I often get asked what our success rate is like at The WellHouse. This is such a difficult question to answer! Who or what defines success? In the realm of residential living offering an array of pertinent services, does success come when boxes are checked indicating a year of programming completed, or is it as simple as a survivor remaining even one night on our campus escaping multiple sexual assaults that she would have typically experienced out in the world?
Read MoreOver the course of the past few months, we have had intakes for 9 women. They are from Utah, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. We have seen their stories range from childhood sexual abuse, addiction, and grooming. One of the most common ways the women were trafficked started with a history of abuse and a lack of real love leading them to be vulnerable to traffickers' offers of love.
Read MoreIt was an incredible 2023! As we were focused on The WellHouse mission that includes honoring God as we assist in the recovery of sex trafficking victims and offer meaningful restoration services, we were continually humbled at God’s amazing protection and provision. There is simply no other explanation! This year, more than ever, we have come to realize that all of us are better than one of us.
Read MoreThe WellHouse is experiencing vast growth in every area, and I am so happy to say that rescue is included in this growth. With the addition of a new Intake Coordinator, Amanda, who will be helping with intake calls, arranging transportation, while fostering and maintaining relationships, we are able to be more committed to rescuing and recovering victims than ever before. However, as most things, with an increase in numbers comes other difficulties.
Read MoreNot only is The WellHouse connected to those who can provide adequate training, we are willing to be the link, provide training, and mentor. Our desire is that we make and receive referrals with those in whom we can have confidence that we are likeminded, as we serve a population of people who have put their trust in us to stand in the gap for them as they bravely walk the journey of healing.
Read MoreSince our last rescue update, we have received eight women into our program with seven of them continuing to heal with us! The most common way that The WellHouse receives a survivor of human trafficking is through our amazing partnerships with other organizations, but anyone can make a referral by calling our intake phone number or sending the rescue department an email.
Read MoreThere are countless articles and research on the topic of Trauma Informed Care. How it is defined often depends on whose perspective is being given. A residential living setting such as The WellHouse provides a unique perspective since we are literally living and interacting daily (24 hours per day actually) with those who have experienced severe complex trauma, often since childhood.
Read MoreSince the last rescue report, we have had 8 women receive services at The WellHouse and 4 of those women are still with us! Currently, I am seeing a trend with survivors coming to us with severe mental health disorders. Mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder are common in the women we serve.
Read MoreBetween the month of January and the time this report was written, we have received approximately 50 inquiries between the crisis phone and email regarding our services. Of those 50, three women have joined our program at The WellHouse, and I am currently working with approximately five more women to see if our program is a good fit for their needs.
Read MoreSince our last Rescue update, The WellHouse has accepted 7 new residents into our restorative program. Rescue happens in a number of different ways, but it almost always happens when someone identifies a victim. We share these stories so you can know how to identify a victim and what to do when a victim needs your help.
Read MoreAt The WellHouse, that opportunity to embrace faith will always be an option. And, it goes much deeper than just an option – it is life-transforming. Just ask any of the twelve survivors in the new book or the many, many more. For me, it epitomizes eternity!
Read MoreSince our last Rescue update, The WellHouse has accepted five new residents into our restorative program. Rescue happens in a number of different ways, but it almost always happens when someone identifies a victim. We share these stories so you can know how to identify a victim and what to do when a victim needs your help.
Read MoreTwo years ago today I gave up… I gave up being hurt, I gave up fighting myself and those trying to help me. I gave up on everything, but it was the best thing to happen. But Today marks TWO years since I was rescued and brought to The WellHouse, and my life is better than I could ever imagine it being.
Read MoreThe [time in captivity] damaged my soul in ways I didn’t know were possible. I would escape these days of misery by leaving my body and imagining I am home with my family. I tried to make myself believe this was just a bad dream.
Read MoreHannah came from a seemingly "normal" family. Her grandfather was a preacher, and her name was inspired by a Biblical figure, but things were not what they seemed. Growing up, she dealt with ongoing sexual harassment and "culture grooming." Hannah became a mom at age 16. After high school, she had little options to support herself and turned to night club dancing. This is where her trafficking story begins.
Read MoreReagan grew up in a loving, supportive, and safe family. She enjoyed school, made good grades, had great friends, and played almost every sport. Her childhood was a happy one. Reagan’s trafficking experience began after she decided to stop at a local gas station after school to refill her car. As she pulled up, she saw that a group of men were standing around the gas pumps.
Read MoreVictoria was sexually and mentally abused from a young age. Her mother was a drug addict and her father frequently beat her. She was only 12-years-old when she met 28-year-old John. John offered Victoria safety, love, and protection, something her parents never gave her. She trusted him without a second thought, and left home with him.
Read More“You all make a difference. Never forget that,” said WellHouse Graduate Hazel. Hazel left The WellHouse over three years ago, and she is doing extraordinarily well.
Read MoreThe WellHouse will build a residential care facility for minor victims of sex trafficking on its campus. The Housing Affordability Trust awarded The WellHouse full funding for the construction of this new home, which will be one of only 40 known programs for trafficked minors in the nation, and the first in Alabama.
Read MoreReilly’s life took a turn for the worst when her nine year marriage ended. Shut out from her family and losing custody of her children, she was grasping for some sort of stability. While staying temporarily at hotels, she met a man who invited her to come to another state with him to meet a “friend.” Naive about trafficking, she went.
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