Supporting Survivors Through Education and Trauma-Informed Therapy

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” - John 8:32

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” - KushandWizdom

Catalyst Farms

Putting an end to sex trafficking is multi-faceted. As Aaron wrote about in several blog posts— Part 1 and Part 2— men could put an end to sex trafficking today.  While this fact may be true, we know this is not our reality today. Human trafficking continues to affect individual’s lives and is very complex in nature. Studies show that those who have been trafficked before are more vulnerable to re-trafficking. Vulnerabilities play out in a variety of ways including emotional and financial dependence, trauma, sometimes addiction, and lack of resources.

Preventing re-trafficking, preparing women who are victims of trafficking heal and learn the necessary skills to obtain gainful employment and live independently is the ultimate goal of Catalyst Ministries and Catalyst Farms—a safehouse for survivors of sex trafficking, exploitation and/or severe abuse — located in central, Illinois.

About the Program

Catalyst Ministries provides a trauma-informed residential program at the farm that ranges in length from 12-24 months. This program takes a holistic approach to helping women overcome their trauma and develop the skills to live independent, healthy lives. Currently, the program is able to house four survivors and one resident assistant.

Catalyst Farms first opened its doors to women in 2017. Over the past two years, teams have

collaborated with other residential programs across the country to develop programming to support the unique recovery needs of trafficking survivors. Since 2017, much of this programming has been delivered in the family room of the farm. 

 Read our previous article here: September Update

Education and Educational Goals

Catalyst Farms is currently working on expanding our services this year with a dedicated space, outside of the home—but on the property of the farm—that will provide a safe, secure location to support further trauma- informed training, other services and educational opportunities for current residents and recent graduates. Ideally, the additional space is perfect for confidential resident-care meetings between staff and residents.

Currently, women in the program receive support for physical, spiritual and emotional health including vocational training, GED completion, life skills, mentoring, and expressive art therapy.  Residents spend much of their day in programming and training. Most mornings are spent insessions supporting mental wellness and restoration, learning skills to overcome and heal from prior trauma. Afternoons are dedicated to life-skill training spent with volunteer teams (i.e., wellness, cooking, gardening, sewing, budgeting, financial literacy, resume writing, etc.) and/or time spent towards continuing education (i.e., GED or online job skill training).

All parts of restoration are extremely important for residents to feel safe, secure, and able to navigate life once they’ve graduated from the program. Catalyst Ministries supports residents through all stages of grief, trauma work, continuing education, and supporting each resident’s personal interests/hobbies, with the goal of building life skills and supporting personal autonomy and independence. Education is so important not just for emotional healing of each woman, but also personal growth towards occupational goals and dreams, being able to support themselves financially, and also make contributions to society using their talents and newfound skills.

Freedom in Christ

Catalyst Ministries supports education as part of the aforementioned growth to equip each individual woman with, not only the skills to succeed after completing our restoration program, but the encouragement to pursue her dreams unhindered by the trauma and circumstances of her past. Our program also helps lead each woman towards emotional freedom in Christ who loves all, heals all, and fights for all.

—Erin

Proverbs 31:8-9