ADVOCACY FOR YOUTH: Supporting Human Trafficking Survivors

The Everstand Compass – February 2025

 

Human trafficking is a difficult subject that many prefer to avoid, yet it’s essential for everyone to understand.

According to the U.S. Department of State, “any person who is recruited, harbored, provided, or obtained through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjecting that person to involuntary servitude, forced labor, or commercial sex qualifies as a trafficking victim.” In the U.S., victims are mostly subjected to sexual and labor trafficking, caught in dire situations and lacking freedom of movement or choice in their circumstances.

While much focus is placed on rescuing individuals from exploitation, what happens after their escape is just as important. That’s why Everstand is committed to standing beside, standing up for, and standing strong with survivors or suspected survivors of human trafficking.

HOW WE SUPPORT SURVIVORS

Our efforts include participating in comprehensive programs such as the Regional Navigator Program (RNP), which provides community education as well as support for survivors. In 2024, Everstand’s RNP staff doubled thanks to expanded funding.

Through a single-point-of-contact service coordination model, we provide access for trafficking survivors to coordinated, trauma-responsive services as well as culturally competent, comprehensive, and holistic trauma treatment. This intensive care ranges from assisting with immediate needs to addressing long-term recovery, and can include trauma-certified therapists, psychiatric care, co-occurring substance use treatment, and connection services like life skills training, recreational activities, and legal advocacy.

The Regional Navigator is also able to communicate across jurisdictions to ensure the survivor’s needs are met, even if those needs cannot be fulfilled within the county.

Efforts of this program also reach into the community. In November 2024, the Regional Navigator Program had the privilege of providing continued public awareness and education on human trafficking—specifically sex and labor trafficking—within the Anne Arundel County Public School System. At Chesapeake High School and Severna Park High School, this initiative reached over 135 students.

In addition to the efforts through the RNP, in 2024 and 2025 Everstand helped organize and participated in the Anne Arundel County Human Trafficking Public Awareness Red Sand Event. During the event we presented about the work we do to combat trafficking and help survivors and suspected survivors of human trafficking.

As part of our advocacy efforts, Andrea Carroll, LCPC, CCTP, Director of Behavioral Health Services at Everstand, joined members of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force in early 2024 to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee and Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in favor of House Bill 508/Senate Bill 550.

Expanding the definition of “abuse” in Maryland to include labor trafficking of a child, this bill ensures that suspected child labor trafficking is reported to Child Protective Services and that survivors of child labor trafficking in Maryland are connected to Regional Navigator Programs and resources. Through our advocacy, this bill was signed into law by @govwesmoore on April 25 and went into effect on October 1, 2024.

OUR HISTORICAL COMMITMENT

Everstand’s efforts to support human trafficking survivors is not new. Over the years we have done much important work to combat trafficking, including:

  • Everstand’s Regional Navigator Program (RNP) has provided community-based support to survivors of human trafficking in Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2021.
  • Everstand’s Lotus Program has provided specialized residential care in Maryland for female survivors and suspected survivors of sex trafficking since 2018.
  • The Lotus Program gained national recognition in 2023 at the Association of Children’s Residential & Community Services (ACRC) Annual Conference in Minneapolis. Some of Everstand’s directors presented on their application of harm reduction concepts in residential care for survivors of sex trafficking.
  • In 2023, Everstand worked to help pass legislation in Maryland that protects the rights of survivors via the Safe Harbor Act and secures ongoing funding for victim services programs.

For more information about the RNP and Lotus Program and the incredible impact they have on real people’s lives, refer to our 2024 Annual Impact Report (pages 6-7).

KEEP LEARNING

As Nelson Mandela says, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Heeding this advice, learn more about statewide efforts to combat human trafficking in our primary service areas using these links:

Everstand stands as a beacon for youth and families, equipping them with vital tools that build resiliency for life’s greatest challenges. This includes anyone affected by human trafficking, and we are committed to helping them create a path forward.

Regional Navigator: “The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy funded this project under subaward number RGNV-2025-0005. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal agency.”

LOTUS/Trauma Treatment and Support Services for CSE Youth: “The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy funded this project under subaward number VOCG-2025-0066. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal agency.”

 

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Breaking Barriers for Families


$10,000 Grant from the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation for Everstand’s Parent Support Group and Therapeutic Drum Circle Programs

Everstand is proud to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation to support the creation of a Parent Support Group and a Therapeutic Drum Circle program at its Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC) in Pasadena, Maryland. This generous funding will enable Everstand to provide vital, evidence-based mental health services to families and youth in Anne Arundel County and beyond.

“We are deeply grateful to the Giese Foundation for their generous support, which has made it possible for us to offer a regularly scheduled Drum Circle to aid in healing from complex trauma,” said Bradley Spoon, LCPC, CCTP, Clinical Supervisor for Everstand’s Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC). “Their contribution is also helping us provide essential parenting support and training groups for families of children with severe mental health needs. Together, we’re fostering healing, resilience, and a stronger, more compassionate community.”

The Parent Support Group will offer parents and guardians a safe and supportive space to learn effective parenting techniques, build confidence, and reduce feelings of isolation. Over the course of three 6-week sessions, parents will gain valuable mental health education and peer support, helping them better navigate the challenges of raising children with mental health needs.

The Therapeutic Drum Circle, a unique musical therapy experience, will engage youth in rhythm-based activities using percussion instruments. This innovative program will help participants process trauma, develop communication skills, and discover healthy ways to cope with stress, fostering personal growth in a supportive environment.

Kathy Wiles, daughter of Brian Giese, shared: “Everstand struck us as a quality organization after impacting family friend’s children who recently were adopted through foster care. We have seen first-hand the growth of daily functions due to evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care through individual therapy and parent coaching. It’s a long road ahead and Everstand’s therapists have been integral to providing vital tools for our friends. One particularly impressive aspect from the organization is the investment in helping parents understand best practices in encouraging a healthy attachment style. They provided direct tools in caring for their kids and understanding behaviors and trauma responses. Thank you, Everstand, we are very excited to partner to encourage more impact on the community by expanding access!”

Both programs will track outcomes to ensure measurable impacts, using tools like the Parent/Client Impact Survey and assessments designed to capture improvements in emotional well-being and family dynamics.

“Everstand is committed to enriching our community one family at a time,” said Laurie Anne “LA” Spagnola, MSW, President & CEO of Everstand. “This grant will allow us to address critical mental health needs by creating spaces where families and youth can find healing, connection, and hope.”

Everstand thanks the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation for their partnership in expanding access to essential mental health services in the Pasadena community. For more information about these programs or to get involved, please visit the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic page on our website or email omhc@everstand.org.

About Everstand

Everstand’s holistic range of services include residential programs, mental and behavioral health support, trauma recovery, case management, and educational services. We stand as a beacon for youth and families, equipping them with vital tools that build resiliency for life’s greatest challenges. With roots dating back 150 years, we pledge to stand beside, stand up for and stand strong with those we serve.

In 2024, Board of Child Care began doing business as (dba) Everstand. It’s legal name and Federal EIN remain unchanged. Our intention is to maintain our legal name of “Board of Child Care of the United Methodist Church, Inc.” to provide easier continuity with our operating licenses, state and federal databases, state and federal registrations, trademark office, our finance and HR teams, and referral sources.

About the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation

The Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation is a grant-giving family foundation dedicated to supporting faith-based initiatives and partnering with local nonprofits that advocate for youth. With a focus on making a lasting difference, the Foundation is committed to creating and implementing God-loving causes, specifically related to the future generations. Please visit the Brian and Patricia Giese Foundation’s website to learn more about their great work.

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Invitation for Bid – Food Service Management Company

Invitation For Bid (IFB)
Food Service Management Company (FSMC)

For:
School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program

Issued by:
Board of Child Care of the United Methodist Church Inc., DBA Everstand
3300 Gaither Rd
Baltimore, MD 21244

Date of issuance

September 10, 2024 at 10:00am

Intent

This solicitation is for the purpose of entering into a fixed-price-per-meal contract for providing food services for Everstand, hereinafter referred to as the Agency. The statements, items, and criteria set forth herein are the minimum requirements to be provided in the bid submission and the contractual agreement.

Bid Submission and Award

  1. Sealed bids on the document provided and any accompanying documents must be submitted to Finance Department
    at finance@everstand.org by 5:00 pm EST on September 27, 2024.
  2. Agency reserves the right to reject any or all bids, if deemed to be in the best interest of the Agency.
  3. Each Food Service Management Company (FSMC) must submit a complete response to the Invitation For Bid (IFB) No other distribution of a bid is to be made by the FSMC. A responsive FSMC must complete and submit Parts I, II, III, and all applicable Resources and Appendices.
  4. Award shall be made to the responsive and responsible FSMC whose bid is most advantageous to the Agency. A responsible FSMC is one who’s financial, technical, and other resources indicate an ability to perform the work as required by this solicitation.
  5. Bids tendered by mail should be addressed to Finance Department and mail to 3300 Gaither Rd. Baltimore MD 21244 with the exterior of the envelope plainly marked, “Food Service Bid.” Allow enough time for delivery to meet the due date.
  6. If more than one bid is offered by any one party, by or in the name of another entity or person, all such bids will be rejected.
  7. FSMC is expected to be fully informed of the conditions, requirements, and specifications before submitting bid. Failure to do so will be at the FSMC’s own risk and FSMC cannot secure relief on the plea of error. If the FSMC desires to personally examine/visit the job site(s), contact: Jordan Doster at jdoster@everstand.org and copy finance@everstand.org on the message.

Download the full bid packet, instructions, and specifications here. 

Questions

A pre-bid meeting is not scheduled.

Questions regarding this IFB must be submitted by email to finance@everstand.org not later than five calendar days after the issuance of the IFB. Written answers to questions that change or clarify the IFB will be provided to all prospective FSMCs.

All sealed bids due by 5:00 pm EST on September 27, 2024. 

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Everstand Q2 2024 Core Values Award Winners

It is our pleasure once again to announce the winners of our Core Value Awards!

Shannon D —Safety

Here is what her nomination said:

"During a recent campus emergency, Ms. Shannon was the first responder when a staff member was injured. She took charge of the situation, leading the injured staff to safety and managing the environment by directing others to call 911 and gather necessary supplies. Using her first aid skills, Ms. Shannon stabilized the injured staff member until EMS arrived.

"Her commitment to safety is evident as she consistently takes the lead in crises, effectively utilizing her communication and TCI skills to deescalate situations. Ms. Shannon ensures the well-being of both staff and youth, proving to be an invaluable team member."

We are fortunate to have such a dedicated and capable individual on the ECDD team.

Chris B—Relationships

Here is what his nomination said:

"Mr. Chris is one of the lead 1;1 staff and he has such a great relationship with our students. He will show up and help deescalate a situation with a student and always have a smile on his face. He will step up and help when needed and never complains. We need more staff like Mr. Chris."

Congratulations, Chris, and thank you!

Toni H.—Empathy

Here is what her nomination said:

"Ms. Toni is an exceptional Youth Care Professional (YCP) who is highly valued in her unit. She is known for her kindness and dedication, building strong connections with the youth. When a youth began exhibiting concerning behavior, such as excessive cleaning, discarding usable items, and neglecting hygiene, Ms. Toni promptly reported these issues to the care team. Her deep empathy and daily presence allow her to offer valuable insights and support, effectively addressing the youth's concerns with understanding and compassion."

Devin M.—Impact

Here is what his nomination said:

"As a new Unit Supervisor, I was trained by Mr. Devin, who was also managing two units and training a new TTM at the time. He thoroughly reviewed all policies and procedures with me and demonstrated effective leadership at Everstand. Thanks to his guidance, I felt well-prepared to lead my team and have since achieved significant success. I’m grateful for Mr. Devin’s support and continued willingness to assist. I want to acknowledge him as an outstanding TTM and leader in our company."

Congratulations and thank you, Devin!

Teamwork Always:

Here at Everstand, teamwork is a major contribution to the success of our organization. For our 'Teamwork Always' moment today, I would like to recognize the Administration team for their incredible collaboration with the Marketing team to roll out the new Everstand Swag. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated, and we can't wait for everyone to enjoy the awesome new gear!

Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you for making Everstand a great place to be!

SAFETY as a mindset—We value life, spirit, and health above all else and take action to maintain the safety of our workplaces, programs, and services through a trauma responsive lens. We are personally accountable for our own safety and collectively responsible for the mental, emotional, and physical safety of our community.

Foster RELATIONSHIPS within our community—Openness and honesty with all stakeholders make for both the best program outcomes and team culture. Inclusive practices are the building blocks for trust. We create space for conversations that grow transparency about our decisions, promises, and understanding of one another.

Listen and respond with EMPATHY—Empathy will guide our programming and culture at all levels. A supportive work and program environment means valuing the voices of all people, ensuring equitable representation, and growing a desire to know and understand others. We recognize that with empathy we will better understand what type of care and encouragement to provide.

IMPACT drives lasting change—We seek to make lasting change in the lives of those we work with by providing services that are inclusive, measurable, and durable. We maximize our impact by investing in staff and board development. Feedback presents opportunity for action, which enhances and strengthens our programs and their outcomes.

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Caminos® Program: Providing Safe, Supportive Spaces for Recently Migrated Youth

The Caminos® program provides safe, secure placement options for children who have recently migrated to the United States and are seeking opportunities for reunification with family, as well as the chance to pursue their education and legal immigration cases.

  • Short-Term Shelter Care
  • Long-Term Foster Care
  • Home Study/Post Release Services

According to the US Customs and Border Patrol, the agency encountered more than 152,000 unaccompanied minors at the southern US border in fiscal vear 2022 (FY2022), an all-time high. These children travel to the US, seeking a safer future, away from the violence, economic instability, environmental challenges, and other hardships they face in their home countries. Upon their arrival. there are few resources available that would give them the support and guidance they needed to reunite with family and integrate into American society. Everstand saw an opportunity to respond to the needs in the communities that we serve – places rich with diversity supported by immigrant and recently migrated populations- and the Caminos® Program was born.

“I am thrilled that as an organization, we stepped into that space to provide those services. And [we] did it not knowing how much of a need would come over the decade. We have now been serving the population: there was a tremendous need in 2014 and that need has only multiplied over the past 9 or 10 years” said Kelly Berger the Executive Director of Caminos® Programs.

Unfortunately, the need for such a program continues to grow as children flee their countries, driven by fear and the inability to feel safe.

The Caminos® Program provides short-term shelter care, long-term foster care, and home study/post-release services, designed to facilitate safe, secure placement options for children who have recently migrated to the United States and are seeking opportunities for reunification with family, as well as the chance to pursue their education and legal immigration cases. One of the most important aspects of the program is consistency and the relationship and trust that Caminos® Program staff can develop with the children in the program’s care.

Beyond providing these children with a place to live, the Caminos® Program is designed to ensure that recently migrated youth can acclimate to the cultural differences of the United States. “I think the greatest need is really acclimating them into society in the United States. I think many times, cultural differences would entail language barriers, how we celebrate holidays, our verbal and nonverbal gestures, and communication skills. I think, while respecting where these youth come from it’s also very important to teach them what could be respectful or disrespectful in the United States, said Jordan Jones, Program Director for Caminos West (Pennsylvania and West Virginia).

As Jordan recounted, much of the program staff are either immigrants or first-generation Americans themselves, so they are all extremely committed to the mission. As a child, Yefri Moya Gamez, a Case Aide on the Case Management team for the Everstand Baltimore Shelter program, immigrated to the US alone. “When I first applied for this [role with Everstand], I had already been through what the kids are going through right now. So, I’m driven just to try to help and share my experience with the youth. I explain to them if they stay focused in school and you learn English, they will do something here and have more opportunities here than back in our countries. So that motivated me to work here” explained Yefri.

With everything that the Caminos® Program does, it is designed to ensure that these children do not feel alone “It’s a care plan to help them. It’s not like we’re just getting them in and we’re just reuniting them but they have a plan, not just for reunification, but we’re setting them up for success – whether it is with the sponsor, making sure that the home is safe, making sure that the home is appropriate, or making sure that they have access to transportation and school. We’re not just shell-shocking them but taking them along the journey. They’re never blindsided; we don’t keep anything from them, but we very therapeuticallv aproach them in their situation.” said Sharnett Kelly, Program Director, Caminos® (Maryland).

The Caminos® Program also offers unique services to the children it serves “We also have two therapists in-house, which is my first experience working in a program where we actually provide [therapy] to our clients in the community, which is amazing. These kids get therapy once a week-in their house or at Starbucks or on a basketball court – just to process the trauma and the violence that made them leave their countries. It’s called peri-migration trauma.” explained Michael Lynch, the Assistant Program Director for Caminos® Home Study/Post-Release Services.

Ultimately, the Caminos® Program is not just about providing recently migrated youth with a place to stay but placing them in a supportive, compassionate environment that can enable them to thrive despite the trauma and hardships they have faced. Everstand scales this work through the Caminos Nacional program, which utilizes the skills developed by Everstand in delivering the program and extends its reach by providing guidance, consultation, and grant management to accredited partner organizations so that they may also offer the Caminos service to these at-risk children.

“I think that a huge goal, for me, would be to establish ourselves as a stronger federal partner outside of just the Subgrantee relationship. I think we have the capacity to provide technical assistance at a national level on standards for training in this type of programming, especially in some of the areas that we already operate in, and balancing state licensing regulations. So, I think that there’s an opportunity to create an Everstand Caminos® online resource center or technical assistance platform that could be branded for Caminos® and used outside of our network to further increase our impact” concluded Emily Claure, the Program Director for Caminos® Nacional.

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Influential Female Social Workers

The Compass – March 2024

 

In the United States, March is recognized as Women’s History Month. March also happens to be Social Work Month! Luckily, at Everstand, we have many influential and impactful women who are also social workers. This month and next month we will celebrate our Social Workers and Clinicians and all the work that they do for our communities.

Social work is not easy; it requires empathy, compassion, skill in active listening and communication, cultural competence, patience, flexibility, and the ability to advocate for clients. Social work requires a heart of gold, and we are lucky to have so many incredible social workers at Everstand!

What exactly do social workers do, and how do they strengthen communities?

Social workers are at the front lines, addressing issues such as mental health care, economic insecurities, inequalities, protecting the vulnerable and so much more!

At Everstand, our Social Workers do so many amazing things for our youth, including:

  • Equip families with the proper tools to be successful through challenges and build resiliency for the future.
  • Connect children with families and resources.
  • Counsel kids going through difficult situations and help them build skills and independence.
  • Advocate in the community for vulnerable children.

 

The Most Influential Female Social Workers in History

Mother Teresa

For a lot of people, the first name that comes to mind when discussing female social workers is Mother Teresa. She was born in Macedonia during the year 1910 and, after spending around three decades in Yugoslavia, she shifted to India.

Mother Teresa dedicated her whole life pursuing social causes and one of her most standout efforts is the Missionaries of Charity. This is a Catholic congregation, operational in over 130 countries, and runs hospices and homes for people suffering from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and leprosy. They also run dispensaries, clinics, orphanages, soup kitchens, schools, and counseling programs for families and children.

As a result of her untiring efforts to help the helpless, Mother Teresa was awarded the Noble Peace Prize award in 1979.

Frances Feldman

A professor in the University of South Carolina, Frances Feldman’s groundbreaking research in the 1970s helped shed light on workplace discrimination against cancer patients. Her research revealed novel evidence that co-workers and employers often placed harsh (if not illegal) conditions on any cancer survivors within their organization. As a result of Feldman’s study, several states throughout the US made changes to the fair employment legislation.

For over five decades, Frances Feldman explored the psychological and social meanings behind life and work. She also developed the very first staff and faculty counseling center at the USC – a center that serves at the blueprint for the USA’s employee assistance schemes and programs.

Jane Addams

Jane Addams was the woman responsible for the creation of the Chicago settlement houses, considered to be the very first in the world. Addams studied and understood the poverty issues rampant in Chicago, and, as a result, established the House Services in the city. This Service included a library and gymnasium, and even conducted educational classes for both adults and children.

Jane Addams established the Philanthropy and Civics school in Chicago and was also elected the first women president for the National Conference of Charities and Corrections. Her social work and contributions led her to win a Noble Peace Prize Award in 1931.

Source: keyassetskentucky.com/the-three-most-influential-female-social-workers-in-history-2

 

Social workers continue to inspire and create change within our communities. Our very own CEO, Laurie Anne “LA” Spagnola is a Social Worker. Let’s continue to celebrate our Social Workers and the impactful work they continue to for our communities and our kids!

 

Rev. Amor Del Rosario
Director of Spiritual Life, Everstand

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40 Days of Positivity 2024 Calendar

Join Everstand on this year’s journey towards 40 days of positivity!

To encourage our team and community to strive for positivity, we developed an activity calendar with 40 days of prompts modeled around the core values of Everstand. Together, we will once again make a commitment this year to practice positivity and be kind to others—as well as ourselves.

Similar to last year, we are also facilitating an Imago Dei Lenten Bible Study. A five-week study written in the style of Lectio Divina—a four-step process where the community comes together to read, meditate, pray, and contemplate—our goal is to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion through the lens of the Holy Spirit.

To help in this endeavor, we have developed a 40 day calendar with prompts for thoughts and actions modeled around the core values of Everstand. We encourage everyone to participate in this as a joint effort for team members, residents, and our surrounding communities.

Ready to get started? Download these resources:

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Celebrating Black History Month

The Compass – Feb 2024

 

Black History Month, celebrated annually in February, is a time dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage, achievements, and resilience of Black people. While we reflect on the numerous contributions of Black individuals to society, it’s also crucial to address the challenges and disparities they face, particularly in the realm of mental and behavioral health.

The profound influence of historical trauma, systemic oppression, and social determinants of health within the Black community cannot be emphasized enough. These factors often exacerbate mental health issues, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions. Despite these challenges, there is a spirit of resilience and strength that continues to thrive within the community.

One area where the intersection of Black history and mental health is keenly felt is within the foster care system. For many Black children and adolescents, this system becomes a lifeline, offering support and guidance during times of crisis. However, it also highlights the systemic issues that disproportionately affect Black families, including poverty, inadequate access to healthcare, and overrepresentation in the child welfare system.

Throughout our programs, the importance of culturally competent care cannot be overstated. It’s essential to recognize and affirm the unique experiences and identities of Black youth, providing them with a safe and supportive environment where they can heal and thrive. This includes incorporating culturally relevant therapeutic approaches, acknowledging the impact of racism and discrimination on mental health, and fostering connections with positive role models within the community.

At Everstand, we are committed to addressing the needs of Black children and families with compassion and empathy. Through our culturally responsive programs and services, we strive to empower individuals to overcome adversity, build resilience, and create brighter futures. We recognize that healing is not a one-size-fits-all journey and are dedicated to providing personalized care that meets the unique needs of each individual we serve.

As we reflect on Black History Month and honor the legacies of those who have paved the way, let us also recommit ourselves to creating a future where disparities are eliminated, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society where all voices are heard, valued, and uplifted.

In closing, let us remember the words of Maya Angelou:

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” May we face the challenges ahead with courage and compassion, knowing that through unity and understanding, we can create positive change for generations to come.

 

Rev. Amor Del Rosario
Director of Spiritual Life, Everstand

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Human Trafficking and Difficult Conversations

The Compass – Jan 2024

 

When you’re talking about something uncomfortable, you can often feel the discomfort present in the room. Human Trafficking as a subject is no exception, especially when one considers needing to navigate this conversation with young people who may have no idea they may be vulnerable but must be taught what the warning signals are just in case.

Through Everstand’s Regional Navigator Program, we are engaging with our community to bring awareness. This year, as part of Human Trafficking Awareness month, Everstand will be participating with the Anne Arundel County Human Trafficking Awareness Red Sand event and presenting about the work we do to combat trafficking and help survivors and suspected survivors of human trafficking.

Our CEO, LA Spagnola, recently gave a webinar to Pennsylvania State University attendees about human trafficking awareness and how Everstand’s therapists and care team help program participants move forward in their lives from the trauma they experienced from trafficking.

Everstand sent out information to its staff during Human Trafficking Month so that we can educate and make our talent aware of the signs of trafficking. Here is what was shared:

Highlights of some of Everstand’s important work to combat human trafficking and empower survivors:

  • Everstand’s Regional Navigator Program (RNP) has provided community-based support to survivors of human trafficking in Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2021.
  • Our RNP is kicking off 2024 with exciting growth: our staff will double thanks to expanded funding!  This comes as Maryland has recently expanded Regional Navigator Programs to now cover 22 of 24 jurisdictions in the state.
  • Everstand’s Lotus Program has provided specialized residential care in Maryland for female survivors and suspected survivors of sex trafficking since 2018.
  • The Lotus Program gained national recognition in 2023 at the Association of Children’s Residential & Community Services (ACRC) Annual Conference in Minneapolis. Some of Everstand’s directors presented on their application of harm reduction concepts in residential care for survivors of sex trafficking.
  • In 2023, Everstand worked to help pass legislation in Maryland that protects the rights of survivors via the Safe Harbor Act and secures ongoing funding for victim services programs. In Maryland’s 2024 legislative session, Everstand plans to support the efforts of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force to pass new legislation to codify protections for labor trafficking survivors and expand the impact of Regional Navigator Programs statewide.

Many thanks to our Lotus and RNP teams for the impact they have on our youth, families, and communities each and every day! Throughout this month Everstand will be promoting human trafficking awareness via our social media platforms – please follow and share to help spread the word.

Here are links to statewide efforts to combat human trafficking in our primary service areas:

What can others do to help? Start with not being afraid to talk about the hard stuff.

 

Rev. Amor Del Rosario
Director of Spiritual Life, Everstand
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