Recently, a prospective donor asked me how New Horizons’ approach was different from other organizations with a similar focus and from existing, government-run programs in India? I thought it would be beneficial to address that in this month’s newsletter.
The 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report published by the U.S. Department of State concluded that “government-run shelters [were] insufficient, facing serious shortages of space, financial resources, and trained personnel.” Typically, the relatively few facilities that are operating in India only provide limited services on a short-term basis (i.e. 90 days or less). New Horizons’ approach is different in 3 important respects.
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Choice: An individual aftercare plan is developed for each girl that offers her an opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths in line with her interests and abilities. Opportunities for vocational training in many programs are either non-existent or are limited to handicraft work. Nothing wrong with handicrafts, but what if a girl wants to do something else? At New Horizons, we have girls who are currently pursuing careers in nursing, accounting, business, information technology, tailoring, food service or as multi-purpose health workers.
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Mentoring. Girls who have experienced child commercial sexual exploitation (CSEC) have a complicated history with relationships. Most have experienced significant relationship-based trauma before they are trafficked, and their understanding of relationships is further skewed during their experience of exploitation. Not surprising then that survivors of CSEC have little understanding of what a healthy, supportive relationship looks like. New Horizons’ house mothers live with the girls 24/7/365. By modeling a healthy relationship, they provide the girls with a healthy pattern for future interactions with friends, family, and other personal relationships.
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Continuity: New Horizons’ support services do not end once a girl turns 18. Girls that age out of our Safe House have the opportunity to transfer to our Transition House for further education and/or vocational training. Girls may attend university with tuition and fees covered by New Horizons. Those who opt for vocational training receive entrepreneurial business training, marketing assistance and grants to start-up their own micro-businesses.
For those of you who have partnered with us, thanks! We couldn’t do what we do without you. If you have never partnered with us before, would you consider setting up a recurring monthly gift at our website (www.newhorizonshouse.org)? Even a small donation helps.
On behalf of the girls,
Jonathan Spencer
President and Founder
P.S. New Horizons’ spring gala / fundraiser will take place in Denver on April 11, 2024. You can purchase tickets or participate in our on-line silent auction by clicking HERE
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