By Marlena King, Love146 Employment & Education Manager
They made it! Several youth in our Survivor Care Program are starting college this year! They’re each the first generation in their family to attend college. As a first-gen college grad myself, their journey excites me beyond words. I’m honestly so proud of them. For these remarkable young survivors, this step isn’t just about textbooks and lectures; it’s about building a future free from trafficking and exploitation. After so much hardship and significant time in Love146’s care, getting here is a monumental achievement worth celebrating BIG TIME.
Love146 donors have been investing in these youth for some time and our work doesn’t stop as they step onto campus. We don’t send them off and close the case.
We’re right there with them, stepping onto campus together, going on tours, sitting in orientation, and meeting with academic advisors. We connect them with essential resources on campus like tutoring centers, disability support, counseling services, health centers, and clubs. We’re safety planning around things like housing, transportation, and weekends.
As you can imagine, (and as research confirms) being a freshman in college brings vulnerabilities to exploitation. So our commitment remains strong through this major life transition. And we’ll continue to support them for as long as they need us.
Let me tell you, these youth are motivated. They have a dream for their future. They know where they’re going from here. And your support fuels this transformative journey by allowing Love146 to be there for survivors for the long haul. With your help, youth can dream big, beautiful dreams and then, make those dreams happen.
Your gift can make a difference for these youth and many others who we’re reaching with our Survivor Care or Prevention Education programs. Together, we’re breaking cycles, empowering survivors, and creating lasting change.
