I often get asked what our success rate is like at The WellHouse. This is such a difficult question to answer! Who or what defines success? In the realm of residential living offering an array of pertinent services, does success come when boxes are checked indicating a year of programming completed, or is it as simple as a survivor remaining even one night on our campus escaping multiple sexual assaults that she would have typically experienced out in the world?
Read MoreIt was an incredible 2023! As we were focused on The WellHouse mission that includes honoring God as we assist in the recovery of sex trafficking victims and offer meaningful restoration services, we were continually humbled at God’s amazing protection and provision. There is simply no other explanation! This year, more than ever, we have come to realize that all of us are better than one of us.
Read MoreI am continually amazed that I get to bear witness to their incredible transformations, watch them get to a place where they can stand up before a crowd of witnesses in our chapel, completely transformed and able to testify to God's goodness in their lives. Hearing them share how the Lord has come into their lives and saved them, changed them, and has given them hope, peace, and joy like they have never experienced before in their lives.
Read MoreNot only is The WellHouse connected to those who can provide adequate training, we are willing to be the link, provide training, and mentor. Our desire is that we make and receive referrals with those in whom we can have confidence that we are likeminded, as we serve a population of people who have put their trust in us to stand in the gap for them as they bravely walk the journey of healing.
Read MoreOne of my favorite things about working at The WellHouse, and in my role specifically, is the honor and privilege of witnessing a community of supporters give freely and cheerfully to the survivors who live on our campus. It has been said that Birmingham is one of the most philanthropic cities in the country, and I never imagined what a blessing it would be to sit at this vantage point and see the huge hearts of the people who make that true.
Read MoreThere are countless articles and research on the topic of Trauma Informed Care. How it is defined often depends on whose perspective is being given. A residential living setting such as The WellHouse provides a unique perspective since we are literally living and interacting daily (24 hours per day actually) with those who have experienced severe complex trauma, often since childhood.
Read MoreAlthough my favorite thing about working at The WellHouse is the women that I get to interact with, a close second is our beautiful campus where the restoration work takes place. As you drive through the WellHouse gates, you can immediately feel an overwhelming sense of peace that can only come from God.
Read MoreAnd now, as all the efforts have given way to true service for the most vulnerable among us who have endured unspeakable horrors, we see the need to expand the Team. The average age of WellHouse Child youth is 13-14, meaning their abuse likely began much earlier, and the incidents of familial trafficking (family members trafficking the child) bears out the 50% rate of occurrence found by recent studies.
Read MoreJoin us as we sit down to interview our Chief Program Officer, Marlie Hyde, about all things WellHouse Child. Marlie discusses the background and original vision for the program, a typical day in the life for one of our minor residents, staffing model, and the six phases of the program.
Read MoreMeasuring success in not always black and white! In our world of residential living, we can provide data on how many were served, how many services were offered, how many “graduated”, and so forth. But, measuring internal effects that guide a person to become who she was created to be differs from person to person.
Read More“Growing up with my two brothers, we were raised by our grandparents, living in Kentucky and Florida. We had a very happy childhood and we were always well-provided for by our loving and kind grandparents. Some might think it’s strange that a happy, loved, little girl would grow up to be an addict and a prostitute, but that is exactly what happened to me.”
Read More“The wonderful privilege of journeying with survivors of human trafficking as they take advantage of opportunities for restoration is life changing – for the survivor and the helper. Along the way, we’ve also enjoyed facilitating an organizational structure that allows us to manage and grow great leaders.”
Read MoreOne of my favorite women in scripture is Zipporah, the wife of Moses. In one courageous act, Zipporah drew herself, her son, and her husband back under the protection of God. She stepped outside of her comfort zone and her position as a woman to regain alignment with the Father. That had to be terrifying! Zipporah understood the power of God.
Read MoreSince our last Rescue update, The WellHouse has accepted five new residents into our restorative program. Rescue happens in a number of different ways, but it almost always happens when someone identifies a victim. We share these stories so you can know how to identify a victim and what to do when a victim needs your help.
Read MoreSince our last Rescue update, The WellHouse has accepted seven new residents into our restorative program. Rescue happens in a number of different ways, but it almost always happens when someone identifies a victim. We share these stories so you can know how to identify a victim and what to do when a victim needs your help.
Read MoreTwo years ago today I gave up… I gave up being hurt, I gave up fighting myself and those trying to help me. I gave up on everything, but it was the best thing to happen. But Today marks TWO years since I was rescued and brought to The WellHouse, and my life is better than I could ever imagine it being.
Read MoreSince our last Rescue update, The WellHouse has accepted seven new residents into our restorative program.
Rescue happens in a number of different ways, but it almost always happens when someone identifies a victim. We share these stories so you can know how to identify a victim and what to do when a victim needs your help.
Read MoreThe [time in captivity] damaged my soul in ways I didn’t know were possible. I would escape these days of misery by leaving my body and imagining I am home with my family. I tried to make myself believe this was just a bad dream.
Read MoreSince our last Rescue update, The WellHouse has accepted 10 new residents into our restorative program. Rescue happens in a number of different ways, but it almost always happens when someone identifies a victim. We share these stories so you can know how to identify a victim and what to do when a victim needs your help.
Read MoreThe WellHouse has broken ground on a new residential care facility for underage victims of sex trafficking. One of only 40 known programs for trafficked minors in the nation, and the first in Alabama, the new home will offer emergency accommodation, safe housing and recovery programming to victims under 18 years old.
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