StreetLightUSA

We serve as a steppingstone toward healing for adolescent females who are at risk, highly suspected, or confirmed victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or child sex trafficking in a Christ-centered environment.

The Sanctuary (TS) at StreetLightUSA offers a residential behavioral health program specializing in holistic trauma healing from child sexual exploitation. Clinical services include therapeutic care for co-occurring symptoms and behaviors, to include trauma-fueled behaviors, attention/concentration difficulties, anxiety, and mood challenges. Additional support is offered to address secondary issues related to substance use and eating disorder behaviors while clients are on their trauma healing journey with us.

StreetLigthtUSA's Pastoral Care Program offers residents the opportunity to join pastoral coaching and counseling sessions, support groups, church services, Bible studies and year-round program activities including summer youth camp. Individual counseling and family support sessions are offered to StreetLightUSA program residents and their families.

Testimonials

The names of the girls are changed to protect confidentiality.

"Monica" arrived on site a confirmed victim of CSE, and had a history of homelessness and substance abuse. For a year, StreetLightUSA provided holistic trauma-informed support services including: case management, trauma-informed academics and fitness classes, behavioral support, coordination and transportation for substance abuse counseling, and creative art therapies delivered on-site. Although she was motivated to change, her trauma and substance abuse made it difficult. She ran away four times. When she was found after her fourth AWOL, she asked to return to StreetLightUSA by name. After conferring with staff and "Monica's" support system, she was allowed to return, however it was contingent on her completing her academic goals. "Monica" did not run away again. Over the next six months she committed to her goals and the organization who had allowed her another chance. She eventually obtained her GED, which made her the first in her family to have completed a high school education. She was also reunified with her mother, and enrolled in a university.

"Alicia" was a resident who had severe behavioral issues and struggled with following authority directives. She was with us for two months and completely changed her attitude and was able to stabilize with the help of support, staff and consistent love and care. She successfully reunified with her parents at home.

"Jenelle" found herself in protective custody at 16 because of neglect. She had been struggling with many challenges prior to this including substance abuse, severe low self-esteem, a mother who suffered from drug addiction, and had been returned home many times after being picked up as a runaway - all high indicators for being sex trafficked. Interestingly she had a positive support team beyond her family and good relationships with siblings. Through intense case management services, she participated in substance abuse services and enrolled in a GED program tailored to her needs. This resident successfully transitioned to a group home and received her GED. At last contact, she was working and celebrating 10 months of sobriety.

"Ana" became a ward of state at the age of 13. Her early childhood had been difficult, as she experienced child abuse, neglect, and incarcerated parents - all factors that evolved into unhealthy attachments. "Ana" actively participates in the programs and services offered, including individualized trauma therapy, group therapy, a successful mentor match, and extracurricular sport activities. She loves to play soccer and her team won the season! She is an honor roll student and working towards a permanent foster placement.

"Asia" knows how to advocate for herself, but she is still just a child. At 17 she was an emancipated homeless teen, lost and alone. She had been at StreetLightUSA several years ago and requested acceptance to our program after being picked up by law enforcement, far out of state. Her mother had died, and she had experienced child abuse, neglect, chronic homelessness, and unhealthy attachments and relationships. SLUSA staff worked with her to stabilize both emotionally and financially. She activated her benefits, participated in group therapy, mentor services, medical and dental services, and a personalized learning plan tailored to her educational needs before she willingly transitioned to her biological father and stepmother's home. We understand that she is doing very well and has graduated from high school.