Wellspring Living, a grantee of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, is a nonprofit that serves survivors of sex trafficking and those at risk for exploitation. Based in Metro Atlanta, a city with one the highest rates of human trafficking in the United States, the organization provides therapeutic services, education and employment support to its clients.
“Atlanta has the largest income inequality in the nation,” says Christian Murphy, chief executive officer of Wellspring Living. “That means widespread poverty, homelessness and other factors leave young people vulnerable to sex trafficking. The stereotype of trafficking is a kidnapper with a van, but often, the victim is a child or young adult who has been exploited because they do not have another way to survive. We help participants by providing tools and resources to develop the courage to move forward and the confidence to succeed.”
SUPPORTING SURVIVORS OF EXPLOITATION
Wellspring Living’s services focus on mental health, life skills and case management for survivors and those at risk of exploitation. For example, its Women’s Academy, Wellspring Living focuses on two areas:
- Adult Education. Participants in the program receive support as they obtain GEDs.
- Career Readiness. Participants also can access professional development training and apply to paid apprenticeships with corporate partners.
Because 72% of Women’s Academy participants are mothers living in poverty, the program reduces barriers to participation by providing transportation assistance, meals, child care stipends and housing vouchers. Wraparound services — including group counseling, financial literacy, enrichment events and cooking classes — also are offered to participants. To date, the Women’s Academy has served more than 880 survivors and expects to serve between 70 and 100 survivors in 2024.