Walking on a Broken Foot
There’s a famous quote that says: “The journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step.”
Imagine if that first step involved putting your body weight on a broken foot. The journey would be immediately abandoned just due to the experience of unbearable pain. That 1,000 mile journey would never happen.
That is what the path to recovery, emotional wholeness and sustainable independence feels like for every survivor of sexual exploitation. Moving toward that high goal is something they desperately want and need; but the pressures of life trigger debilitating reactions based in fear and trauma that sabotage every attempt at that journey from the outset.
Survivors of sexual exploitation need very special care, and a dynamic support system, to give them the best chance at sustainable recovery. You and I are that support system.
Physical safety, emotional stabilization, trauma counseling, life skills training, mentorship, education, accountability, vocational opportunities, spiritual nurturing and lots of encouragement are all components of the support survivors receive in the Engedi program. This holistic approach functions like a solid cast and a set of crutches would for someone with a broken foot. Strong structural support and the right tools provide each resident with the comfort, protection and confidence they need to start moving forward in their long journey toward recovery.
If we don’t help them in this way, they will be stuck; unable to recover and perpetually vulnerable. And since the vast majority of these survivors were either coerced or forced into situations where they endured the worst kind of criminal abuse and personal torment; we, as a society, owe them this care.
People often comment on how expensive it is to provide a complete support system experience like Engedi’s program. It’s true. It’s not cheap. But if you think about it; the alternative is worse.
If someone lured your daughter into a very dangerous situation, abused her, and broke her foot; and she came back home, financially ruined, humiliated and in great pain; what would you do? If you refuse to provide her with medical care, she will be debilitated and unable to work or pursue her dreams; and she will be dependent on you (or someone else) her whole life. But if you provide good medical attention and strength-building rehabilitation with a community reintegration plan, she will heal, and flourish, and be a source of encouragement to others. What would you choose?
Providing support is expensive, but it is worth it.
Join us as a Personal Partner at Engedi Refuge today. Click on “Ways to Give” under the “Get Involved” tab on our website.