By Lois Lee | President
Francine's mother handed her over to a known sex offender on her 19th birthday.
Francine suffered a mental breakdown after her violent experience with the man who forced her to prostitute for food to eat and a place to sleep.
She witnessed the pimp murdering another victim, a girl who tragically passed away in her arms.
The pimp controlled all aspects of her life.
He stole her identification, social security card and birth certificate.
She was frightened.
She fled as soon as there was an opportunity.
She was listed as "missing and the police found her five months later...when she was trying to jump off a bridge.
Law enforcement placed her in a secure mental health program for several months and it was now time to move on with her life.
Like many other youths, her rescue by the police marked the beginning of a formal investigation into her trafficker.
The known sex offender has an extensive record and history of sexually exploiting countless children.
A detective has provided Francine the support she needed to accept a secure facility with a mental health component.
She has a history of seizures, mental illness, including PTSD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.
The hospital provided her with prescription medications to help manage her mental health symptoms; however,Francine fears her health challenges will hinder her placement in a suitable safehouse.
Family support is not an option for Francine.
Her older siblings, have lied to authorities to protect their mother, who actively aids the trafficker.
Her father’s passing has further isolated her, and her other extended family members,who are reliant on public assistance, are unable to provide the help she needs.
As part of our ongoing efforts, we have involved our police liaison to coordinate with probation and law enforcement.
Because of you, our generous donors, we can fund relocation services to another state, but this requires careful collaboration with members of law enforcement.
Francine wants to enroll in our one-on-one ZOOM tutoring program but first things first- we need to assure she is stable and safe.
Prosecution of these cases can take a year, sometimes longer.
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