What happens After the Sex Trade? What happens to the women after they escape clutches of this despicable existence.
I’ve been musing for a week about where to begin this blog. Let’s begin with the Sparrows… the nickname for the precious women rescued from the grips of the Sex Trade, nested safely in the PATH house. Partners Against Trafficking Humans in Little Rock AR is a home for up to 9 women, being rehabilitated from a life of darkness and despair. Starting in just one week, I have the privilege of being their House Manager (House Mom).
This is the first time PATH has had a position like this. In the past, the daily operations were run by many many part time volunteers. These volunteers love the women well, but with each shift changes, brings new variables. The sparrows are asking for consistency and stability. Bringing in a House Manager, or full time, live in volunteer like myself, will be just that. The part time volunteers will continue coming in to offer a variety of classes and activities to help the sparrows heal, learn, and grow, but I will be there as a kind of mother hen, watching over the roost as the sparrows grow in strength.
It is estimated there are less than 100 beds nationally for an estimated 100,000 identified traffic victims annually. PATH is the only shelter in all of Arkansas. The concept of rehabilitation shelters for these women is a new thing. It is critical that existing shelters receive the support and funding they need to expand and grow to meet the overwhelming demand.
Why is a House Manager such an important part of the shelter model? The average age of entry to street prostitution is between 12-14 years of old, with some cases of girls as young as 9 years old. The women who come to PATH often feel overwhelmed by simple tasks like choosing what to wear because they have been so brainwashed and beaten down that they are completely out of touch with their own likes and dislikes.
As their house mom, I will be there for 2am nightmares, decision making meltdowns, and peer conflicts, helping them walk out the techniques and strategies they are learning in therapy and classes. These beautiful buds unfold day by day as the women get in touch with their own emotions, thoughts, and ideas, discovering who they are, and who they were created to be.
I have a Master in Counselling, and a variety of personal and professional experiences that make me the right fit to help these women transition from a life of prostitution and sex slavery to a life of healing and wholeness. I pour out the Love of Jesus over them in a way that pushes out the deep darkness and despair that has marked their lives.
Many people have expressed a desire to give a financial gift.
I can receive mail at
Michelle Close
PO Box 21066
Little Rock AR 72221
To give a gift online, Please visit my donation page! www.gofundme.com/PATHmom
PATH is providing food and lodging and a $300/month stipend.
To subsidize my income by providing a Tax Deductible donation for my services, please contact Me directly. These kinds of donations are made through PATH and have applicable state and federal taxes (like a typical paycheck) withheld and are added as part of my pay.
Thank You!
Most Importantly, I am looking for Prayer Partners who will commit to praying regularly. I will be writing more about this in a future blog, but if you are interested, please email me, or use the ‘contact me’ link on the left.
