Our Shelter Mentorship Program is a multi-phase program, constituting a committed relationship between a Start-up agency (the “Mentee”) and the Institute. Our shared goal is the launch of a sustainable and credible shelter program in its location, that responds to the unique demographic, cultural, and victimization factors for that area.
Please see our Shelter Mentorship Program Page for more information on our program.
2021 Mentees
Zoe Freedom Center
State:
Virginia
Executive Director:
Dana Brown
Prosperity Place
State:
Maryland
Executive Director:
Shawn Morgan
Transformation Garden – The Anchor Church
State:
Mississippi
Executive Director:
Anne Reed
Meet Me at the Well Foundation
State:
Delaware
Executive Director:
Sandra Brisiel
The Project 2 Restore
State:
Kansas
Executive Director:
Angela Boles
2019 Mentees
Garden Gate Ranch
Des Moines, IA
OPENED APRIL 2020
Brenda Long describes her calling into ministry as “undeniably supernatural.” As Founder and Executive Director of Garden Gate Ranch in Iowa, Brenda sees how God was leading her into this ministry long before she knew what He had planned for her. After a long season of personal and family trials, God laid it on her heart to open a home for women who have been sexually exploited through a promise to her that He had already “prepared everything she needed, even before she knew she needed it.” Garden Gate Ranch became members of the Institute for Shelter Care’s 2019 shelter mentorship program cohort after hearing about the program at the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance conference. They closed on their first property in Iowa on June 26th, 2019 with plans to open a restoration home for exploited women with children. “I feel completely confident in the training we are receiving through the Institute and that Garden Gate Ranch will be off to an amazing beginning due to the sacrifice of this organization,” “I am happy to announce that Garden Gate Ranch is officially opened after months of renovations on the home and development and implementation of what we have learned through the Institute of Shelter Care mentorship program.” Brenda comments.
“Everyone at Garden Gate Ranch is so grateful to the entire team at The Samaritan Women and the Institute for Shelter Care mentorship program. Without this amazing organization and program I would not be as confident as I am in opening our doors.
Thank you TSW!”
Freedom and Restoration for Everyone Enslaved (F.R.E.E.)
Reading, PA
Freedom and Restoration for Everyone Enslaved (FREE) is a non-profit organization in Berks County, PA. Since 2010, F.R.E.E. has been educating their community in Berks County about human trafficking and are committed to equipping and empowering community members to take action against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Since FREE has been part of the 2019 training program they have opened a women’s drop-in center in downtown Reading, PA, and preparing the way for an Emergency and Long-Term Shelter for victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
“We know we are learning from the best. We cannot wait to open our home and serve these women as they take steps toward healing and restoration. We believe together we can all play a part in setting the captives free!”
Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative (NOVA-HTI)
Reston, VA
The Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative (NOVA-HTI) started as a grassroots movement of trafficking awareness education in Loudoun County, VA and became an official nonprofit agency in 2014. Led by Executive Director Kay Duffield, NOVA-HTI has been operating a resource center for trafficking survivors since 2017.
The vision to one day open a residential program began in late 2017, and NOVA-HTI became a Mentee of the Institute for Shelter Care in 2019. Preparation for their Stabilization Shelter Program are well under way as they continue to be mentored by the Institute for Shelter Care.
“The Samaritan Women has a proven track record in providing excellent services to trafficking survivors and we strive to follow their example. We are grateful to have leaders in this field to mentor us each step of the way.”
Harriett’s House
Cambridge, MD
Julie Crain recalls when she was first exposed to human trafficking during a video presentation at a Christian conference about life in a brothel. In the years following, she took two mission trips where she cared for women in aftercare programs for human trafficking. Through those trips, God began to impress upon her the need to establish a safe place for women, so in 2017 she began to put together her team. In 2019, Harriett’s House was accepted into the mentorship program of the Institute for Shelter Care and is a member of our 2019 cohort. In the Fall of 2019, they began serving women in their drop-in location in Cambridge, MD. “We are in the beginning stages of our journey, and the mentorship and training program has connected us to a wealth of resources and incredible training,” notes Julie.
“Through this partnership, we will be equipped to start and run a shelter with excellence and learn from those who have gone before us.”
