Stabilization is an Essential Part of Trauma Healing (and here’s how we’re preparing our programs)

Recently, members of our team met with officials from governments, universities, and other NGOs working with vulnerable populations in and near Romania. Then they visited the Sanctuary to meet with four new staff members and complete more in-depth training in preparation for the implementation of our stabilization program. This program includes 12 weeks of residential care and requires a trained day program and overnight staff. As a stabilization site for rescued sex trafficking victims, our staff supports up to 12 survivors in residential care. 24 hours a day, our program director and clinical team are able to support women as they transition from a life of slavery to a life of freedom.

Training for the staff running these programs includes subjects such as trauma-informed care, boundaries, crisis response, and traditional policies and procedures. More training will happen later this year as the success of the clinical program will depend on our continued revising and honing of the day-to-day activities for survivors. We are also seeing the doors opening for trauma conferences and training in neighboring countries where important anti-trafficking work is being developed.

We are working on building a library for our staff as they continue to hone their skills in trauma-informed care. Here are a few books in Romanian we will be adding to the library soon (link to PDF). Your support allows us to provide these essential resources, staff, and training to support survivors every step of the way through their transformation. When you donate, you stock the library, support the staff, and change the lives of precious souls rescued from trafficking. Thank you!

If you would like to learn more about trauma and how stabilization programs will be transformational, here are some recommended resources for you:

• The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk (2014)

• Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors – Janine Fisher (2016)

• When the Body Says No – Gabor Mate (2003)

• Restoring the Shattered Self – Heather Gingrich (2013)

• Boundaries — Dr. Henry Cloud (1992)

(These are just a few books on the list. Our Key Holders, monthly partners, received a full list. Want more resources like this? Become a Key Holder today!)

Would you help us provide the wrap-around care healing survivors need? Donate today and be the key that unlocks transformation!

On the Road to Freedom in 2021-22

At the end of 2021, we sat down to reflect on all the things Uncaged was able to say yes to in another year hard-hit by the pandemic.

From piloting a training program to help healthcare workers spot the signs of trafficking to participating in a sting operation that freed 5 women from slavery, we were able to say yes to incredible opportunities. We saw an expanded vision form as we moved into more prevention and anti-trafficking strategies across Romania.

We are excited to share the stories with you of how partners stood with us in 2021 to unlock cages for over a hundred survivors and touch over 1,000 lives. Celebrate with us! Click on the 2021 Annual Report to read more!

When we began preparing the annual report, we could never have imagined all we would have to celebrate less than one year later. 2022 has been an even bigger year than 2021 for Uncaged thanks to those who say yes to partnering with us!

It was a year when many of the puzzle pieces came together at The Sanctuary in Romania. The Sanctuary is a place of peace and safety where survivors have access to everything they need to heal. At the core is trauma-informed therapy fueled by the Love of God.

We told you early in the year that the Sanctuary was paid off. We were able to turn our attention then to the ways we needed to spruce up the facility to ensure it was efficient, safe, and comfortable for the precious women and girls that would come for healing.

Finally, in June of this year, all these pieces came together and we welcomed our first survivors. We were ready to receive them with love and care because of our partners. One thing our Key Holders have made possible is allowing us to begin filling “The Sanctuary Closet.” When survivors arrive they often only have the worn-out clothes on their backs. The closet is stocked with beautiful clothes, shoes, and pajamas. When they receive these new clothes, they feel welcome, safe, secure, and cared for…they are clothed in dignity.

We were able to make great strides in upgrades to the facility, furnishing The Sanctuary, hiring and training staff, and creating our programs because more people said yes with us! We launched our Key Holder program this year, inviting anti-trafficking advocates just like you to join us in bringing hope and healing to the shattered hearts and minds of trafficking survivors. Key Holders are those who give a monthly donation in ANY amount and walk hand-in-hand with Uncaged to be the key that unlocks transformation!

Will you say yes to partnering with us in 2022 and beyond

and become a Key Holder today?

We Can Provide the Protection Survivors Need

We’ve told you that rescue is only the beginning for a precious soul who has been trafficked. Total transformation means so much more than freedom and healing from trauma. Many survivors come to The Sanctuary and need protection from their traffickers, require new paperwork to get home, or are facing unfair criminal charges.

We are grateful that earlier this year we received more than we imagined when we finalized our accreditation and licensing of The Sanctuary in Romania. We got all the needed licensing to be involved in social services in Romania, running retreats and programs. We also received licensing as a center for the assistance and protection of victims of human trafficking.

We are thrilled we can provide the legal support survivors need. In addition to this licensing, we’ve made connections with a law firm that has agreed to represent the survivors Uncaged is serving. We also know ensuring safety means protecting survivor identities and stories. We never reveal a survivor’s real name or photo. We have met with experts in cyber security. We’ve installed security to keep all kinds of predators out. We are doing what it takes to keep these women and girls safe.