Basic Organization Information
Ahava Kids, Inc.
- Physical Address:
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Old Saybrook, CT
06475
- EIN:
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11-3723593
- Web URL:
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www.AhavaKids.org
- NTEE Category:
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R Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy
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R99 Civil Rights, Social Action, and Advocacy N.E.C.
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None
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None
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None
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None
- Year Founded:
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2004
- Ruling Year:
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2004
- How This Organization Is Funded:
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Private Foundation - $35,000
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Private Foundation - $12,500
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Corporation - $10,000
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Mission Statement
Ahava Kids rescues and cares for victims of human trafficking in the United States and throughout the world. We protect and defend these young people in order to lift them up to a better life through direct intervention, safe-houses, and treatment programs. Through the process of intervention, care and prevention, Ahava Kids works to restore the lives of those who are trapped in the crime of trafficking.<br />
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Impact Summary from the Nonprofit
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Leadership
Mr. Raymond Bechard
Term:
Since
Jan
2004
Profile:
<div>Mr. Bechard began Ahava Kids in 2003 in order to remove young people from the various dangers of trafficking while providing them with the intensive care they need to restore their lives and end the increasing cycle of commercial sexual abuse.</div>
<div>Raymond is also the author of <strong><em>UNSPEAKABLE: The Hidden Truth Behind the World’s Fastest Growing Crime</em></strong>, an expose on the international scope of child trafficking and organized crime’s involvement.
<div> </div>
</div>
<div>Specifically focusing on human trafficking, the world’s fastest growing crime, Raymond Bechard has developed the process of <em>Intervention, Care</em> and <em>Prevention</em>. This three-step procedure is the most effective method of removing young people from the various dangers of trafficking while providing them with the intensive care they need to restore their lives and end the increasing cycle of commercial sexual abuse.</div>
Leadership Statement:
<p align="justify">If you’re reading this, it means you care about children. But, I also know you have many concerns and priorities in your life, so I’ll get right to the point. The bottom-line is that we rescue and care for children in danger of sexual exploitation and trafficking. This crime against kids is a special kind of evil and one we must face head-on. Right now, we’re looking for dedicated people who want to help us fight this war. </p>
<p align="justify">But, it won’t be easy. I know this isn’t a battle that can be won by staying at my desk, sending emails and making calls. No. I have to go and make sure the work is getting done and that every dollar goes as far as possible. That’s the only way we can truly save as many kids as possible.</p>
<p align="justify">And now we face our biggest challenge ever. The need for emergency safe-housing for trafficking victims in the United States is urgent. Right now, we are quickly making plans to open our first Ahava Kids Safe House in New England with a second in Florida. This will ensure that the children who need it the most will always have a home. If you have ever wanted to help or get involved, now is the time.</p>
Highest Paid Employees & Their Compensation
Program:
Ahava Kids Safe House
- Budget:
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$500,000
- Category:
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Human Services
- Population Served:
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Crime/Abuse Victims
Program Description:
<div>Ahava Kids provides Intervention, Care and Prevention </div>
<div><strong>Intervention<br />
</strong><u>Direct Street Intervention</u> – Intervention Specialists from Ahava Kids regularly journey to the streets looking for trafficking victims, speaking with them, offering immediate rescue and care, or providing any help they need.</div>
<p><u><br />
Cybervention</u> – Trained Ahava Kids volunteers reach out to potential victims online. </p>
<p><strong><br />
Care<br />
</strong><u>Ahava Kids Safe Houses</u> – Providing urgently needed secure shelter and comprehensive care for young adult victims of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking. With two locations, one in Connecticut and one in Georgia, each Safe House has the capacity to care for at least 100 victims annually. </p>
<p><u>Ahava Treatment Protocol</u>. The care and long-term restoration of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) victims is a complex and difficult process. Best practices for the care of CSEC victims are rare and untested. Ahava Kids is working to develop the first comprehensive protocol for their care and restoration.</p>
<p><strong>Prevention</strong> <br />
<u>Corporate Zero Tolerance Initiatives</u> – Corporate Social Responsibility is essential to effective community action against human trafficking. Ahava Kids enlists change agents by providing training, protocol design and implementation, and zero tolerance criteria. </p>
<p><u>CREP (Children’s Rights Education Project)</u> – A partnership between Ahava Kids and the University of Connecticut, CREP offers hands-on projects for students who are dedicated to addressing the issue of human trafficking.</p>
Program Long-Term Success:
We have served several victims through direct intervention and assisted law enforcement agencies with victim/witness care and protection.
Program Short-Term Success:
Ahava Kids operates two Safe Houses, one in New England and one in Georgia. Each offer immediate housing for young adult victims of human trafficking
Program Success Monitored by:
Ahava Kids Board of Directors and Ahava Kids Advisory Board
Program Success Examples:
<p align="justify"><strong>"Life Is Good!</strong>"<br />
These are the first three words of a beautiful hand-written letter we received from a young woman just today. I called and asked her if I could share some of the things she wrote with you and she said, "Yes! You have to! I want people to know what happens to us out there."</p>
<p align="justify">Her story as a trafficking victim in America begins very quickly. Her escape and rehabilitation into a life that is "good," safe, happy and full of bright horizons, will continue for years. </p>
<p align="justify">In 2007 "Mary" met a man who promised her "so much money you'll be driving a Mercedees in a few weeks." He told her she would be treated like a princess, like a "little Barbie doll," complete with a new wardrobe and exciting parties. He told her she wouldn't have to worry about money anymore . . . she only had to let him take some pictures of her and do exactly what he told her to do.</p>
<p align="justify">She was reluctant, but with no where else to turn, she agreed. She had experienced a lot of trouble in her life and this man was offering a way out. The photos were taken immediately. Then, just a few minutes later, her posting went up on Craigslist - a place where men find sex for sale. The phone started ringing right away . . . and Mary had her first "date."</p>
<p align="justify">Four hours. It was four hours from the time she met the pimp until she had sex for money with her first "John." Four hours that would send her down a road of abuse, violence, humiliation, drug abuse and unimaginable degredation.</p>
<p align="justify">Then she was arrested. That's when some very caring law enforcement professionals called Ahava Kids. We met Mary a few hours later, took her into safety, got her new clothes, brought her to the doctor, and asked her what she wanted to do with her life. "I'm not sure yet. I just want to sit still for a little while." So, that's what we let her do.</p>
<p align="justify">A few days later, we located an excellent program for her rehabilitation and care. It was from there that she wrote the letter which came today...."I feel like I have a lot more self-esteem, courage, and hope. Everyday is a good day! I just want to take this time to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. Your support, love, and all the laughter we've shared has made such a difference in my life. I love you guys and miss you!"</p>
<p align="justify">Yes, "life is good" for Mary now. But what haunts me the most is how she ends her letter . . . "You know, there are so many girls and guys still out there just like me. What are we going to do?"</p>
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