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Sparrow Place is a faith-based nonprofit that exists to provide restorative care to women who are victims and survivors of sex trafficking and prostitution. Leadership is a dedicated and passionate team of modern-day abolitionists working to open a long-term housing program for women who are ready to put in the work and begin their healing journey.

We are equally determined to connect with women who don’t self-identify as victims but would benefit from support and resources - NOW.

Sparrow Landing is being created to provide, well, a ‘landing’. A place for women who are currently being sexually exploited to rest. A place to catch a breath and consider, “Do I go back?” or “Do I go forward?”

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DID YOU KNOW? It often takes a victim 7-8 times trying to leave the Life, before the FINAL exit.

We know that in order to reach for help, a woman must first acknowledge that she needs (or is worthy of) help. There are many reasons why this is so difficult – she hasn’t consciously become aware of the abuse, she is resistant to being told what to do, she is overwhelmed and believes hope for change is out of reach, or, for her own protection, she has detached and is rationalizing why “it’s OK” because…to recognize what her current circumstances are would be agonizing.

A Drop-In Center is a ‘transitional’ outreach. It’s a way to move into a new normal, slowly. When a woman is ready to explore the option of long-term therapeutic housing, we will either be able to offer Sparrow Place housing or refer her to another program through the Thistle Farms network of sister-programs or through the Nat’l Institute for Sheltered Care, both of which we are members.

IMPACT

A Drop-In Center provides…

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…a safe & normalizing environment where no one will judge, diagnose, or attempt to ‘save’ her.

…the basic and critical needs for food, clothing, hygiene and feminine items.

…information about community resources.

…advocacy, vocational and educational opportunities, socializing activities, and relational support.

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For people who regularly feel isolated and rejected by mainstream society, the key to looking forward and taking care of oneself is ‘SELF-LIKE’.

Self-like comes from SELF-ACCEPTANCE.

Self-acceptance comes from PEER ACCEPTANCE.

Every volunteer at Sparrow Landing will have trauma-informed training. Every guest will come from similar backgrounds or experience, including poverty, abuse, & addiction. There will be no place for shame, just LOVE. It’s about planting the first seed of hope and then watering it at every visit.

BENEFITS

There are natural benefits to a drop-in center that will help meet PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL, & RELATIONAL needs of each woman.

  1. Understanding & Destigmatization – Sharing with peers will lead to the realization that she is not different. Not a disgrace with a stigma on her back. Once she walks through our door, she’ll no longer be alone!

  2. Decision Making – A woman in the Life is often manipulated and controlled. It’s empowering to decide when to show up, when to leave, whether to participate, what resources to take advantage of…until one day, that woman realizes she can ‘think’ for herself.

  3. Motivation – Knowing there is someplace to be on a certain day, at a certain time, because someone who cares about you is hoping you’ll show up, is motivation to get through the day. And then the next day. And we’ll be there, consistently, to point out the extraordinary strength it takes to walk through the door each time.

  4. Family – The feeling of belonging will provide a sense of family that is often missing. Coming to a center that is welcoming, familiar, predictable…for a cup of coffee and conversation, is like coming ‘home’.

  5. Safety – EVERYONE needs a safe place in their lives!

  6. Role Modeling – Volunteers are mentors for healthy behaviors, social skills, and interactions.

  7. Encouragement & Faith – We will be available to pray with, and for, the women who are open to it. We are also hoping to open the center at additional hours strictly for bible study and for women who choose to explore faith. Note: Services are not based on a religious commitment, and regardless of religious beliefs, we will provide unconditional acceptance, empathy, and grace for all.

  8. Advocacy – The women will be able to share beneficial information about resources, such as food banks, but they will also be able to voice their opinions, concerns, ideas, and sufferings in a space that is safe to do so. They will learn that they have a voice, and that people want to hear what they have to say.

  9. Identity – Our only expectation? Come as you are! No one will be labelled or forced into a diagnosis or treatment. The Landing will be an outlet for honesty and a place to express yourself without fear of punishment.

  10. Problem Solving, Choices, & Solutions – We can aid learning new ways to problem solve old issues by both direct help and by example.

  11. Diffusion of Crisis – What if you didn’t have a single soul in your life who would care if you died? The Landing will be operated by women who believe every life is priceless. We’ll be there to let women know they can come to us for the strength they need to carry on.

  12. Safety Net – When a woman tries to better her life, and she fails, we’ll be there to remind her that ANY person trying to achieve a long-term behavior change is going to ‘slip’ as they move through different phases of wellness. It’s not a relapse, it’s a slip and a time for even greater learning. We’ll be there - to provide long-term, ongoing, motivational support – for as long as it takes.