Stories of Hope
The following stories are of a few of the girls we've been able to help. We've used pseudonyms and changed locations to protect identities.
Allison was recently recovered from several years of abuse that began at home when her father repeatedly invited his friends to have sex with her at age 11, in their home. Seeking to relieve the pain of abuse and fearing for her life, Allison ran away and lived on the streets of her hometown and was homeless. Naturally, abuse on the streets began almost immediately; relief was nowhere in sight for Allison.
Getting into trouble with law enforcement almost became normal for Allison, and she was finally placed in the care of social services.
About a month ago, Allison mother's contacted New Day for help. Allison has always been known to be a very capable student, and straight A's was not uncommon for her.
Now at age 14, Allison is on a path to healing and recovery, and is back on track with her school work. There are many new hurdles for her to tackle, but she is in an environment where success is always in sight and encouragement, rather than abuse, is just one smile, one tender touch or a kind word away.
Katie had become involved with a dangerous group of gang members. At 14, she was engaging in risky behavior and dancing at an adult nightclub. She would leave home without telling her mother her whereabouts. Katie was very hostile towards her mom's inquiries into her behavior and activities outside the home.
Katie had injuries to her face which she would never explain, stating she could not remember how she got them. Katie had no dad in her life and mom was working late into the night, doing all she could to support her family. Katie, an attractive girl but extremely naive, got into trouble with some provocative social media posts, which is a commonality among most of the girls we have encountered over the years.
Katie had injuries to her face which she would never explain, stating she could not remember how she got them. Katie had no dad in her life and mom was working late into the night, doing all she could to support her family. Katie, an attractive girl but extremely naive, got into trouble with some provocative social media posts, which is a commonality among most of the girls we have encountered over the years.
Through coordination with an officer of the court, Katie's mother and a collaborating anti-trafficking non-profit, Katie was extricated from her trafficking situation and brought to a safe house 23 hours away.
Katie's first days were difficult; she was angry, confused and alienated. It was evident that this was a child who had missed out on a normal childhood. However, with time, her childlike nature began to surface, and she was able to enjoy books, movies and experiences appropriate for her age group. Now, Katie is calming down and seems to be settling in.
Thanks to you, Allison and Katie have hope for a different future! A few weeks ago heartbreak and pain were a daily routine. Today is another day in the recovery of their stolen childhoods they so deserve.
Katie's first days were difficult; she was angry, confused and alienated. It was evident that this was a child who had missed out on a normal childhood. However, with time, her childlike nature began to surface, and she was able to enjoy books, movies and experiences appropriate for her age group. Now, Katie is calming down and seems to be settling in.
Thanks to you, Allison and Katie have hope for a different future! A few weeks ago heartbreak and pain were a daily routine. Today is another day in the recovery of their stolen childhoods they so deserve.