Sex Trafficking is a national industry in which 80% of the victims ultimately end up living on the street without safe housing. Refuge for Women is working to change that. The faith-based, non-profit organization has served more than 300 women throughout the country and is changing lives in North Texas.
“Refuge for Women first started with the desperate need for healing homes for women who had escaped a life of exploitation, but had nowhere to go,” Executive Director Abby Germer says. “After pivotal conversations with groups who did outreach, Refuge for Women opened its first home in 2009 to provide a place for these women to go. Since then, Refuge for Women has opened locations in six different states.”
In 2016, the North Texas location opened its Program House. Women who take part in the program live in the house and participate in trauma-informed programs, attend counseling and receive round-the-clock staff support. In addition, the women receive higher education at no cost.
“One hundred percent of our residents have experienced homelessness, so providing free services is essential because it breaks the barrier of not having access to healing services,” Abby says.
Two years ago, Refuge for Women opened its Transitional Living Home to provide more support and help the participants find full-time occupations. The organization also launched its social enterprise Survivor Made to break the barrier of employment for sex trafficking survivors.
“Survivor Made has established itself as a key program element where residents have the opportunity to be employed with Survivor Made to earn income, build confidence, practice job skills and overcome barriers to employment,” Abby says. “This is especially important as 100% of our residents experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Survivor Made serves as a safe environment for residents to reacclimate into a workplace setting and learn how to cope with their trauma triggers.”
Through Survivor Made, the participants learn how to create high quality leather handbags, earrings, other leather goods and candles to sell on the Survivor Made site, survivormade.org. In addition, they learn business skills like accounting, stocking inventory and workplace management, Abby says.
“All of our artisan, handcrafted products are stylish, high quality and change lives one sale at a time.”
The ability to live and work in a safe and supported environment has been a transformative experience for the women who participate in the Refuge for Women program.
“Having the chance to be in a safe place to heal, means somebody thought I was worth it, even when I dared not believe I was,” explains one resident.
Abby says Refuge is fulfilling needs that many may not realize exist.
“Often times people think human trafficking only happens in foreign countries, but in reality, it occurs in our own backyard,” Abby says. “Texas has the second highest rate of sex trafficking in the nation.”
Escaping human trafficking can be extremely difficult because of the lack of support systems nationwide.
But she says, the vast majority of women who participate in the Refuge for Women programs do not return to the sex industry, remain sober and stable and are able to reestablish relationships with loved ones.
“Over half of the women in our program are mothers and with mediation from our staff, they are able to safely reconnect with their families,” Abby says. “Our goal as an organization is to give these women their life back so they can become the mother, daughter or successful businesswoman they always wanted to be. Residents graduate with the tools to go from surviving to thriving.”
As one resident says, “I could laugh again, and it felt good. I could smile at people instead of looking away. I held my head and didn’t look down. But most of all I was no longer a victim. I was a survivor, an overcomer with a desire to help other women like me. Today I am a mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Today the world can’t tell me who I am.”
SIDEBAR:
How Can You Help?
“Refuge for Women North Texas operates mainly with the support from our amazing community,” Abby says. “The heart of our mission is our volunteers who volunteer their time, talents and resources.”
The organization holds various fundraising events, including its Annual Celebration Dinner and Silent Auction, Ladies Luncheon, Community Awareness Events and Micro Events. Volunteers donate services, items and help plan and run the events.
“Our donors play a role in keeping our program and long-term houses running and operational,” Abby says. Community members can contribute to Refuge for Women by becoming monthly donors called “Freedom Fighters” or through community foundations, family foundations and churches.
“Some of our wonderful donors even host fundraising parties in their homes with their friends,” Abby says. “We are so grateful for our giving community who not only contributes toward our funding needs, but also contributes their skills as volunteers.”
Visit refugeforwomen.org to find out how you can contribute. Volunteer applications are available, as well as donation opportunities, including a list of everyday items needed for the residence.
“We have multiple ways for individuals to get involved with our organization, and we would love to hear from you!”
