Major Tim Sheehan, State Coordinator, and Lauren Arnold, Anti-Human Trafficking Program Manager of the Salvation Army Delaware discussed the Restoration Now campaign to build awareness of the issue in Delaware. Major Tim explains their work in outreach, training and community partnerships to reach victim of trafficking is in keeping with the original founding of the Salvation Army. Today they offer emergency shelter and trauma informed case management to the mostly women they serve to help them on their journey to heal and rebuild. We discussed the forms of human trafficking, sex work, child and personal care, menial labor in homes or landscaping, and personal services including nails salons or massage businesses. They described the victims as ‘vulnerable’ with childhood trauma including past sexual abuse and poverty; many are trapped by financial need or language barriers. Lauren described the process of building trust and acceptance, then providing the multiple services they can offer, including emergency housing, court accompaniment, educational guidance and even scholarships, housing and employment help, life skills and mentoring. They spoke of the partnerships who help with their work such as law enforcement, medical and educational providers and the public for donations, of services, money and even simple items such as toiletries, socks and personal care supplies. To learn more go to SalvationArmyDE.org
