Strong Beginnings is designed to support women escaping from sex trafficking. It is one of only a few programs in Orange County that provides emergency shelter for a woman who is able to flee from her trafficker. This step is typically prompted by an “on the street” intervention with an outreach worker from Lives Worth Saving, one of our partner organizations.

Upon moving in for emergency shelter, we immediately begin to care for the woman and assess which services she needs. The trauma experienced by a woman who was captured into sex trafficking is tremendous and requires special care.

Strong Beginnings provides emergency shelter, case management, advocacy services, mental health assistance, legal assistance, food, clothing, counseling, primary healthcare, dental services, and the transition to a long-term program or to family reunification.

Since the opening of Strong Beginnings in 2018, this ministry has grown and developed. Over the past year, we have learned much as we continue to strive to best serve women fleeing from sex trafficking. To do this, we work with wonderful partners, including Lives Worth Saving, Trinity Law School, Hurtt Family Health Clinic, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Finding Freedom, the Orange County District Attorney’s office, the County of Orange, and local law enforcement agencies.