The Daughter Project, a fairly new home for victims of human trafficking in the Toledo area, is helping girls by offering them a safe place to heal from a painful past. They currently have one home, but hope to open up several new homes to girls as they gain more house mothers. They are looking for single, faith-filled women who are interested in becoming live-in house moms. Each day presents new opportunities of healing and re-learning, in a sense, how to live a “normal” life for these girls, and they are in need of guidance. A Day in Their LifeThe Daughter Project makes sure to keep the girls well-rounded in many areas, by keeping them in school, getting them involved in activities, keeping a spiritual focus and helping them heal emotionally. During the day the girls work on public school online, so they aren’t falling behind. A house mom keeps watch over the house 24/7, preparing meals with the girls and providing chores that they are responsible for. Partnering with the CommunityThey have a wonderful connection with Emerge Counseling Services here in Akron. “Emerge provides counseling services for all of the girls. They cover that expense which is extremely kind of them,” Jane Ginter, Case Manager with the Daughter Project, shared. They also have two groups each week that focus on education, awareness and inner healing. One class revolves specifically around trafficking and what it involves, because many of the girls do not understand what they were wrapped up in. The other class is on topics such as healthy relationships, how to set boundaries and conflict resolution. This is combined with getting out and experiencing fun activities. “So they can get healing and lead a somewhat normal life,” Ginter shared. Future GoalsTheir future goals include:
How you can helpTwo more homes have been donated to this project but they cannot begin to fill the homes with girls until they have sufficient help. They are currently looking to hire house moms to keep watch over the homes. “We also need donations to get the houses up and running too!” Ginter said. Adopt-A-Daughter and volunteer work are also ways to get involved. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Hotline: 1-888-373-7888. For more info. please visit www.thedaughterproject.org.
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