Learn how Worthwhile Wear, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has developed a platform fostering opportunities for partnerships among federal and local law enforcement, government, and social service providers to help break down the many barriers that exist between survivors of trafficking and the public sector. Worthwhile Wear’s ground-breaking “Worth It” initiative is a broad-reaching community-facilitated outreach program that invites survivors to participate in multidisciplinary educational sessions. “Worth It” utilizes an evidenced-based approach that addresses the most common underlying cause for recidivism, unresolved trauma. Trauma is the primary underlying factor that causes or perpetuates many societal issues like addiction, unemployment, fractured relationships, and maladaptive behaviors. When engaging with survivors enrolled in the “Worth It” program, Worthwhile Wear practices a three-stage model of trauma recovery as developed by Judith Herman’s extensive work in the field. Utilizing this methodology and employing evidence-based treatments such as TF-CBT, our therapist helps survivors establish coping skills and capacity to recognize their emotional state for self-regulation. Pre and post program data indicates participants' self-realization related to the exploitation that they have encountered and re-directs their framework from self-blame to survivorship. Attendees of this presentation will learn how survivors benefit most when public and private agencies work collaboratively, and how key healing factors aren’t reliant on good programming, but more so on trauma identification and developing healthy community relationships. This engaging presentation will have you laughing, learning, and considering how your organization can achieve a greater impact when serving survivors.
Founder and Executive Director of Worthwhile Wear, Dan Emr has 12+ years of experience working with survivors of human trafficking domestically and internationally. Dan has built groundbreaking initiatives, reached over 750,000 individuals through national awareness campaigns, and leads an organization that offers comprehensive services to survivors in the region.