Few people are more vulnerable and in need of assistance than young girls subjected to domestic violence, sex abuse or human trafficking.
We provide refuge and care for young girls who have endured unthinkable experiences of abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
Project Manager Ann Soldner is a certified Trauma and Grief Counselor and the recipient of TLC’s “Trauma Consultant Supervisor of the Year Award”.
Ann leads group therapy sessions weekly for the resident girls. The classes include a variety of arts and crafts projects, learning new songs and dances, rhythm and relaxation exercises, games, music, story-telling, drama, and LOTS of love and laughter!
The girls benefit greatly by these regular times to relax, de-stress, express themselves creatively, explore emotions, share ideas and enjoy each other’s friendship and camaraderie. Many arrive withdrawn, silent, and struggling with the weight of trauma, but here, they find a new beginning.
“Symptoms of trauma or PTSD only define the ways the child’s brain, body, emotions and behavioral systems are struggling to survive. Provide new, positive and nurturing experiences and symptoms of trauma diminish.”
~ Dr W. Steele
(Founder of the National Institute of Trauma & Loss in Children)
Self-expression and play helps children to develop interpersonal skills, reduce stress and increase self-esteem.
At present most of the girls attend public school, plus receive a variety of vocational training options at the Shelter. Many have graduated from High School, something beyond the reach of most rural girls, and several are studying for university degrees!
Since 2004 we have assisted the shelter by finding sponsors to help cover their monthly operational needs: rent, food, utilities, and staff salaries; channeling whatever extra funds we can come up with toward maintenance and special improvements as often as possible.
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