How Do We Start a Change?

When the topic of sex trafficking is brought up, it is usually followed by a discussion of well-known current events and notorious people. We may discuss Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislene Maxwell, or border politics. We may talk about predators and pedophiles, religious cults, gangs such as MS-13 or the Hell’s Angels. We will definitely talk about the white panel van that cruises neighborhoods looking for victims, urban

legends of zip ties on car door handles and abandoned car seats with recordings of babies crying to lure victims. When the discussion invariably moves on to another topic, sex trafficking gets put in that category of things that are awful but only happen in other places and never to people like us.

The discussion that never takes place is the one about what causes sex trafficking and drives demand in the first place. That doesn’t get discussed because it is not a topic for polite company, it unmasks beliefs that all too many of us have, and it points us out as not only the cause, but the solution. Too often, when we are asked to describe what sex trafficking looks like, and we say it looks like prostitution, people have a tendency to stop listening. Why? Clearly, it is because prostitution is seen as a voluntary action, performed by people we have placed in that category of “not like us”. We have heard all the attitudes and anecdotes about prostitution:

• It is the world’s oldest profession

• She must like doing it, or she would stop

• She’s just a junkie trying to feed a habit

• It’s easy money

We have also heard all the anecdotes about the buyers:

• He’s just lonely

• He just wants to have some fun

• He’s getting married, let him get it out of his system

• If we don’t allow prostitution, men will rape more

The truth lies in what is left unsaid:

• No one chooses to be a prostitute

• It is paid rape

• It inflicts severe trauma, both emotional and physical

• It is degrading and dehumanizing

• It is born out of abuse

Historically and globally, prostitution has always existed for one reason, it allows the buyer to objectify a human being for gratification that is classified as a need and not a want. Along with prostitution, other inhumanities exist alongside it. The sexual abuse of those viewed as less than. Whether it comes in the form of using rape as a war tactic, rape of slaves all over the world, the widespread sexual abuse of children, and countless acts of sexual violence committed daily all over the world, we do not address the root causes and our role in it.

The world view of women, in particular, as dehumanized receptacles of sexual pleasure starts in very subtle ways at very young ages. From fashion, the media, entertainment, and language, the stage is set to reduce women and girls to that position of less than. Hyper-sexualized fashions for young girls, songs that denigrate women through its use of slurs and descriptions of sex acts, exploitative movies that use nudity

and sex as a character-arc, portraying women as willing participants in abusive behavior, and more. Women themselves are told that the admiration of and acceptance of this propaganda is empowering. That it allows them to be in charge of their own sexual expression. Instead, it resigns them to being regarded as less than. Participating in their own objectification by being told that the answer to it is to “get them before they get you”.

There isn’t a lack of awareness of sexual violence. Everyone acknowledges its existence and decries examples of it. It is a base reaction to abhor sexual violence, assault, abuse, and harassment. Everyone wants to see who flew to Epstein’s island, who was locked in a room with Weinstein, have pedophiles punished, help the children who are victimized. People aren’t heartless. They aren’t unaware. They are just not

seeing the connection between societal norms and the booming business of sex for sale.

Traffickers sell because buyers buy. Buyers buy because they can. We stand by and watch because we have been trained our whole lives to believe that sex is a commodity, not a visceral connection between fully consenting adults. That is the part that we need to change. We need to end the acceptance of sexual assault as just a part of life. That it’s going to continue to happen no matter what we do, or that it should be

allowed because it is too big of an issue to tackle.

Sitting with clients, we hear so many repeated parts of their stories:

• It started happening to me when I was a kid

• No one protected me or defended me

• I just wanted to feel like I mattered to someone

• They took from me until I had nothing else to give, I was empty

• I couldn’t do anything about it

• I hate sex and I hate men

• I just want to feel normal and I don’t know how

There has to be a way to create communities where sexual exploitation and abuse are eradicated. One area at a time. These issues are occurring right now where you live. Think of how shocked and horrified you were to see news reports of October 7 from Israel, or from Bosnia, or Rwanda, Haiti, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Germany, Japan, the list is endless. Now realize that these heinous acts are being committed in your neighborhoods, towns, cities and states every day.

There are people who are suffering from these inhumanities and praying for someone to notice and stop it.

How do we start a change? When it seems daunting and overwhelming, that usually indicates the greatest need for impactful movement because these are the issues that are the hardest to face. But if sexual exploitation and abuse is allowed to continue globally and in the homes in our neighborhoods, what is the message we are sending to women and children?

Reflecting on the Recent Year

Dear Friends,

2023 has been a busy year, with lots of new and exciting changes. Together with your support, Beloved Haven had the resources to expand our programs.

The events of 2023 forced Beloved Haven to pivot from our drop-in center program to developing new ways to provide the best possible crisis care and assistance to female survivors who have been affected by sexual exploitation, trafficking, trauma, or are vulnerable to trafficking. In May, we made the tough decision to close the doors to our drop-in center, that was located in Pasquotank County-the center had been in operation for over 4 years. We moved our office back to Currituck County and worked from a temporary space as we repositioned and shifted our focus. Due to the vital work that we do through our GRACE Jail Program, the focus was directed towards developing relationships within Currituck and Dare Detention Centers to expand the program. At the same time there was a tremendous increase in referrals for substance abuse treatments and long-term housing programs.

Fortunately, Beloved Haven has several partnering agencies that can provide the wrap-around services necessary to provide the population we serve with long-term housing that offer individualized support to empower them to build a bridge from trauma to a brighter future.

One of the first steps we took moving back to Currituck County was to find a permanent location where we could meet with clients by appointment and provide support and advocacy.

Your donations made it possible for Beloved Haven to continue to provide high quality care at the office location and through outreach programs, such as GRACE and community training. In addition, food, clothing, housing essentials and transportation.

Additionally, with partnering entities, such as shelters, law enforcement and service providers the North Carolina Eastern Region Human Trafficking Task Force was created. Working together to meet the needs of survivors of human trafficking through the collaborative efforts of compassionate communities across Northeastern North Carolina.

Beloved Haven responded to 24 crisis calls in 2023, which came in through our 24-hour helpline. Out of those 24 calls we were able to provide three women with a safe place and the others we were able to offer resources and guidance.

The mission for the Task Force is to identify and connect victims to trauma-informed programs, policies and resources that promote justice, access and empowerment.

“I’m contacting Beloved Haven this morning to see if you can help me. I am homeless, and as of 11 am this morning I will no longer have a motel room to stay in.”

Your generous support makes it possible for Beloved Haven to stay connected with survivors for years to come. We partner with and learn from other organizations; together we develop programs that transform lives by improving access to safe housing options, resources, counseling, and economic opportunities.

For example, partnering programs that connect survivors with holistic wrap-around, trauma-informed services allow each resident in their care to be productive members of the community-equipping them with a supportive environment to heal from trauma, and discover their worth and find the confidence to dream again.

“I’m just excited to be here. I have always wanted to be comfortable i my situation, no matter what that was, and I love it here. I am thankful that Beloved Haven found me this program. I couldn’t have asked for a better fit.”

Many survivors have benefited from Beloved Haven’s programs. The quote above, from a client has worked with Beloved Haven for many years. She first walked into our Heart & Soul drop-in center six years ago. She continued to pop in and out over the years and our team continued to provide care and support as needed.

Fast forward to 2023, she’s a full-time resident with one of our partnering programs where she is learning life skills, cooking, job skills and educational opportunities as part of the holistic approach to healing and gaining her life back.

We must proceed with our critical programs as long as they are needed. Our staff must be able to deliver outstanding care and guidance to this underserved population for years to come. Furthermore, we will need to implement new ways to serve and partner within the communities to aid in the rebuilding of their lives.

In the time when there is so much need, thank you for remembering and caring about the women who generally are not able to obtain resources by themselves.

With warm blessings,

Tina Pennington- Executive Director

2023 Year-End Performance Report

All it takes is a little Grace

We all need some grace in our lives. Grace to breathe, to rest, to live more fulfilling

lives. Grace for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Grace is something not easily given or received,

but of great importance. Beloved Haven recognizes that the women we serve deserve grace

more than most, but they rarely, if ever, receive it.

The GRACE (Guided Restoration And Collaborative Empowerment) program is designed

to extend support, love and compassion to women in what is sometimes their lowest point and

time of biggest need. Our partnership started with the Albemarle District Jail in 2021. As we

recognized that the majority of survivors of trafficking and exploitation are incarcerated at least

once, but more often multiple times, in their lives; we saw the importance of intervention.

GRACE is designed to help those who have been exploited identify as needing support

and services. While incarcerated, these women often go unnoticed, or worse, labelled as

undeserving. The main issue is not “undeserving”, but under-serving. While being trafficked,

these women are often introduced to a life of criminality that occurs to ensure their survival.

The program’s purpose is not only to provide direct services for those affected by trafficking,

but as a gathering point for all the women who need a shoulder, an ear, or a voice. GRACE

facilitators and volunteer team are providing information that helps build a plan upon release.

Along with human trafficking information for clients to be able to recognize their victimization,

GRACE explores the connection between addiction and trauma, healthy relationships, goal

setting, journaling, and devotionals.

These topics have proven to be priceless discussions for the women. The time spent

with the GRACE team is filled with personal stories, tears, and laughter. Some feedback given

over the last two years has solidified our need for this program:

“I always look forward to y’all coming in here.”

“You really care about us.”

“I tried that meditation you talked about and it really helped me calm down.”

“I’ve heard about you ladies, so I couldn’t wait to talk to you.”

Incarceration can make people feel unworthy, unloved, undeserving, lost and alone. In

that state of mind, it is hard to work toward change. By providing GRACE, Beloved Haven

provides hope for new beginnings. We see these women not for who they appear to be, but

who they can become. By understanding trauma and the long-term effects of trafficking, we

can offer compassion in this situation. Sometimes, all it takes is a little GRACE.

Northeastern Coastal NC: Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking Rapid Response Team developed in partnership with Beloved Haven, Hyde County Hotline, Inner Banks Hotline, Ruth’s House, Law Enforcement and Service Providers working together to meet the needs of victims of human trafficking through the collaborative efforts of compassionate communities across Northeastern North Carolina. The mission for the RRT is to identify and connect liberated victims to the services and resources in the community as quickly and efficiently as possible with an emphasis on service provision within the first 72 hours after identification. The RRT fills security and safety gaps that may exist within the process to assist a victim or client after an extraction or with an exit strategy that provides a professional security detail for caseworker, advocate, victim, and client. The RRT can assist with a plan of action to assist a victim or survivor who wants to exit out from their trafficking dynamic. The RRT can assist with providing a safety plan between the caseworker, advocate, and victim as well as where the best neutral location to meet the victim may be and provide an overwatch security detail during the entire exit process. If the victim wants to exit immediately and needs secure transportation; it will be provided. The RRT assists law enforcement with various operations where skillsets and resources may not be available by law enforcement or when a gap can be better served by a non-law enforcement team.

The Rapid Response Team (RRT) currently covers Hyde, Beaufort, Camden, Currituck, Dare, Pasquotank, Perquimans and Tyrell Counties.

What does RRT do?

• Crisis Intervention

• Survivor Services

• Emergency Food and Safe Shelter

• Safety Planning

• Legal Services

• Referrals for Therapy and Substance Abuse Issues

The Importance of Direct Services for Adult Survivors

We are often asked what this work looks like. It is difficult to convey what happens to your heart when you are speaking with a survivor and hearing their story. You see the inner child, and her need for healing and comfort. You start to see her walls come down, and trust begins to build. This work is about that relationship. Direct services provide a channel to build relationships. By providing food, clothing, and hygiene products, we are opening the door for her to return when those critical items run out. That is phase one as facilitated through our Drop-in Center.

Our GRACE jail program is phase two. We can spend more time with the women, when they are of clearer mind, and talk to them about trauma, addiction and healthy relationships. This allows them to open up to us and confide in us concerning their exploitation. This phase is so vital. When we show up as scheduled, and are not requiring anything from them in return, they begin to see us as people they can trust. In addition, we look for them on the court dockets and show up for them. When they see us there, it solidifies that we can be trusted.

Phase 3 will be our RISE program, where they can come to the Drop-In Center and work on their education online, fill out job applications, receive trauma informed counseling, participate in life skills classes, and socialize. This gives them a place to go, a place to focus, and a supportive team of people to encourage their successes.

Phase 4 will be our Residential Crisis Home, where they can have a family base. They can start to address their complex trauma. They can be surrounded by light and love. All in their own time. The time it takes to truly breathe. All these components make a full circle to put an end to the effects of trafficking. This is the “human” element of human trafficking, that often goes unaddressed and unnoticed. Arrests should be made. Traffickers should be punished. We all get that aspect. However, let’s not forget about the true cost of this crime. The survivors that we are so blessed to have in our lives, no matter the stage of their survival, are the strongest, most resilient women you could ever meet. If we are unable to provide them with direct services, we are unable to build relationships with them. Without relationships, they cannot heal and recover.

The Real Reason for Private Donors

The Real Reason For Private Donors

“Why would you want to help someone like me?”. That question is asked over and over by

survivors. This comes from the shame they harbor, not for what they have done, but for what has been

done to them. Multiple traumas, sometimes a life-long dismissal by those who were supposed to

protect them, and societal stigma compound this feeling. When she comes to an agency like Beloved

Haven, she expects a certain level of compassion. We deliver on that. This begins to slowly build a

relationship where we can build her trust that we are not here to re-victimize her.

However, the real restoration begins when she feels compassion from strangers. The best

moments are when we sit with a client and can tell her things like:

“Your hotel stay was paid for by donors.”

“We raised enough money to get you a reliable vehicle for your new job.”

“These gift cards were sent by a friend so you can eat tonight.”

“This house exists because of the kindness of hundreds of people that care about you.”

These are the moments when a woman who has been used, and told she is only as valuable as

the amount someone offers her for an hour of time, feels something more. She feels a love from

strangers. She feels that someone else sees her worth as a human being. She feels the strength of others

being transferred to her. This is what we mean when we say “She is Seen, Known, and Loved”. It is not

only an agency’s responsibility to do that. It is the responsibility of all of us. It is the responsibility of

humanity to say”

“Not on my watch.”

“Enough is enough.”

“You are not who they say you are.”

“You are valued for your heart, mind, and soul.”

“We are standing with you.”

We received a letter from a client who is doing great things in a program. She said, “Thank you

for having my back.” That is what support means. It means that we all stand together and provide the

long-term services needed by these survivors.

If you can take a moment, please consider becoming a monthly donor. Without you, we will not

be able to build this program in residential housing. You can be a part of something huge. Restoring lives

that have been taken by something so dark and destructive that almost nothing else compares. How do

we fight this? We stand together. We empower these survivors. We give them the courage to walk with

dignity, strength, pride and hope into the light. We as a community of compassionate human beings can

be that light for them.

Meeting New Women through G.R.A.C.E.

Beloved Haven’s Jail Outreach Program has been eye opening and rewarding. We have seen a much greater need than we ever imagined. The women who are currently incarcerated are there for a wide variety of reasons. They are also living with a lot of trauma. Our team is hoping to be able to expand our scope as the need arises. We do not ever want to turn away a woman in need due to lack of funding, staffing or other resources.

We have received calls from inmates, staff, and families of these women. Hearing “Is this the place that helps the ladies?” always makes us smile. That’s us. Their needs are as varied as their charges. We are seeing a common thread in two major areas, however. Homelessness and substance abuse. Unfortunately, we are in an location without solutions. 

We are grateful to be working with a compassionate administration and staff at the Albemarle District Jail. They have helped us get in to see women for private counseling, and to help them navigate paperwork and procedures. We have searched for shelter and addiction treatment upon their release. The resources are scarce. We know, through conversations with some of these women that if they don’t have options, they will return to the lives that aided in their incarceration in the first place. This can include sexual exploitation for many. 

Our jail outreach program is called G.R.A.C.E. This stands for Guided Restoration and Collaborative Empowerment. Restore and empower. It is a huge task. But, as we have seen in these last few weeks since starting G.R.A.C.E, it is so very needed. Our goal is to follow through with each woman. To advocate for her restoration in court, to build her up through support during her incarceration, and to empower her upon release. 

When faced with a young woman who wants a better path, a way out, a glimmer of hope, we are committed to help. In the jail setting, we have time to sit with them and make plans. We know they are fed and have a place to lay their heads at night. This doesn’t alleviate all of our stress, but it buys us some time. In these moments, we can really work to see where the needs are located. Upon release, a woman can have all the dreams in the world, but if her body is ruled by her addiction, her mind is fighting off memories of trauma, and she is trying to find a safe place to survive the night, we haven’t done our job. 

Grace is defined as a bestowal of blessings. We offer tangible grace to these women in need, in the form of resources. They offer grace to us by welcoming us into their lives and allowing us to serve and bless them with a new start.

Exciting News

We have had many blessings lately in the form of volunteers and donations!

• A team of volunteers from the US Navy built us a wall to expand our Drop-In Center! They even donated the materials. With the cost of wood, that was incredible!! Thank you Todd and Co.!

• A volunteer made beautiful homemade drawstring bags for our clients to take with them as they travel to programs. She even stitched a note of love in each one letting them know they are special! Such kindness! Thank You Abigail!

• We have had many donations of supplies for our outreach bags that will be handed out by law enforcement, and our team! Thank you all!

• Another wonderful volunteer refinished some of our Drop-In Center furniture and it looks amazing! Thank you Marie!

• We had brand new cabinets donated and installed by a local company! Thank you Noble Brothers!

• We have had some generous financial donations! Thank you to Avengrid Renewables, King Tiger Martial Arts, and everyone who gave so generously!

• We have had some steady volunteers helping in the office, DIC and Community Garden! Thank you Felix, Nick, Jaime, Laurie, and Jennifer!

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MAKE A LIFE CHANGING DONATION TODAY!

The Importance of Community Involvement in the Healing of Survivors

We have all heard the saying “It Takes a Village”. We see the importance of this in our daily lives, whether it is carpools, chores, work assignments, or neighborhood camaraderie. But why do we need community involvement when helping survivors heal from trauma? Honestly, in the non-profit world, there are never enough hands or hearts to get the job done properly.

When a survivor enters our system, there is a need for compassion, empathy, a shoulder, an ear, and dedication. She needs to see that she has support in as many areas as she can. She needs to see different examples of life’s successes so she can find the one that speaks to her.

As someone who has been victimized by almost everyone, she encounters in one way or another, she needs to experience faith, hope, and unconditional love. What better way for her to see this than in the hearts of those that are by her side, without any expectations? We need a team of community members who will commit to walking beside her, picking her up when she stumbles, and not judging those missteps.

There is also the bigger picture that needs to be seen. Silence is sometimes seen as complacency. In the fight against trafficking and exploitation, education and awareness are key. It is only through this that we can meet the needs of survivors and reduce demand. Only a reduction in demand will cause a reduction in the supply chain.

When we reach out to the community for support, volunteers, or funding, the end goal is always the same. We are looking at survivors becoming whole again and thriving in a beautiful life they create for themselves. We are looking for demand reduction that will exceed any statistical goal imaginable. We are looking at building a community that stands up to those who abuse and manipulate the most vulnerable populations. A community that says “We are the Village, and we will not allow our family members to be destroyed. We believe in justice, equity, kindness, compassion, and healing.”

Beloved Haven is always in need because our clients are always in need. We want to build a community that has enough power to rise up against those that see other human beings as “less than”. Contact us to become a member of our Village and take a stand.

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Your financial gift helps Beloved Haven meet the needs of Human Trafficking Victims and Survivors in our Drop-in Center.

Don’t Give Up Before Your Miracle Arrives

Celebrating my miracle, 20 years in the making.

What happened 20 years ago today? I was arrested for “promoting prostitution.” What is the miracle? My life today.

Today, I feel that I have finally made it. After 2 years in prison, a sometimes frightening and incredible journey that has included college, navigating life as a felon, rebuilding relationships, nearly giving up, recommitting to life—I have a loving family, supportive friends, and a job that I love because I not only feel valued and appreciated, but I am making a significant contribution to the important work against human trafficking.

As I reflect on the past 20 years and think about my struggles, obstacles, joys, and accomplishments, I acknowledge what a long and difficult and joyful journey it has been. What you, dear reader, need to understand is this: Building a life after being trafficked for over a decade has been more difficult than living in that life. And I am not the only one who bears witness to that fact. Only because I have been through this journey do I understand why some people may go back; in fact, I not only understand, but I also have a deep respect for those individuals.

How much can a person take? How many obstacles and doors slammed in a person’s face can a person withstand? Imagine having very little or no support, a self-esteem so low that the familiarity of a trafficker’s terror still beckons, that the “option” of suicide brings comfort as it crosses your thoughts at least once a day. Imagine not having a clue what path you are supposed to be on. Imagine experiencing dead ends to every possibility, every dream.

When I was arrested 20 years ago and ultimately sentenced to 2 years in prison, I was 29 years old. I had been trafficked by the father of my 3 children for over a decade. I was so broken that I had no sense of self. The trafficking ring that he had built and ran was my entire life. I had lost every dream I ever had as a child and young woman. All hope was gone.

After a few months of sitting in the county jail feeling numb and confused, I was sent to the state prison. In the safety of the prison, no longer under my trafficker’s constant mind control, I found freedom for the first time—free to begin forming my own thoughts, free to wonder who I really was, free to explore how I felt about my life. Hope started to creep into my heart, and a wise women inmate taught me that I had choices. I chose to start dreaming for a better life.

If I could talk to my 29-year-old self as she sat, frightened and alone, in jail, this is what I would want her to know: The next 20 years are going to be a roller coaster ride. When things get tough—and they will—take a deep breath, check in with your thoughts and feelings, and listen to those around you who are genuinely trying to help.

I want to thank each and every person who has been with me on this life journey. If it weren’t for the people who believed in me, loved me, gently guided me and sometimes scolded me, I would not be where I am now. Never underestimate how much it means to a person to feel loved or cared about when they themselves feel worthless. Small acts of kindness from you and others have given me the strength to continue to learn, grow, mature, accept when I am wrong, and, most importantly, to believe in myself. I love each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.

Today, I know that I am loved, I know that I am worthy, I know that I am ENOUGH. I also know that I still have much to learn, meaningful work to do, and a long way to go because the journey of life is, hopefully, a long one—and I know we are all on it together.

Someone once told me not to give up before my miracle arrives. That pearl of wisdom has saved my life so many times. It granted me the hope that, even if today is a struggle, maybe tomorrow all my efforts to succeed will pay off and I will see my miracle: the simple miracle just to be a part of society. I wanted to go to work every day, come home tired, watch TV, and pay the rent and other bills so I could do it again the next day. “To be a part of society.” Even today, the words are a beautiful vision, heavenly poetry. I had to work very hard, cry many tears, and overcome a lot of what my trafficker had instilled in me to make that dream come true, but I did it. I have experienced my very own miracle.

Don’t give up before your miracle arrives.

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This guest blog was written by Wendy Barnes.

In Order to Help - You Must First Understand. Wendy Barnes - Public Speaker, Advocate, Educator, Author of And Life Continues: Sex Trafficking and My Journey to Freedom.

Buy Her Book here:

Countering the False Promises of the Trafficker

The assumption surrounding trafficking survivors is that if we provide them with basic needs and show them some compassion, they will melt into our arms, thank us, and go gracefully into their new life. If only it were that easy. Why doesn’t that work? Why would they ever stay in the life? 

The answer is that the same process we use to restore their soul, is the same process their trafficker uses to manipulate them into the life of sex trafficking. In 1943, Abraham Maslow wrote a paper called: A Theory of Human Motivation. In this paper he introduced us to the “Hierarchy of Needs”. This model consists of 5 levels that explain our needs as they should be fulfilled.

We fulfill the first need, which is physiological, by providing food, clothing, and hygiene products. That is a need the trafficker fulfilled also. The second need is safety. While we will provide her with shelter, he will do the same and tell her he will protect her from the “bad guys”. He may house her with other girls in the same situation to show her that they trust him, so she should also.

We then offer her a solid support system in our team, reaching the third level of social needs and belonging.  People she can depend on to guide and comfort her. Our guidance is positive and comes from a place of love. His support appears to be the same thing at first. He tells her he only wants the best for her. Our support looks remarkably similar.

  Level four in the hierarchy is esteem. He is also telling her that she is special to him. She is the smartest, prettiest, and most valuable to him. She is not like the others. He loves her and only her. We too, are trying to restore her self-esteem. We encourage her to recognize her self-worth. We tell her she is valued as a human being. We try to convince her that we see her as more than the sum of her body parts. We try to refresh and rebuild her soul. 

Finally, we reach the pinnacle of self-actualization. This is where we show her a dream of her future self. Our team may show her a life filled with education, a career, financial independence, a home, and family. A life of fulfillment where she could become a mentor to others and restore and heal herself. 

Her trafficker sells a dream too. One where she no longer is sold, where she joins him in a loving, healthy relationship. They go on to get married, have a family, and he takes care of her. He makes it sound so attractive that she cannot see through his manipulations.  He makes her believe she is his partner, not his victim. 

So, how do we rise up against the deceitful promises of his serpent-like tongue? The Beloved Haven team starts by knowing him as well as we know her. We counter his influence with our stamina. We do not give up on her. That is the difference. We understand her relationship with him. We see that she needs understanding, and authentic love. We know she may be torn by her sense of loyalty to him. We know it may take her a few times of leaving and going back to the life she has known for years.  We do not give up. We give our clients a new vision of hope. We fulfill her needs with the legitimacy she deserves. Our devotion to her, unlike her trafficker, is unconditional. That is what makes Beloved Haven meet our clients’ needs for as long as they need us to do so. 

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Your financial gift helps Beloved Haven meet the needs of Human Trafficking Victims and Survivors in our Drop-in Center.

Beloved Haven Community Garden

There is a new community garden starting in your neighborhood, Beloved Haven Community Garden! Our mission is to be a haven of creativity and community while sowing the seeds of cooperation and collaboration in the minds and hearts of our community, cultivating sustainable agriculture practices, fostering artistic expression, building a community committed to sustainable land use, and encouraging personal growth. We have identified the land, developed the design for the garden, and are working on building a strong group of gardeners in the process!

We are asking your organization, business, or group to help the community garden get started. We will acknowledge your donation on our garden sign. Below is a summary of items in need:

1. 2-in x 8-in x 10 pressure treated lumber (40 pieces)

2. 2-in x 4-in pressure treated lumber (25 pieces)

3. Ground covering

4. Garden tools such as hoes, forks, spade, rake, trowel etc.

5. Topsoil (about 2000Ibs or more)

6. Common vegetable seeds (cabbage, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, okra, carrot, onion, green bean, bell pepper, etc.)

7. Countersinking interior/exterior wood screws

8. Gift Cards

9. Benches for the rest area

Thank you for your consideration,
Beloved Haven Community Garden

Tina Pennington- Founder/Executive Director

Dr. Felix Buabeng- COA Instructor/Program Coordinator, Agribusiness Technology

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Have a question? Want to donate items? Want to donate your time? Contact us today!

Jail Outreach Program Startup

We are so excited to be starting our Jail Outreach Program this Spring!! We will be heading up some guided activities in the women’s district jail and helping some potential clients begin to restore and heal. This has been needed for a long time and we love that we can finally announce that we have been approved to start. There are a few items we need to make this a success. We are looking for donations of guided journals and composition notebooks. These items are on our Amazon Wish List. We have provided the links below. Please include your name on a gift tag so we know who to thank! As always, thank you all for being such generous, caring partners of Beloved Haven!

View all the items here:

Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation is Everyone's Issue

It all started with a casual encounter with a young girl in the church. A brief conversation about a senior project. What evolved over the next several months changed my life forever. My eyes had been opened to a hidden crime that was incurring right here in my own community called human trafficking. A crime that exploits the most vulnerable in society. Traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to lure their victims and force them into labor or commercial sexual exploitation. In the case of this young girl, it was a family member, someone she deeply trusted and loved. Familial trafficking is perhaps one of the most difficult types of domestic sex trafficking to detect.  From an extremely young age, sometimes since birth, violence and abuse become a part of a child’s life, with rape and sexual abuse beginning as young as possible.  Imagine being a child and the adults intended to care for you are not safe. Imagine your mom or dad or even another family member is causing harm to you or allowing someone else to harm you. Imagine that instead of protecting you they are enabling this abuse to happen and often intensifying it themselves. 

This was the first story I heard. My introduction to human trafficking. A topic that many people find difficult to talk about due to the nature of this crime. But I knew I had to do something. The exploitation of women and children is a horrific abuse of human rights. This violence is being done to girls and women in their homes and in their communities.  But what are we supposed to do? Pretend it is not happening? I was not comfortable with that. We do not always get to choose what life will throw at us. Who will care for us? It is especially real and present threat for children in the foster care system who are scared, lonely and desperately seeking connections and relationships, too often without the same adult guidance and oversight as the other children. We, as a society can do more. We must do better to protect those at risk of trafficking and exploitation. Human trafficking is a crime that neither you nor I desire to see happening. We must fight it for our children and the generations to come. 

Hope and Support

Beloved Haven offers hope and support services to individuals affected by human trafficking and sexual exploitation. What exactly does that look like though? What does it really mean to offer hope and support?

 When a client comes into the Heart & Soul drop-in center, whether it is the first time or the tenth time, the hope and support offered by the Beloved Haven team remains the same. This does not just mean providing food, clothes, and personal hygiene needs. Those things are automatically offered and given. Hope, support, encouragement, and empowerment runs much deeper than surface needs and care at Beloved Haven. It is meeting the client at the door with a hug and a smile. It is sitting on the drop-in center couch and having coffee and letting the client narrate the conversation while our team listens mindfully and intently. It is giving words of love and empowerment to the client whilst allowing them to own their story and dictate the next steps. It is taking the time to play cards, do a paint activity, or journal with them. It is celebrating birthdays with cake and gifts and handing out small tokens of our appreciation to them for allowing us to be a part of their journey.

It is the endless hours of research and collaborative efforts of the Beloved Haven team to obtain even more necessities and options.

 It is contacting clients, as well as potential clients, regularly to check on them, letting them know the Beloved Haven team is still there for them in each moment of each day, whether they are in a transitional program or still in the streets.

“Hope and support are necessary elements for an individual to thrive, and these things are often taken for granted. Imagine a life where you have been robbed of all hope, support, and resources that are critical to progress. ”

Imagine barely crawling out of the darkest spaces in the darkest hours trembling with fear of embarrassment, judgment, and the unknown, with the feeling that no one will understand. How does hope and support change that narrative?

Hope and support changes that by being unconditionally loving, consistent, and compassionate. It is acknowledging trauma and recognizing strength. It is allowing tears to fall and smiles to come afterwards. Hope and support is creating a space for these beautiful lives to be seen, known, and loved. 

In Hope,

The Beloved Haven Team

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Your financial gift helps Beloved Haven meet the needs of Human Trafficking Victims and Survivors in our Drop-in Center.

Celebrating My Birthday on International Women’s Day

As a little girl, I never thought I would be the woman who has seen and experienced the things I have. I never pictured that life would look like waking up each day and figuring out how to keep my head above water for that day, because that task doesn’t look the same as it did yesterday, but still waking up grateful to no longer be drowning.

I remember the happiest of birthdays as a child, carefree and innocent, nothing able to bring me down.

I remember one birthday, inside of that motel room, underage and inebriated, then coming face to face with the person who would shortly there after expose me to the darkest nights of my life

I remember many birthdays following that day trapped in my addiction, praying that this dose would be the one to make me forget while hiding in my car because I couldn’t be in the same four walls as my current abuser

And then I remember the birthday, feeling my unborn daughter wiggle around inside of me

And I remember my last birthday, sharing my cake with my daughter, with tears of wonder and joy in my eyes, because that moment almost didn’t happen

And I walked into work today, with balloons and cupcakes waiting for me on my desk, with a smile on face, followed by the chance to provide hope and support to beautiful, deserving women, who never thought they would see and experience the things they did.

Today, on my birthday and international women’s day, as well as all the other days coming, I will walk along all the women in my life, helping them as they help me, to keep our heads above water.

To every single woman out there, I hope you make a splash today. 

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Path to Healing

 As we focus on aftercare for our clients, it is important to share with you how that looks for us and the challenges we may face as we walk this journey with them. There really is no typical trafficking victim. So many factors are present when someone is in the process of working through intense, deep-seated trauma. So, let us look at an average case that may be handled by Beloved Haven.

     Jane is 23 years old. She has a history of childhood sexual abuse by a family member. At thirteen, she met a 17-year-old boy who was charming. He told Jane everything a thirteen-year-old wants to hear. She was told she is pretty, smart, mature, and worthy. Jane spends all her free time with him and falls in love. After a few weeks, he convinces her to allow him to take intimate photos of her. She is happy in this relationship and equates all he does with love. At some point he asks her to do him a favor. He wants her to spend time with a friend of his. He owes this man money and does not have it. He promises it will only be one time. She loves him and she agrees. Afterwards he tells her how great she is and that he really loves her. He also tells her the encounter was recorded. He now has leverage, so when she refuses to be sold to strangers, he threatens to expose her. 

     She lives this life for the next 10 years. She develops a drug addiction, has two children that are now in the foster system, and her family has written her off as a “bad” kid. 

     When she reaches out to us, she comes to our Drop-In Center for food, clothing, and hygiene products. Not trusting anyone, she takes supplies and leaves. We see her again a few days later when she needs to come in out of the cold, and naps on our couch for a bit. This pattern is repeated until she stays longer, starts to open up to a staff member, and tells pieces of her story. Once she makes the tough decision to leave her trafficker and her situation, we collaborate with other agencies to find her safe, emergency shelter. She is given a support team and steps can begin to find her a place in a long-term program designed specifically for trafficking victims. 

     She may prefer a program out of state to eliminate threats to her safety or triggers. Before she can be transported, she needs identification. Jane was servicing men on her 16th birthday. There was no proud parent taking a picture of her with drivers’ license for their Facebook. We will need to take her to the DMV for an ID card. She has no home address or birth certificate. That will have to be ordered online. Jane has not seen a doctor or dentist in 10 years. She is having eye troubles and thinks she may have an STD. We will arrange appointments. She would love to get her GED, and maybe some college or trade classes can follow. 

     These are just the basics. The easy part. The tough part comes after. When she has quiet moments to sit with herself and reflect. The trauma rolls in like waves. The memories are there. The scars: emotional, psychological, and physical. Jane has been decimated by this life. She needs care, hope, comfort, and peace. She needs to be rebuilt. She is still 13. She is still a wounded girl. Trauma-centered therapy is key. She needs to see what a family can look like. She needs to see what a home can be. This process is long. It takes years. 

     Beloved Haven will walk alongside her and watch her growth. We will celebrate each milestone with her. We will be there if she needs us to help her restore her soul. We are hoping that soon, we will have a true home for Jane, and women like her, to settle in and complete this amazing journey. Please consider contributing to this mission.

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Your financial gift helps Beloved Haven meet the needs of Human Trafficking Victims and Survivors in our Drop-in Center.

The Beloved Haven Collegiate Challenge

Are You Missing March Madness? Are You Sad Spring Break is Gone? Longing For Cinco de Mayo? Wishing You Were At Mardi Gras? Well, How About Some Friendly Competition? Even Better…You Can Help The Fight Against Human Trafficking!

Join The Charity Challenge!!

It is College vs College

Sorority vs. Sorority

Fraternity vs. Fraternity

High School vs. High School

Team vs Team

Neighborhood vs Neighborhood

You Make Your Own Challenge, You Make Your Own Rules, You Raise the Money and Beloved Haven will be able to Get a Home for Trafficking Victims!

How do you play? Send a copy of our challenge letter to your rivals. When you both agree to the challenge, decide how you will compete.***

Trivia Challenge? Twitch Stream? Chili Cookoff? 

The goal is to raise as much money as you can for Beloved Haven and gain bragging rights for eternity! You can see where you stand on the bracket on our social media. Whatever group wins, will be featured in an Anti-Trafficking PSA!! Our goal is $100,000. The more groups join, the more we earn. Be the change, help humanity, and get those bragging rights!!! The competition will run from March 20,2021 – April 15, 2021

Download the Challenge Sheet Here:

A word from our Executive Director

Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. Each day we open our doors and greet our clients with unconditional love and respect. We recommit to constant learning, improvement and intentional development as a dedicated team. And, whether we have one client or five stop by the drop-in center, we live by a set of standards that show our clients that they are seen, known and loved always. You are welcome to join us. Schedule a tour of the Heart & Soul drop-in center and get involved. Bring your passion and talents and find out how you can change a life at Beloved Haven. You have love to share and receive! Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to say thanks for being an important part of this life changing work. Happy Valentine’s day!

- Blessings, Tina Pennington

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Love is in the Air

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