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 MoreOver the course of the past few months, we have had intakes for 9 women. They are from Utah, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. We have seen their stories range from childhood sexual abuse, addiction, and grooming. One of the most common ways the women were trafficked started with a history of abuse and a lack of real love leading them to be vulnerable to traffickers' offers of love.
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 MoreThe WellHouse is experiencing vast growth in every area, and I am so happy to say that rescue is included in this growth. With the addition of a new Intake Coordinator, Amanda, who will be helping with intake calls, arranging transportation, while fostering and maintaining relationships, we are able to be more committed to rescuing and recovering victims than ever before. However, as most things, with an increase in numbers comes other difficulties.
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 MoreSince our last rescue update, we have received eight women into our program with seven of them continuing to heal with us! The most common way that The WellHouse receives a survivor of human trafficking is through our amazing partnerships with other organizations, but anyone can make a referral by calling our intake phone number or sending the rescue department an email.
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 MoreSince the last rescue report, we have had 8 women receive services at The WellHouse and 4 of those women are still with us! Currently, I am seeing a trend with survivors coming to us with severe mental health disorders. Mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder are common in the women we serve.
Read More“Trauma and drug addiction have plagued my life for as long as I can remember. IV drug use took me captive. I was a slave to sin and had lost myself and all sense of hope for my future. When I first came to the WellHouse, I had no faith and no sense of direction for my life.”
Read More“I grew up as a small town girl from rural Alabama, protected and sheltered from the dangers of the big city, or so I thought. I was raised by Godly parents who did the best they could, both coming from broken homes and trying to give me a different kind of life than they knew. As trauma has it, the inevitable happened….”
Read More“As life went on things only got worse for me. Now I see God wasn't escalating my problems, he was just getting me to the feet of Jesus. I am glad I got tangled up. I am glad I got through alive! I thank God for my rebirth because I will never be the woman who is caught in those acts again.”
Read More“As Director of Trauma Therapy and a Counseling Professional, it is my ethical duty to stay apprised of the current trends in psychotherapy. Neurofeedback, a new approach to mental health treatment, is a type of therapeutic intervention that regulates brain wave activity in order for our brains to function in a healthier way.”
Read MoreAt The WellHouse, that opportunity to embrace faith will always be an option. And, it goes much deeper than just an option – it is life-transforming. Just ask any of the twelve survivors in the new book or the many, many more. For me, it epitomizes eternity!
Read MoreFor most people, attunement is expected in every day conversation, but for the trafficking survivor, someone who has never been fully noticed, heard, and loved before, someone who has been neglected and abused, attunement is healing.
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