Through Saving Innocence, survivors are becoming advocates
We partner with Saving Innocence to expand their case management services to meet the growing demand for frontline services to youth survivors. Learn more about our partnerships here.
In 2019, Saving Innocence brought on two new survivor advocates to facilitate prevention groups and work with youth one-on-one in juvenile halls and group homes. One survivor advocate was so excited to be able to be put in a position to give to the kids in the places where she was once living. Here’s what she had to say:
“I grew up in the halls, with multiple foster families, and care facilities, and it feels really good to re-enter these places in a different role, without my hands behind my back.
I get to empower and encourage these girls and tell them about where I was, and where I am now. It is so enlightening when I explain my experiences, and it helps them to be able to dream about the future and see their future in a more positive way to get out of ‘the life.’
When youth start to ask me about my story, I give a brief background about myself, how I know what it’s like to sit in the cells, and what it is like to be on the streets, and they are able to ask me how I got out.
I just tell them it is a constant struggle of battling where you want to be, and where you are. I remind them that there is support within the walls, and encourage them to utilize the support.”
- Da’Onna (Survivor Leader)
*Names have been changed