Journey to Independence
Proven treatment for victims of Human Trafficking Provided by The Salvation Army Orange County.
Salvation Army Orange County runs the first 24-hour emergency treatment center for trafficking victims.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and the Salvation Army Orange County continues to provide comprehensive treatment for victims Our anti-trafficking services (ATS) offers crisis response services, victim advocacy, recovery support, and family reunification. The Salvation Army Orange County operates two safe houses for trafficking survivors, as they embark on their journey from crisis recovery to self-sufficiency.
(Note: The names have been changed to protect our guests.)
June came to the Safe Home to safety escape her trafficker's partner who was seeking revenge for putting them in jail.
June arrived with client only a backpack of belongings after she was forced to leave all the remnants of her former life behind.
During her first two days, ATS provided her with clothing, groceries, helped her get a new phone (number) and assisted with making monthly payments.
The program coordinated emergency therapy to assist with her nightmares and generalized anxiety she suffered with due to the trauma she endured.
Once stabilized, June signed up for online classes at Santiago College and got a job with a local catering service.
“It was such an honor to be able to drop her off at her first day of work where she was excited to make her money and receive her first paycheck that she can keep to herself,” said June’s Case Manager.
June officially graduated from the Safe Home and has since moved into independent living out of state. She is a testament to the healing, recovery, and life-transformation that occurs at The Salvation Army Orange County’s safe houses.
June was diagnosed as a '2' on the autism scale for functioning (with a '3' being 24/hr. care), but the staff and other women at the house all believe she is number one!
June has organized most of her after-care with her primary doctor, behavioral specialist and other needs to be continued in the city and state that she moved to.
Prior to her departure, she created a small business selling self-care boxes online. June was diligent in saving all the money she made. Because her stay at Thatiana’s was provided at no cost to June, her savings covered most of her moving expenses. With a positive attitude and willingness to take direction, along with her faith, June’s journey toward self-sufficiency, and a life where she no longer was under the control of her trafficker, was made a reality.
Help others like June change their lives.