REFUGE FOR WOMEN

Refuge for Women desires to become the nation's leading aftercare source for human trafficking victims. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers a continuum of 24/7 care and safe housing, at no charge to the resident. Residents progress through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming to achieve healing and the skill needed to succeed and sustain a life marked with dignity, hope and independence. We provide a safe place for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, to overcome trauma, addiction, and the personal barriers that stand in the way of recovery and independent living.  
We are strategically mobilizing to provide 100 Refuge for Women beds across the nation so victims can escape from their dangerous environment, offenders, and relapse triggers.  90% percent of the victims we serve have a history of substance abuse, 100% have a history of homelessness, and 94% hold a record of incarceration.  Our model not only addresses trauma from sexual exploitation, but also addresses the variables that caused the victim to be so vulnerable in the first place.  These variables may include a traumatic childhood, poverty, a history of family addiction and mental illness, and the like.  We help women move past these barriers and freely into financially stable, independent living.

Our franchise-like growth evidences a replicable model. Refuge for Women has a growth strategy for opening new sites across the country. Systems are in place for assessing interest in new states, and for transferring the model. National staff and Board of Directors are in place to ensure consistent programming and development.

The organization and our leadership are viewed as experts in the field. Our Founder and President, National Program Director and local Executive Directors are sought after speakers with law enforcement, human trafficking task forces, radio programs and trauma informed training seminars. We also partner with national organizations regarding awareness, outreach and improved programming. (Safe House Project, Sheltered Alliance) The organization has been publically supported by Lexington Chief of Police Mark Barnard, Kentucky's Attorney General Andy Beshear, his Human Trafficking Detective, Rick Lynn, Senator Rand Paul, various county State's Attorneys among others.

Our donors come from 48/50 states and our programmatic and financial sustainability is strong.

We are on target to achieve our 2025 goals regarding programming, staffing, organizational growth and health.
See 2021 Annual Report for detail.