"I Thank God for Sending Me Here"
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When "Amber" came to our Gracehaven house she was so traumatized she hardly spoke. Her traffickers held her in a room for two months and instilled deep fear that still affects her. Understandingly, she coped through angry outbursts and self harm. But she found her voice at Gracehaven, and learned healthy relating and coping skills. She blossomed into the bubbly, funny girl who could make everyone laugh. And most of all, she began a relationship with Jesus Christ. She has graduated from the House, but wrote this letter to everyone who helped in her journey:
Dear Gracehaven,
This place has helped me with a lot of stuff! I love every single staff and supervisor. You all have been there through everything! Even when I called ya'll rude names when I was upset, ya'll were still there! When I needed to talk, somebody was there to give me good feedback, or to just listen. I love Rene. She's THE BEST THERAPIST! I just feel so comfortable to tell her anything. The girls though...the girls are a lot!! I really do love all of the girls. It might not have seemed like it, but trust me, I do! I had some rocky moments with some of them, but we went through it together. Whenever I'm down, ya'll were there to make me laugh. We had some great times together! I will never forget them, or you all! I thank God for sending me here, for meeting great, beautiful people! Thank you everyone for taking your time and patience to help me grow and become a wayyyyy better person than I was before! I love you forever, and always.
For more stories about the girls and their journeys, go to our
BLOG
on Gracehaven's website.
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Meet "Rapha" Our New Therapy Dog
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We are so grateful to welcome a new addition to our House. Rapha is a standard poodle who has been extensively trained to help the girls with their emotional needs.
"Rapha" means "healer" in Hebrew -- a fitting description for the work he does. He is trained to help with "behavior interruptions" -- angry outbursts, crying, etc. Rapha will also accompany the girls on trips as necessary, and may even be present in court if girl has to testify against her trafficker.
"We've already seen Rapha's presence help the girls," said Elisha McNeal, Residential Program Director. "Often when they come home from school they are on edge and bickering with each other. But now they're focused on Rapha and his needs and they're more calm and even pleasant."
Rapha comes to us in honor of Karee Van Runkle, a lovely woman who passed away from cancer. The Ohio Health Care Association, in honor of Carrie and her husband Pete, paid for Rapha and all of his training. Rapha is a wonderful gift for the girls.
See here how Rapha is trained to help in specific situations.
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Here Rapha helps a girl when she is crying.
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Rapha is trained to intervene when girls are arguing.
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Gracehaven case managers work with youth in the community who need special help due to their trafficking experience. Below, Community Case Manager Carrie Smith shares about two clients who have made encouraging strides in their recovery:
One of my 16-year-old clients has been somewhat hard to work with (AWOL, continuing to use drugs, lie, etc.) told me about a younger girl she knows who is involved in sex trafficking. She could have kept this information to herself, but she shared it with me so I could tell the appropriate agencies. She said, "I just want this girl to get help. I've been where she is. It's a very lonely place, and I want her to see that she's loved and that she can get help and be free."
I've also been working with a male client in a facility who is currently serving time for an offense. When I asked him what his dreams and aspirations are, I was surprised by his answer. He said, "I want to work right here, in a facility like I'm in. I see that kids here have a hard time, especially if they feel like they're different from the other kids. I'm going to come back and advocate for those kids and show them that someone is in their corner."
Our community case managers help meet many needs for our clients, but food is the largest need. If you would like to help by providing gift cards for restaurants or grocery stores, please contact Brooke Pollard at
[email protected]
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Gracehaven Mentor: Robbin Bridger
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One of the greatest needs in the life of a trafficked teen is someone to come alongside and walk their journey with them. We need adults who are willing to be mentors for these young ladies. We asked Robbin Bridger to share about her experience as a mentor:
Why were you burdened to become a mentor?
I spent seven years caring for my ailing mother. Once she passed away, I knew I needed to spend time volunteering. At first I was drawn to the elderly, because of my mom, and served that population for five years through our church. More recently, I have been led to get involved with youth because that is who I worked with in my career years ago. Mentoring is all about the relationship, pouring ourselves into the person and walking alongside of them. While I did that in my career life, I believe that God molded me to be that for His Kingdom as well.
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How has this experience been for you?
My experience so far has been extremely rewarding and encouraging. It is an honor to serve others, especially in the name of Jesus. Even the smallest of steps forward are a delight! But that doesn't mean I don't get discouraged. The initial building of the relationship can be bumpy, but once that hurdle is crossed, and there is more consistency, it is exciting to see growth!
What have you learned about yourself as a result of the mentoring?
I had no idea that spending time, listening, guiding, tutoring a young person would be so meaningful to me. Of course it came easy to love and care for our own children and their friends, but I didn't know I could care as much for other youth/young adults as well until I began to mentor. Also, while most of my personal life is organized, peaceful, and purposeful, I learned that I am also able to exist in chaos and constant change because that is what is necessary to connect and pour life and love into some of these kids.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a mentor?
Pray and discern where God is truly leading/nudging you. Working with these youth is a commitment, and it is important for a mentor to not become another adult in the youth's life that walks away. At the same time, if you have the desire, don't hesitate. Trust God to guide you, fill you and use you. He will, and some youth will be rewarded as a result. Even with the work experience I have, I constantly rely on Him for guidance...not my previous textbook knowledge. A youth is waiting for a helping hand....be that person who makes a difference!
Are you interested in becoming a mentor? For more information, contact Samantha Arnold at
[email protected]
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Krieger Ford Helps the Mission
to End Child Sex Trafficking
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We are very thankful to Krieger Ford for sponsoring a golf outing benefiting Gracehaven. Their gift of $13,500 will greatly help our mission to serve minor victims of sex trafficking. Pictured from left to right: Karl Fox (Gracehaven Board Member), Erica Peoples & Brooke Pollard (Gracehaven staff members), and Ryan Krieger, Carl Easley and Jeff Krieger of Krieger Ford.
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PRAY
- Managing a house of teenage girls can be exciting as well as challenging. Pray for the girls and the staff to create a healthy and positive living experience.
SHARE
- Tell others about Gracehaven and the plight of these special young ladies.
GIVE
- We always need funds to help facilitate our many outreaches. Please consider a gift today to help victims of human trafficking.
CLICK HERE
VOLUNTEER
- If you have a heart for the mission and want to use your talents to help, please contact us.
CLICK HERE
SEE THE STORY
- Come to a one-hour presentation on Gracehaven and other key parts of YFC's Social Impact outreach.
CLICK HERE
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