LIFT’s Model of Connection™
Our Model of Connection™ program provides ongoing support for people in “The Life” (Systems of prostitution), thinking about exiting “the life”, actively exiting “the life”, or who have exited.
“HARBOR gave me an opportunity to be a part of an empowering movement among a bunch of women where I could feel safe, comfortable, & wanted.
HARBOR made me feel like I was important to somebody, and they believed in me enough that I started to believe in myself.”
— Victim Advocate, HARBOR Program
The LIFT Model of Connection™ recognizes that exiting and recovery is a journey, it is not linear, and is not limited to one outcome – sobriety quantified only by an arbitrary number-of-days data point. Instead, the journey of exiting systems of prostitution is tailored to the individual which is why person-centered support is critical to producing positive outcomes. Though exiting looks different for everyone, elements of successful support systems remain the same: comprehensive care and connection to community. LIFT works with participants through all stages of exiting no matter where they are in that process. Most importantly, all LIFT programs are designed and implemented by Survivors ensuring that support is specific to the needs of the population we serve. The second element, connection to community, is substantially underutilized in traditional models of support, with devastating results. Exiting cannot be maintained in a vacuum and transition into independent living (which usually occurs in early recovery) is a vulnerable time for our participants. LIFT exit services prioritize community involvement including identifying area support networks and resources to support individual exit plans. This looks like job-training programs, educational programs, support groups, healthcare networks, and other community-based services coupled with ongoing survivor case management services from LIFT. Neglect of the community connection component virtually guarantees an experience of isolation and abandonment for people who have just exited, which increases risk of relapse and death by overdose, and the risk of violence at the hands of sex buyers and traffickers especially when they have just exited.
Main Activities / Impact Areas:
Survivor Case Management • Drop In Program • Transitional Housing Assistance • THRVE • TAP • Support Groups
Do you or does someone you know need this support?
Survivors, we’re with you.
If you or someone you know is looking for support or to exit the sex trade, please reach out to our team.