Unique Life Plan (ULP).
Courage House will provide a comprehensive, holistic, Unique Life Plan (ULP) for each girl at Courage House. These rescued girls will be provided a safe place to heal as their physical, emotional, psychological, psychosocial, spiritual, educational, and reintegration needs are met. The following is a brief synopsis of the needs that will be a part of each girls’ ULP.
1. Basic Physical Needs.
Safety.
Universally, experts agree that a residential facility needs to be safe and secure in order to establish physical and emotional safety for these girls, which are essential ingredients for their recovery. In addition, safety for the staff is also paramount and both will be ensured in the following manner: an undisclosed location, security cameras and alarm systems, 24 hour staffing, security guards, staff and residents buzzed in and out of facility, drug testing, random room and backpack checks, no personal use of the internet, no cell phones, pre-approved/screened phone calls, mail and personal visits, maintain close relationships with law enforcement and development Individual Safety Plans (ISP) for each resident.
Shelter/Home Type and Location.
There is a great deal of debate as to the best location for a stand-alone residential program for domestically trafficked girls. One argues that being within an urban area provides easier access to services and programs such as medical providers, therapists, education and recreational opportunities. The other argues that the optimum location for recovery is in a rural area where the distance from city limits provides an added measure of security from former traffickers and will make it more difficult for a girl to run from the home on an impulse. Urban areas near where the exploitation occurred provides daily triggers for old behaviors while being in a rural, emotionally neutral setting nullifies those same triggers.
We have chosen to locate Courage House in a rural area since we will provide the bulk of all resources and services in-house and on-site. Courage House will be cottage style as opposed to dormitory. The cottage setting provides a smaller, more intimate environment for the girls. There will be a main structure on the property which will house the kitchen, family room, classroom, exercise room as well as 2 guest bedrooms. Separate cottages on the property will have 4 bedrooms in each which will provide rooms for 1 house mom and 6 girls. There will be no more than two girls to a room. Girls will be grouped by similar age and/or stage of recovery. The initial budget will reflect 2 cottages for a total of 12 girls and 2 house mothers.
Clothing/Personal Items.
Each girl will receive clothing that is new and sized especially for her and deemed age appropriate. Each girl will also receive all needed toiletry items. Girls will be able to choose items to personalize her room that reflect her personality and preferences.
2. Physical Health
Medical Screening/Routine Care – As a part of her ULP, each girl at Courage House will be provided medical, dental, eye and other recommended preventative care by licensed professionals. These professionals will prescribe any necessary individual treatments and/or drugs required. Only authorized Courage House personnel will administer treatments and/or drugs.
Fitness and Nutrition. In each ULP, there will be a fitness and nutrition plan based on a girl’s individual needs and preferences. A varied menu of food and resources will be provided.
Body Image Programs. A healthy body image, as opposed to a weight loss or weight gain program, is crucial in repairing and strengthening a girl’s damaged self-esteem caused by the trauma she has experienced. Research has shown that a healthy body image lends itself to increased self-esteem and has shown significant results in decreasing depression among adolescents. Self-esteem is not increased by competing with and beating another individual. Self-esteem is increased by competing with ones own self and self-imposed limitations, conquering fears and accomplishing a goal by hard work. The resources we will provide at Courage House to facilitate this component of each girl’s ULP could include but are not limited to be non-competitive sports and instruction in such activities as kickboxing, Pilates, hiking, swimming, modeling (i.e. proper posture and deportment), fencing, dance, horse back riding, snowboarding and individual exercise techniques.
Adventure Trips. A minimum of one annual “fitness” adventure will be incorporated into each girl’s ULP. While training for an adventure trip promotes overall body fitness and a healthy body image, it also promotes belonging to a group with a common goal, individual and group goal setting, developing trust between members, pushing beyond prior physical limits and conquering fears. All of these components foster a healthier total self image and increased positive self-esteem. Ropes courses, mountain hikes and white water rafting trips are just a few of the resources identified as C2BU Adventure Trips.
3. Mental Health
Symptoms of Sexual Exploitation Overview.
“People who go through traumatic experiences often have very specific symptoms and problems afterward. How severe these symptoms are depends on the person, the type of trauma involved, and the emotional support they receive from others. Reactions to and symptoms of trauma can be wide and varied, and differ in severity from person to person. After a traumatic experience, a person may re-experience the trauma mentally and physically, hence avoiding trauma reminders, also called triggers, as this can be uncomfortable and even painful. They may turn to alcohol and/or drugs to try to escape the feelings. Re-experiencing symptoms are a sign that the body and mind are actively struggling to cope with the traumatic experience. Triggers and cues act as reminders of the trauma, and can cause anxiety and other associated emotions. In many cases this may lead a person suffering from traumatic disorders to engage in disruptive or self-destructive coping mechanisms, often without being fully aware of the nature or causes of their own actions. Panic attacks are an example of a psychosomatic response to such emotional triggers.
Consequently, intense feelings of anger may surface frequently, sometimes in very inappropriate or unexpected situations, as danger may always seem to be present. Upsetting memories such as images, thoughts, or flashbacks may haunt the person, and nightmares may be frequent. Insomnia may occur as lurking fears and insecurity keep the person vigilant and on the lookout for danger, both day and night.
In time, emotional exhaustion may set in, leading to distraction, and clear thinking may be difficult or impossible. Emotional detachment, as well as dissociation or “numbing out”, can frequently occur. Dissociating from the painful emotion includes numbing all emotion, and the person may seem emotionally flat, preoccupied or distant. The person can become confused in ordinary situations and have memory problems.
Some traumatized people may feel permanently damaged when trauma symptoms don’t go away or they don’t believe their situation will improve. This can lead to feelings of despair, loss of self-esteem, and frequently depression. If important aspects of the person’s self and world understanding have been violated, the person may call their own identity into question. These symptoms can lead to stress or anxiety disorders, or even post traumatic stress disorder, where the person experiences flashbacks and re-experiences the emotion of the trauma as if it is actually happening.” (1)
Treatment Overview.
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT).
After much research and consultation with mental health professionals, each girl’s ULP at Courage House will incorporate weekly one-on-one sessions with a licensed mental health professional specializing in TFCBT. The idea of trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy is to help patients expose themselves in a controlled manner to traumatic memories and feared situations, and to identify negative thought patterns about themselves, their traumatic experiences and the world. Thus patients are better able to challenge and attempt to change these negative thoughts. Since these “patients” are adolescents and teens, play, art and drama therapy will be used to facilitate healing mentally and emotionally.
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT).
A lack of trust is a very common symptom suffered by all young girls who have been sexually abused and exploited. The ability and willingness to trust again is a difficult but a necessary step in order for these girls to experience emotionally, healthy and happy future relationships. Very often these children can learn to trust and love adults again by first learning to trust, love and care for an animal. An Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) program incorporates horses for just that purpose. It is collaboration between trained and certified clinical professionals working with the girls and with horses to achieve specific goals. Sessions are intense and effective, often resulting in breakthroughs much more rapidly than other therapies or learning situations. Horses are social animals that have complex relationships within their herd. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. The size and power of the horse can be intimidating to many people, and afford the opportunity to overcome fears. Horses also serve as a mirror reflecting what human body language and energy levels are telling them. With all
(1) Wikipedia – Psychological Trauma
these qualities and traits, horses provide endless opportunities for metaphorical learning. EAT is not a horseback riding program. Instead, sessions use ground activities with the horses which require the participants to develop or apply skills. Much of the program focuses on non-verbal communication, and learning to be completely present in the situation. Participants learn creative thinking and problem-solving, while developing trust, assertiveness, and leadership, teamwork and relationship skills. The immediate feedback nature of working with horses builds confidence and promotes healthy self-esteem, enabling the girls to accelerate progress through their goals. Each girl will be given responsibility for the care and upkeep of “her” horse as well as times for pure recreational riding as a physical fitness choice.
Preparing Girls to Testify.
When many of these girls are first recovered from their abusive situations, they do not see themselves as victims or their experiences as abuse. As a part of each girl’s ULP for mental and emotional recovery, they will be encouraged and prepared to testify, if they chose, against their perpetrator in a court of law. Whether they formally testify or not, this process of their recovery will assist them recognizing their pimp/lover as their capturer, controller and exploiter which is an important factor for emotional healing.
Small Groups.
The small group’s interaction piece of a girls’ ULP is facilitated by Courage House staff and/or a trained therapist to create a safe place where the girls can begin to tell their story in their own way. Emotional healing is promoted and accelerated as an individual realizes though their experiences are unique, their struggles and fears are often not. Small groups promote a sense of belonging and community. Small groups are a place where one can be encouraged to find their authentic self and just be themselves. Small groups or righteous girlfriends are a group of people who love and believe in each other. Each member holds each other accountable to be honest with themselves and one another. Often in a small group setting, peers can see things in and about another that cannot be seen alone. A small group is a place where the girls can encourage and be encouraged, empower and be empowered to be and do all they were created to.
Grandparent Mentoring.
This resource of the ULP strives to satisfy the adolescents’ need to belong, feel loved and special thus foster emotional health, an increased sense of worth and self esteem. This program will match a volunteer with only one child, whose passion is just to love a child. Grandparent mentors will include “grandfathers” as a way to introduce a non-threatening method of healthy male relationships. While these relationships are one-on-one they will be conducted under the supervision of Courage House staff and will require a time commitment by the volunteer of one year, as well as meeting the same screening and training requirements of all Courage House staff and volunteers.
4. Education.
Assessment & Academic Curriculum.
Each girl’s ULP academic focus will begin with functional literacy when she enters Courage House but can proceed up to a University degree. A girl’s academic goals are only determined by her desires and aptitude. Included in the educational portion of a girl’s ULP will be assessments for learning disabilities as well as current educational level. Learning disabilities, low grades and overall poor performance at school are common in exploited girls. As all of these lead to low self-esteem and makes these children easy targets for manipulation and exploitation by adult pimps. All educational classes will be conducted on-site and through California’s home school program or through the Charter School Program.
Academic Tutoring.
While a dedicated educational professional will be on staff and held accountable for developing, teaching and overseeing the academic portion of each girl’s ULP, one-on-one tutoring will be also utilized. Individual tutoring is an important ingredient to ensure the girls have the math, critical thinking, analytical, writing, computer and study skills necessary to feel confident in academics thus increasing their self-esteem and education/career options. Tutoring will encourage individual goal setting as opposed to competitive performance, challenging each girl to strive for her personal best. In this setting, it will also be possible to ascertain individual learning styles and then equip the adolescent with methods to ensure success in attaining her educational goals. Volunteers from the local community will be recruited for tutors provided they meet all screening and training requirements.
Study Groups.
As with all other components of the ULP, C2BU strives to promote opportunities and encourage healthy relational interaction and attachments between the girls. Formal and informal study groups are a peer to peer method of accomplishing just that. The girls will be provided a reserved place and time to study together, supporting each other in their academic goals in a non-competitive manner.
Life Skills Instruction.
Due to the abusive situations the girls come from and the transient nature of their young lives, the majority of the girls at Courage House will not have had basic life skill instruction. Each girl’s ULP will include the following instruction commonly taught by a loving parent. ; Personal Healthcare (i.e. hygiene, effects of drugs and alcohol, First Aid, common illnesses and prevention.) Sex Education (i.e. Concepts of Healthy Love and Affection, Understanding Your Own Body, HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Disease, Pregnancy, Prevention and Childcare); Legal Rights and Resources (i.e. NGO and Government Resources, Relevant Laws, Gender Issues); Social & Relational Skills (i.e. Protection and Keeping Safe, Assertiveness Training, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Anger Management, Healthy Relationships With Men); Home Skills (i.e. Cooking, Cleaning, Gardening). Financial Responsibility (i.e. Money Management, Budgeting, Danger of Debt, Saving, Giving)
Vocational Training. Recognizing that not all girls will choose to pursue further a university education, classes and vocational training will be offered at Courage House
(i.e. cooking, computer, art, graphic design, sewing and any other area the girls express an interest in will be offered, if at all feasible).
Volunteer and Job opportunities. Internships at the offices of Courage to Be You, Inc. and at Courage Conferences and Cafés will be offered to the girls when it is age appropriate as well as emotionally appropriate to do so. Positions such as such as data entry, office work, conference greeters, merchandise sales representatives, and peer mentors are just a few opportunities the girls will have to use skills they have learned and talents they have recognized. Career shadowing opportunities will be made available to the girls at businesses in the local communities.
College Campus Tours. For those girls who do desire and aspire to a college education, this program will provide a menu of college options, degree choices and campus visits which equips, encourages and empowers each girls’ independence and the pursuit of her unique purpose and passions.
5. Spiritual Healing and Guidance.
Courage House is a Christian organization and as such will model the unconditional love of God, expound on the girl’s identity as a child of God, demonstrate the benefits of forgiveness, show and require relational kindness and tolerance of each other’s failings, have the ability to see the girls as God sees them, offer redemption, confirm that each girl was created on purpose for a purpose, encourage them to dream big, live large and laugh loud while challenging them to have the courage to be and do all God created her to do. The girls will be exposed to various Protestant, Catholic and Jewish methods of prayer and worship as well as given the freedom and resources they may need to worship and practice faith rituals however they choose. While participation in services are encouraged, they are not mandatory.
Uniqueness Assessment.
Life Coaching sessions will be provided to each girl individually and in group sessions by a certified coach and will be a part of each girl’s ULP. Life Coaching is a powerful relationship for people wanting to make important changes in their lives. Coaching offers the accountability and encouragement to make those changes. It is a relationship where one person is committed to help another clarify their life’s purpose, provide tools for action, and motivation for change. A life coach provides feedback without judgment but consistently reminds the girls of her heart’s desire. A Uniqueness Assessment is a tool to identify strengths, values, talents, gifts, dreams and desires unique to each girl and will be used to develop her portion of her ULP with regard to purpose and passion. The Life Coach will also assist each girl in developing her own Transition Plan (TP) that will focus on self-sufficiency and independent living.
Uniqueness Celebrations.
These events will showcase and celebrate each girls’ uniqueness and giftedness. These events build confidence and team work among the girls. Fashion Shows, musical recitals, drama performances, newsletters (produced, written and edited by the adolescents for adolescents) are just a few ideas for these celebrations that will be used as a component of establishing and celebrating a healthy self esteem, body image and team work.
Spiritual Retreats.
Retreats are “get-aways” to encourage reflective thought and behavior in the quiet, beautiful and powerful setting of nature. Retreats provide unique opportunities to equip, encourage, and empower individuals to discover and fulfill their God given purpose, promote their uniqueness, encourage their dreams, and increase their self esteem all while listening to the still quiet voice of God that can only be heard in the silence of wide open spaces.
6. Opportunities to Serve Others.
Local Service Projects.
Courage House will partner with other local non-profit organizations and churches to provide opportunities for the girls to make a difference in the life of another in the area where they live. While most of Courage House’s resources focus on the girls and their Unique Life Plan, we believe it is important to provide a balance and offer opportunities for the girls to also focus on the circumstances and needs of others. Service opportunities could include, but are not limited to building homes with Habitat for Humanity, sorting food at the Second Harvest Food Bank, serving meals to the homeless, or reading to an elderly person at a nursing home. Service of this type promotes leadership skills, team building, decision making and increased compassion capability.
International Service Project.
Courage to Be You has staff in Tanzania, Africa and has been bringing volunteers to Africa since 2005 with the purpose of making a difference in the life of another. This portion of a girls ULP focuses on meeting the needs of others in a culture that is very different from their own. This program promotes a strong sense of community and belonging among the girls, their adult traveling companions, and the individuals being served. A “giving back” mentality is stressed to the girls, as well as an appreciation for their current life circumstances. Training is provided for 6 months prior to the trip. Language classes, cross-cultural sensitivity and understanding, as well as specific service skills will be taught during that time. The girls participating in this project will gain independence and confidence that goes along with traveling abroad, as well as an expanded world view, enlarged thinking, and broader options for career choices. With this type of service experience, self absorption found common in teens is decreased and their lives, as well as those they touch, are often changed in a profound manner. Working with kids in an orphanage, offering food to the hungry in a remote village and teaching English in a rural school are just a few of the experiences the girls will have. In order for a girl to participate in this project, her individual ULP goals will have to be met and/or up to date as well as being recommended by her therapist.
7. Family Involvement/Reunification.
Every effort will be made to ascertain the whereabouts and make-up of each girl’s family, whether biological or foster. Reunification is a goal in each girl’s ULP but only if it is a healthy (both physically and emotional) relationship for the girl.
8. Reintegration and Follow-Up.
The holistic care received by the girls at Courage House, as outlined above, is designed to promote healing in all areas of their lives, restore their self worth and to help them realize they were created on purpose for a purpose. However, another important component of each girl’s ULP will be to prepare them for reintegration into society as healthy, whole, and productive young women. Young women who will be able to care for themselves and benefit their communities by living lives of purpose and passion. This care will have included educating them about the dangers of high risk behaviors such as trafficking, prostitution as well as drug and alcohol usage once they are living on their own. Each girl’s ULP will include viable means of avoiding those behaviors after reintegration through education and vocational training and how to empower others to avoid high risk behaviors. Safe living arrangements, further education opportunities, job assistance, health-care and counseling will all be topics addressed in each girl’s written, transitional plan, one that she will develop herself, with the assistance of a C2BU Life Coach.
The education and care girls receive at Courage House is strengthened by the attitude of our organization that they are being adopted into a family, the Courage House family. They will receive consistent, planned follow up by Courage House staff after they transition to independent living. We plan to keep loving them and demonstrating that love with planned phone calls as well as personal visits. Our desire is to continue equipping, encouraging and empowering them to be and do all God created them to as if they were our own children. We also intend to invite the girls to return to Courage House to share their stories and mentor new girls coming into the home.
