A New Shelter for Sex Trafficking Survivors

Our staff has shown to be heroes through this pandemic time and time again. Daily life is looking different at Grace House, our home for child survivors in East Java, Indonesia. We continue with partially quarantined operations with limited in and out activity. All staff who can do their work from a distance are doing so, while others have signed up for multi-day shifts to limit the number of entrances and exits per week. As you can imagine, everyone, girls and staff alike, would like things to get back to normal as soon as possible. However, we are gearing up for the long-term as the COVID-19 crisis is predicted to have a broad and devastating impact in Indonesia. 

Recently, one of the young survivors in our care had a medical emergency and needed to spend a few days in the hospital (not COVID-19 related). She was accompanied by her house mom who was a source of comfort and support during a scary situation. This house mom knew the risks and stayed in the hospital amidst a global pandemic because of love.

The girls and staff have also made adjustments academically, ensuring that education remains a priority. The girls now have access to virtual classes and have been able to maintain continuity. It is important that each of them continue catching up in their academic levels as well as not falling further behind. The staff have also worked very hard to ensure that the girls stay productive and have access to program activities and projects to keep them engaged and excited. Quarantine has allowed for an opportune time to learn new skills both in the kitchen and technologically. There is no doubt that relational bonds will be strengthened through this chaotic time, and we are grateful to have such a dedicated team to keep the shelter safe and thriving amidst a pandemic.