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Helping Human
Trafficking Survivors in Toledo
The Salvation Army’s RISE program
RISE (Recovering Individuals from Sexual Exploitation) is a
Salvation Army program in Toledo that works to improve the
physical, emotional and spiritual life of those who have
experienced human trafficking. This is accomplished through
comprehensive case management, and a variety of weekly
events including a support group, women’s AA meeting and
drop-in hours.
RISE was started in 2015 to help address gaps in services
for trafficking survivors. The
Salvation Army has been a major leader in the anti-human
trafficking movement across the nation. Salvation Army
officers (ordained minsters) bring awareness of the issue to
the community and can assist with adding spiritual
components to the program.
When asked what makes RISE different from other programs for
human trafficking survivors Nora Riggs,
RISE Unit Leader, said
"Since we are a program of The
Salvation Army, we're able offer unique and holistic
services for survivors. We have hygiene products, a food
pantry, a diaper bank, utility and rent assistance, and
other immediate resources in-house that we can offer to
clients.
RISE also works closely with the Salvation Army officers here who
have a presence in our group and on drop-in days. So
although practicing a faith is not a requirement for clients
to receive services with RISE, clients who do want a
connection for spiritual support are able to receive that
right away."
RISE serves clients in northwest Ohio and creates
individualized service plans for each client, making sure to
identify any barriers the client might have and developing
goals for each survivor. The hallmarks of RISE include
healing from trauma, building a positive self-concept and
self-esteem, living clean and sober, and helping individuals
learn to have healthy relationships. There are three phases
in the RISE program, with incentives to help motivate
clients as they move from victim to survivor and thriver.
You can learn more about the RISE program on The Salvation
Army website at http://neo.salvationarmy.org/NortheastOhio/NWOASRise
or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RISE-Recovering-Individuals-From-Sexual-Exploitation.
The weekly Women’s AA meeting is open to the public on
Mondays from 11:00 am -12:00 pm.
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