women who are victims of abuse or sex trafficking work their way back into the public light.

The program, called Magdalene’s Light, which will be centered at a Christian Camp outside of Floyd, Iowa, is still very much in the planning stages, but also very much on its way.

They are currently leasing the camp, which will teach women business skills among other skills.

To help that along, the Carroll’s are hosting an event Saturday, Jan. 5, that will feature sleigh or wagon rides depending on the weather.

There will also be soup and fellowship under large tents at the couple’s home west of Lyle along Highway 105.

“It’s a freewill offering and people can come out and take a wagon or sleigh ride,” Caroll said. “There will be soup in the tent and fellowship. All the money goes to Magdalene’s Light.”

This idea to help raise funds came from Tim Carroll’s own background of working with draft horses, which includes logging with the horses.

It also comes from a family background.

“It kind of started out where my wife and I would put on a little Christmas deal for friends every year,” he said.

In recent years Carroll has moved toward counseling as he increasingly became involved in ministry.

“One thing led to another,” he said.

He’s hoping this equine connection will lend itself to those women hoping to embark on a better life.

“There are all kinds of opportunities with the draft horse industry,” he said.

The larger goal though is just helping women who have suffered get back on track again.

“Often they’ve got no job, no skills and no place to live,” Carroll said. “They have a hard time getting off the ground. We’re going to teach life-skills, everything from maintaining your car, changing oil, writing a business plan and starting a business. Give them opportunities to get their businesses off the ground.”

Saturday’s event on the Carroll farm will take place starting at 3 p.m. at 51127 130th Street, Lyle, Minnesota.