Our Newest Program – The Lighthouse

In honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we wanted to share with you some updates on our newest program – The Lighthouse transitional housing program for survivors of sex trafficking. Due to the sensitive nature of the background of Lighthouse residents and safety concerns, we are not able to share their specific stories. Where the residents are mentioned below, their names have been changed for privacy.

The Lighthouse has now been operating for three months. During this time, three young women have moved in. One has since exited the program due to safety concerns.  All three young women are between 18 and 19 and all three spent time in the foster care system.  The age at which they were first trafficked ranges from 8 years old to 15 years old. Each young woman was trafficked for between two and nine years.  All three were trafficked in California including Orange County, LA County, Riverside County and San Bernardino County.

Since moving into The Lighthouse, the young women have built trusting and supportive relationships staff and other residents. They are taking pride in decorating their bedrooms. For some, this is their first time ever having their own space. The residents have been attending weekly individual and group therapy. For one of the residents, Elle, one of the first big hurdles was sleeping through the night in her bedroom. When she first moved into the house, she was only able to sleep for a few hours at a time, on the couch in the living room with the lights on. Gradually, though, as she became more comfortable in her new space and settled into her routine, she was able to sleep in her bedroom if she had a staff member to sit with her. Today, she is finally feeling safe enough to sleep through the night by herself in her room.

During the day, the residents participate in activities such as yoga, paddle boarding, bike riding, boot camp, visiting the beach, and volunteering in the community. Each youth has a case manager with whom they work on education, life skills, and health and wellness goals. The program also has a “house mom” who is helping the young women acquire life skills such as preparing grocery lists, cooking meals, doing laundry, and cleaning the house. Staff are also helping the residents prepare and apply for classes at their local community college. One of the young women has completed her GED and has been working two part time jobs, while another resident has enrolled in community college. For young people who have experienced severe abuse, poverty, and trauma, imagining a positive future for themselves is difficult. We are so proud of the progress they have made and very excited about what’s ahead for The Lighthouse.

Polly Williams, Site Supervisor, says “Since we opened The Lighthouse in October I have had the privilege to walk side by side with three young women as they have started to build trusting and supportive relationships with their survivor sisters and staff, create visions for their futures, and work towards their goals. We learn just as much from these young women as they learn from us. Thank you so much for your continued support of this wonderful program.”

Resident Gina says, “For the first time in a long time I feel as if I am part of an actual family who love and support each other. Despite our differences we all are here to find peace and I believe the Lighthouse gives us that.”