Two survivors have graduated from our survivor services program in Middle Tennessee.
We first met one of these survivors when our team was conducting street outreach and speaking with people who were at risk of exploitation and human trafficking. Since then, Hope for Justice has worked alongside the survivor to help them obtain their Social Security (SS) card and Government ID, enrol in public benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), access stable and permanent housing, gain meaningful employment, and provided resources such as clothing, food, and hygiene products. One of the greatest outcomes during the year was being able to reunite the survivor with their child.
The other survivor entered our Tennessee program after self-referring to our team. We were able to support this survivor to find a place for their child in daycare. Whilst the individual was in the program, they consistently attended therapy. They have also had access to additional resources and support.
On exiting the program, both survivors were in stable housing and participating in long-term therapeutic support. They are continuing to access support in the community.
Olivia Messina, our Tennessee Program Lead, said: “We are delighted that these survivors – our first two graduates from the Middle Tennessee program – have been able to move to a place of real independence. We are really proud of these individuals for all of the hard work they put in to reach their goals, and we are also very proud of our team for all of the work they have done alongside these clients. We’re looking forward to continued success with our Tennessee program.”
For more localized updates from Tennessee, you can also follow our TN team on Instagram @hopeforjusticetn
(Library image shows collaborative outreach work in Tennessee)
