A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT |
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Martin Luther King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. Addressing the needs of women who are victims of human trafficking matters.
The founders and board of directors of Bakhita Mountain Home are taking Rev. King’s words to heart. We are creating a home where victims of human trafficking can recover and rebuild meaningful lives.
As president of the board of directors it is an honor and a privilege for me to work with the Bakhita Mountain Home founders’ group, the board of directors, volunteers and donors. We are working to create a healing community where survivors of human trafficking can find love and support.
It can’t be done unless others also embrace Rev. Kings words and help by contributing your dollars because it matters.
May you be filled with loving kindness
--Steve Tucker, PhD
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Board of Directors
Honorary Chair
Bishop Richard C. Hanifen
Bishop Emeritus of Colorado Springs
President
Steve Tucker, PhD
Psychotherapist
Vice President
Patrick J Welsh, JD
Criminal Justice Instructor
Secretary
Barbara L Neilon, MLS, MA
Librarian, Benet Hill
Founders Group
Treasurer
Rose Ann Barmann, OSB, MA
Founders Group
Alexandra Baig, MBA, CFP
Michael T. deBettencourt, MS, CSP
Carrie Crandall, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Lucille Krippel, OSF, Med, MA
Founders Group
Kenneth Lustig, Retired Controller
Rita Jo Peterson, LPC
Clinical Site Director, Mayfield Counseling
Judith Ann Schaeffer, OSF, PhD
Psychologist, Franciscan Community Counseling
Jay Ross Sherwood, MRb, MARE
Rabbi, Temple Shalom
Recording Secretary
Dorothy Schlaeger, OSF
Founders Group
Consultant
Andrew M. Barton
CEO Catholic Charities of Central Colorado
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A Vision is Forming…
In 2014, Benet Hill Monastery initiated a “Human Trafficking Prevention Series” for the community of Colorado Springs. As these programs have developed over the past five years, it has become increasingly apparent; that the violence that adult women survivors of Human Trafficking have experienced needed to be addressed.
In 2018, a group of women in Colorado Springs, Colorado aware of human sex trafficking in this area, could not remain passive. They were an ecumenical group: Benedictine and Franciscan Sisters, lay women and female survivors of trafficking.
Motivated by their Christian faith, they began to discern how they could provide a residential program for adult women survivors. Bakhita Mountain Home began to be formed.
Stay in touch with your interest and prayers as we journey to create a Home where LOVE HEALS.
--Sr. Rose Ann Barmann, OSB
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Kelly Walworth and Sarah George are planning for the window treatments in the Bakhita Mountain Home. |
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Making the Vision Real
Bakhita Mountain Home started as a vision by a group of women in Colorado Springs focused on the fate of women survivors of human trafficking. The Home is named in honor of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the patroness of victims of human trafficking. Josephine was born in the Darfur region of southern Sudan. She was kidnapped at the age of 7; sold into slavery and given the Arabic name Bakhita, meaning “Fortunate One”. It is said that her trauma was so intense that she forgot her name.
Bakhita Mountain Home has a five-year lease with Colorado Health Initiatives; the parent company of Penrose-St. Francis. After extensive renovations the home will house five residents, for a two year program assisted by a home coordinator and professional staff. Bakhita is a home where love heals, restores and empowers women.
Mike deBettencourt, Development Committee
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We're Excited
The day that we received the keys to Bakhita Home was a happy one indeed. Even more exciting were the ensuing days when furniture donations started to arrive.
The bedrooms, living room and lounge downstairs are nearly complete. Whether it is a lovely desk, an exquisite mirror, a charming corner table or a gorgeous decorative item, each piece adds to the loveliness of Bakhita Mountain Home. Every item is more beautiful than any we would afford to buy. Our hearts are glowing with gratitude for the generosity of each gift giver. You are truly making Bakhita Home look like a welcoming home. As we gather the items for the house, we are always aware of the women who are already preparing to be our first residents. Please join us in prayer for them.
--Barbara Neilon
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Kathy Dinmore and Nettie Sulzman acquired many wonderful items that were donated for Bakhita Mountain Home. |
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Bakhita Mountain Home is a non-profit that assists women transitioning from human trafficking to self-sufficiency and successful reintegration into society. Women experience healing through three components:
- Safe haven
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Life-enhancing skills
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Bakhita Mountain Home, Inc is a 501(c) (3).
EIN 83-1951199
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