WellHouse Breaks Ground on New Building for Survivor Programs

 Barn For Employment and Therapy Underway

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (October 5, 2023) – The WellHouse has broken ground on a new facility to expand opportunities for the women they serve. With all the growth that The WellHouse has experienced, they have decided to construct a barn building that will best fit their current needs and support their residents most effectively.  

The 3,600 square foot Barn will be built on The WellHouse’s 63-acre safe-house campus outside of Birmingham, Alabama. One crucial way The WellHouse empowers women on their campus is through their work-therapy program, ShopWell. ShopWell is a resident-run store that provides practical job training in a safe environment, and features handcrafted products made by survivors. Residents, titled ShopWell Apprentices, are employed by The WellHouse and compensated for making bracelets, prayer crosses, ornaments, earrings, and many more handmade items, including their new wood and leather line marketed for corporate gifting. Right now, Apprentice work shifts take place in the Administration building, a space that ShopWell has outgrown. This separate space will allow ShopWell to expand the business with a ShopWell Studio, enhance the Apprentice work experience, and grow advancement opportunities for residents. The ShopWell Studio will be housed on the first floor of the new barn and allow for expansion in a space that is specifically curated for ShopWell Apprentice success. 

In addition, the barn will house new therapy offices for The WellHouse’s state of the art trauma-therapy program which includes effective treatment methods like Microcurrent Neurofeedback. 

The Housing Affordability Trust, along with a few other generous donors, granted The WellHouse funding for the construction of this new space, which has been designed by Barrett Architecture Studio and will be constructed by Butch Billingsley. Construction is expected to complete in early 2024.

The WellHouse is one of the largest providers of comprehensive services for female survivors of sex trafficking in the United States, and was the first home for youth trafficking victims in the state. Since inception in 2010, The WellHouse has provided housing and care for over 700 victims, many referred through relationships with other anti-trafficking agencies identifying and serving survivors, local and state law enforcement, Homeland Security, FBI, and special street operations. 

Adult and youth survivors of human trafficking who come to The WellHouse receive intensive trauma therapy, medical care, job and life skills classes, equine and art therapies, health and wellness coaching, spiritual guidance, assistance with educational goals, addiction recovery, and immersive job experience. The same level of services are provided to minors in WellHouse Child, which also includes on-site education and support for families whose children have experienced trafficking.

To learn more about The WellHouse and how you can give your time or funds to this cause, visit the-wellhouse.org.

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About The WellHouse 

The WellHouse is a rescue and recovery organization that provides residential, therapeutic programs to female victims of human trafficking who have been sexually exploited. The WellHouse offers medical, spiritual, mental, and emotional care. Regardless of age, race, color, creed, orientation, or religion, survivors in pain can be assured they will find love and acceptance at The WellHouse. Learn more at the-wellhouse.org. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: 
LEAH SANDERSON
EMAIL: LSANDERSON@THE-WELLHOUSE.ORG
PHONE: 205.401.6988