Ministry Focus of the Week "Unchained Movement"

Ministry Focus Of The Week
Unchained Movement

By Mikayla Lewis

Nearly 100 mid-state teens become sex trafficking victims each month, according to Unchained Movement. The non-profit is trying to close in on the number, by opening up a residential program for survivors. Unchained Movement’s first transitional home is set to open this Wednesday. Kakeisha Brown is a survivor. She was lured into the dark world at 12-years-old and finally got out at age 33. Brown says," The shame and the guilt…it's a lot of work and I don't think a lot of people understand." She says a residential program helped her get her life on track. Brown says, " I didn't have real job or things to put on a resume. The structure of the program was like the main thing and the best thing because that was the foundation."

Brown is now the program coordinator for Unchained Movement. She is working with the founder, Rachel Irby to open the home for female survivors between the ages of 18-24. Irby says,"They tend to fall through the cracks because you have an 18- year-old in a program with a 40-year-old . We are looking to do a program that's more high energy, it's going to get them out more in the community. We're trying to work slowly on changing someone's mind and the way they view things. " The program will serve up to six young women at a time, typically for about a year. The clients will attend therapeutic and educational services, addiction recovery, case management and learn life and job skills. With the help of volunteers renovating, the home is complete with furniture and décor donations from the community. Irby says, "It really feels like a home now. It really does meet with the vision that we had to provide a safe and therapeutic place for girls."

Brown says, " I get to share my experience, strength and hope with these women and let them know that the program does work. Women can get out of the life and live a successful life." Unchained Movement is looking for a variety of volunteers.

To learn more about Unchained and how you can be involved, contact:
Rachel Irby, UNCHAINED Executive Director (480) 258-2777
or
visit: UnchainedMovement.org

Read More at: fox17.com