Project Anchor- adolescent victims of sexual abuse

Updates

During the summer, group members learned about the nature and impact of sexual abuse. They developed the courage to disclose their own stories. Participants discussed the roots of abuse and the "fruit" that has been produced as a result. They took a personal inventory of their emotional/mental trauma and created individual maps of what they needed for their healing process. Facilitators utilized various art projects and group activities to help members work through each of these concepts/stages.

The girls have developed special relationships with one another and the facilitators. They are feeling more comfortable with expressing their feelings and openly processing their pain. This group will conclude in the beginning of September and will re-open for new enrollment again at that time.

Needs

Fair Haven would greatly benefit from receiving more funding to purchase additional working space to effectively run our programs.

We are still interested in purchasing monetary gift cards for local fast food restaurants and coffee shops.

We need to refill our incentive basket which has a variety of candy, lotions, make up, hair accessories, and other small trinkets.

We would also like to buy more games, activities, snacks and water.

A lack of transportation can be a hindrance to program enrollment and participation.

As always, we want to thank you, on behalf of the staff and participants of Project Anchor, for your generous support of our program and our mission to help the hurting youth in our community throughout the year.

Success

Fair Haven held our annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) community event in April. This year we had a color run/walk. The Anchor girls were given shirts from Fair Haven to wear the day of the event. Despite the dreary forecast of bitter cold weather comprised of rain and snow they still attended the event. In addition, their family members wore shirts in support of their daughters. It was a memorable sight to see our Anchor group members walk together in honor of sexual assault survivors in the community. 

We held a celebration ceremony for group participants who completed the spring cohort. We filled their stomachs with pizza and baked treats and gave them a farewell gift that had a self-care focus. We asked our young females to provide feedback about their group experience and asked them for suggestions for future cohorts. The general consensus was that they liked having snacks and incentives and utilizing art to express their emotions. Several of the members made connections with one another and we encouraged them to continue to reach out to one another despite the group ending.

We began our new cohort in the beginning of May. We already have a full group and anticipate receiving more referrals once the school year ends. We will work with this cohort through the summer and plan to hold another celebration ceremony in August.

Needs

Fair Haven would greatly benefit from receiving more funding to purchase additional working space to effectively run our programs.

We are still interested in purchasing monetary gift cards for local fast food restaurants and coffee shops.

We need to refill our incentive basket which has a variety of candy, lotions, make up, hair accessories, and other small trinkets.

We would also like to buy more games, activities, snacks and water.

A lack of transportation can be a hindrance to program enrollment and participation.

As always, we want to thank you, on behalf of the staff and participants of Project Anchor, for your generous support of our program and our mission to help the hurting youth in our community throughout the year.