Survivors of trafficking who are minors face unique challenges that typical foster care homes aren't equipped to address. Many of these young survivors have experienced severe trauma, making them flight risks in traditional foster settings. Without specialized support and understanding, they often:

• Return to their traffickers due to trauma bonds
• Run away from traditional foster homes
• End up in juvenile detention facilities
• Struggle with trust and attachment

Traditional foster homes, while valuable, typically lack the specialized resources, training, and security measures needed to support trafficking survivors. Our safe house provides:

• 24/7 specialized staff trained in trauma-informed care
• Comprehensive therapy and counseling services
• Security measures to ensure safety
• Structured programming to build life skills
• Understanding of trauma bonds and trafficking dynamics
• Faith-based support and spiritual guidance

Phase 1: Orientation & Adjustment - Establishing Safety

The cornerstone of healing begins with safety. Many of our residents have never experienced a consistently safe environment, making this their first encounter with genuine security and stability. During this phase, we focus on creating predictable routines, clear expectations, and constant support through staff supervision. This isn't just about following rules—it's about helping residents experience what true safety feels like, often for the first time. Only when they feel physically and emotionally safe can they begin to trust and accept help.

Phase 2: Identifying the Need for Change - Building Trust

Once safety is established, residents can begin exploring the concept of trust and healthy relationships. This phase recognizes that many survivors have experienced profound betrayal and manipulation, making trust a significant challenge. Through learning about healthy choices and understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, residents start to see how trusting relationships should function. The increased privileges in this phase aren't just rewards—they're opportunities to practice trust in a safe environment.

Phase 3: Identifying Areas of Growth - Developing Self-Awareness

With a foundation of safety and growing trust, residents can begin the vulnerable work of self-discovery. This phase moves beyond basic stability into understanding personal patterns and needs. The focus on identifying growth areas isn't about pointing out flaws—it's about empowering residents to recognize their own strength and potential. They learn that acknowledging areas for growth is a sign of strength, not weakness, and begin taking ownership of their healing journey.

Phase 4: Developing New Attitudes and Behavioral Patterns - Practicing Change

This transformative phase marks the shift from understanding to action. Residents begin actively implementing what they've learned about healthy relationships and coping mechanisms. The leadership opportunities provided aren't just about responsibility—they're about practicing new ways of relating to others and themselves. Through supervised social activities and potential employment, residents test these new patterns in real-world situations while maintaining the safety net of program support.

Phase 5: Consistency in Attitude and Behavior - Embracing Identity

This phase focuses on helping residents fully embrace their new identity as survivors and leaders. The emphasis on consistency isn't about perfectionism—it's about building confidence in their ability to maintain healthy patterns. By becoming positive role models and practicing servant leadership, residents strengthen their new self-image and understand their potential to impact others positively. This phase recognizes that true healing includes the ability to help others while continuing one's own growth.

Phase 6: Focus on Transition - Preparing for Next Steps

This final phase focuses on preparing residents for their next placement or living situation, depending on their age and circumstances. The emphasis is on solidifying the tools, coping skills, and spiritual foundation they've developed throughout the program. Residents learn to identify and maintain healthy support systems, advocate for their needs, and continue their healing journey in new environments. This phase recognizes that while the intensive portion of our program is concluding, their growth journey continues with ongoing support from their broader community.

The journey doesn't end with our program.The next step typically involves transitioning to a traditional foster care home or going to live with a parent. Through the skills, healing, and spiritual foundation built during their time with us, they are better equipped to:

• Maintain healthy boundaries in new environments
• Continue their educational and personal growth
• Build positive relationships with foster families
• Practice self-advocacy
• Stay connected to their support systems
• Trust in God's continuing plan for their lives

We believe that God's faithfulness extends beyond our program walls. While the transition can feel uncertain, we encourage our residents to trust in His guidance and the tools they've developed. The seeds of healing, faith, and empowerment planted during their time with us continue to grow as they move forward.