What we do
Outreach that meets her where she already is. A diversion program that goes after supply and demand at once. Therapy that deals with what put her there. And training so the rest of the county can recognize her.
Program 01
A mentoring and outreach program for women being trafficked along the Federal and Dixie Highway corridor. We meet weekly at laundromats in Lake Worth, West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach.
We bring a shade tent, camp chairs, refreshments, toiletries, Narcan, used clothing, detergent and quarters. We also bring cut flowers, because the point is to communicate one thing before anybody says a word: you are worth the extra effort.
Our signs in the area read, "If you are a woman living a life you never wanted to live, in a place you never wanted to be, we will do your laundry for you."
The objective is relationship. Nothing is asked of her. When she decides this life is not working, she has a face and a phone number instead of a hotline. We can usually get her into detox that same day, then help chart the next steps into a rehab program, a sober house and eventually healthy independence.
We would love to have these popping up all over the county wherever the need exists. That takes volunteers and supplies.
Program 02
Very few strategies address both supply and demand in sex trafficking. A John School is one of them, and we have run Palm Beach County's since 2021.
It is a diversion program for people arrested on misdemeanor prostitution charges, whether buying or selling. Completing the class, along with recent STI testing and payment of court fees, removes the charge from their record. Buyers pay tuition. Sellers are scholarshipped. That tuition is a real funding stream for the rest of our work. Classes are offered in English and in Spanish.
Becky and a trafficking survivor present together. The survivor describes what it was actually like for her, set against the myths buyers commonly hold.
The afternoon is a group therapy session covering socialization, objectification, pornography and the sexual addictions that drive commercial sex purchases. Everyone learns about the 40+ sexually transmitted infections in circulation.
A survivor shares how family of origin trauma, dissociation, low self-worth and rape landed her with a prostitution charge.
The afternoon session opens with a dress, high heels and beads draped over a chair, and one question: how did she get there? There is always a story. Nobody starts out as a child thinking that is what they want to be. We use the time to explore trauma, addiction, treatment options, restoration programs and educational grants.
Program 03
We have provided pro bono mental health counseling, therapeutic groups, career counseling, resume building and other supportive services to over 100 survivors.
Our goal for every woman who walks in is the same three steps:
Trauma work takes time and energy that is rarely available without external support, which is exactly why the safe house matters so much. We ran a five bed house from 2013 to 2018 and sheltered 14 women. We intend to do it again.
Program 04
Victims very rarely identify as victims. So we train the people most likely to be standing in front of one without knowing it.
Continuing education for medical and mental health providers on identifying trafficking victims inside their own field of expertise, where the signs are routinely missed.
We have delivered presentations at local churches, schools, law enforcement organizations and universities, raising awareness of modern day slavery happening in our own back yard.
Educating youth and other vulnerable populations so they are not tricked, trapped and exploited in the first place. Prevention is cheaper and kinder than rescue.
We helped change Florida state law regarding human trafficking, and we continue to press locally for the statutes already on the books to actually be applied.
We helped create this consortium of Palm Beach County stakeholders. It meets quarterly with 20 or more organizations represented: law enforcement, victim services, the faith community, nonprofits and community action groups, coordinating care and filling gaps without a trace of competition.
Becky speaks to civic groups, congregations, professional associations and student bodies across the county. If your group wants to understand what trafficking looks like locally, invite us.
Request a speakerThere is no line item for cut flowers or rolls of quarters. There is just whoever decides to help.
