The University of Toledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute’s F.R.E.E. program funded by the ECMC foundation provides scholarships and support for survivors of human trafficking. Specifically, the program has four phases, (1) Foundation, (2) Readiness, (3) Education , and (4) Employment. The acronym F.R.E.E. signifies each survivor’s potential to achieve economic and psychological freedom and empowerment. The presentation will discuss community partnerships and the efficacy of the four phases of the program. The Foundation phase includes the selections and screening process of adult survivors from across the country. An overview of the Readiness course is designed to achieve four objectives (1) To get students prepared for school, (2) To encourage students to tap into and use resources offered to be supported, (3) To empower students to achieve, and (4) To get students to be committed to complete their educational and career goals. The Education phase provides a $2,000 scholarship to an accredited vocational or degree program anywhere in the US. During the Employment phase, participants are assigned a job coach that provides a series of online virtual sessions that focus on job search, career exploration, personality assessments, soft skills, effective interviewing techniques, resume building, and more. Participation in the program involves comprehensive case management services on an ongoing basis. The services include incentives, mentoring, academic coaching, and emergency assistance. F.R.E.E. Participants will share their success stories while enrolled in the program. Learn more about program development and successful interventions for survivors of human trafficking.
LaDonna Knabbs, an adjunct faculty in the Sociology Department at Owens Community College and the Founder of My Sister’s House for Girls (MSHFG). She is the F.R.E.E. Program Coordinator for the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute which provides educational scholarships and employment services for local and non-local survivors of human trafficking.
Margaret was a participant in the F.R.E.E. program, received her certification in phlebotomy, and is aspiring to become a traveling phlebotomist.
Toshia was a participant in the F.R.E.E. program, received her certification as a yoga instructor, and founded Hogan Yoga @HoganYogaHealing. She is currently hosting online classes helping survivors overcome trauma through yoga.
Rita O'Brien is a survivor and educator with a passion for justice to educate in the communities that she was trafficked from. Rita got her Bachelors at Eastern Michigan University and went on to Western Michigan University to her Masters with a Trauma focus.