A Time to Give Thanks, from BSCC

A Time to Give Thanks

From: BSCC

“A time to give thanks—a time to let you know how you are making a difference.”

To all our funders: In this message, we give to you the warmest thank you for helping BSCC in its commitment to making a difference in our fight against human trafficking. Thanks to your gracious and generous funding, we have been able to serve hundreds of clients for more than 20 years.

Thanks to your funding, we have been able to help clients through our model: victim, survivor, thriver.

With sincere appreciation, Anne Hoiberg, President Marisa Ugarte, Executive Director

How we guide our clients: WE 1. Encourage: When clients are brought in, most times their confidence is crushed. They have been beaten, both physically and mentally to the point where the fight has been crushed from them. While we work to evaluate needs, and provide the immediate help a client needs, we also recognize the importance of human interactions. Persons that have been trafficked have been conditioned to believe they have no human value except to provide their handler with income. We speak to their human need for caring and personal interaction.

Clients at BSCC have not fallen into an impersonal system, they have been adopted by a caring family that truly will encourage them to recognize their worth.

2. Empower: When a client has been trafficked, all their personal power has been taken from them. They often feel lost and have no idea where to begin to rebuild their life. At BSCC, we teach them the steps and give them power to take those steps with confidence, knowing that we will be with them every step of the way as they learn and grow. No one is ever alone and left to figure it out. We are with them, letting them take steps, while supporting them through every new step they take.

3. Excellence: Our clients achieve excellence. We have college graduates, women accepted to advanced degree studies and thriving in business. We have seen women go on to help others. Some have even returned to their home country to help others who have experienced what they have overcome. We have seen women reunited to their families, raising their children in safety and security, reclaiming their lives, and achieving their dreams.

Success Stories E is a 23-year-old woman from Guatemala. As a minor, she experienced abuse and neglect perpetrated by family members and friends. She ran for safety, coming to the United States. Upon her arrival in San Diego, E stayed in a temporary juvenile shelter until she reached the age of 18 years. At this age, young people are considered “aged out” by the system and she had to leave. Where could she find a safe haven? She was referred to BSCC where she welcomed BSCC’s efforts to better her life and assist her in the process of achieving a thriving form of living. She indicated that she benefitted from the care and assistance she received.

With E’s extraordinarily courageous attitude, she catapulted her life into one of resiliency. Her story is a successful one because she seized the opportunities made available to her through the support and services provided by BSCC. Through her determination, E achieved permanent residency status that allows her to work and further her studies to become a contributing member of society. The BSCC team of case managers and the Executive Director felt justifiable pride in observing this young woman overcome the obstacles that life presented to her at such a young age.

E successfully obtained employment while building a positive support system role-modeled by her BSCC case managers and the Executive Director. This year, she became engaged and married a respected individual of the community. BSCC’s staff strongly believes that E’s progress has expanded in her spiritual growth, inner strength, and personal empowerment. Her journey in these areas began three years ago when she first arrived at BSCC. Her case managers and Executive Director are eagerly waiting to see the amazing mother she is going to be to the child she is expecting.

Success Stories G is a 29-year-old client from El Salvador. Her life was ripped apart when she was imprisoned by gang members and forced into prostitution. They abused her and threatened her and her family, until she found the courage to escape. Her goal was to find a better life in the United States, but the road to freedom was not easy. After she arrived in Mexico, G was kidnapped. Again, she found the inner strength and courage to escape. She then journeyed to her destination, the United States. In San Diego, G was referred to BSCC where she was supported and assisted on her path to healing and overcoming her troubled past.

Three years ago, G gave birth to a beautiful child who is the bright star of BSCC. After obtaining a work permit, G became employed in a meaningful position and purchased a car. For the other BSCC clients, G stands as an example of a courageous and successful woman, a champion of overcoming abuse, kidnappings, and human trafficking. She provides support for others who are seeking help in their journeys. G strives to receive a promotion at work and plans to enroll in ESL classes.

Success Stories R is a 28-year-old from Spain, who was referred to BSCC as a victim of human trafficking. Living away from her family with no support system, R found herself alone, manipulated and abused by someone she thought she could trust. As a foreign victim, she also was overwhelmed by the complexity of a challenging legal system that intimidated her as she tried to understand the process. BSCC’s Executive Director advocated for R, appearing in court at her side and guiding her along the legal steps. Through this support, R revealed her strength and resiliency that had been buried by the trauma and fear of her prior life.

R has taken advantage of BSCC’s comprehensive services, including housing, therapy, financial assistance, and legal guidance. On her journey, G can move on to achieve her goals and dreams. Enrolled in school, R is pursuing a computer programming degree, while attending therapy. She also volunteers at BSCC and offers to share her expertise and life lessons with other clients in need of a helping hand. R was married in a beautiful ceremony attended by her friends and family from Spain and San Diego. R is a success story because she, along with others, took advantage of the services and support provided by BSCC and reinforced by the many partnerships established by the Executive Director.

Success Stories M is a US citizen; she came to us from another organization here in San Diego. M was in need of transitional housing. M has no support from family but has the motivation to move forward to complete her goals and aspirations to make a difference in her life. M came to us, and she was attending school. She spoke to her case manager about how she wanted to complete her schooling in Cosmetology and receive her Cosmetology license to attend clients on her own.

M was provided a 1-bedroom apartment and case management support while she worked part time and attended school full time. M was able to save money and purchased a vehicle. M completed school and continues to work. M is very appreciative with BSCC because BSCC provided her with the trust, support, and independence to work on her goals, while allowing her to live the way she has always seeing herself living, on her own. M is a success story because she, along with others, took advantage of the services and support provided by BSCC and reinforced by the many partnerships established by the Executive Director.

Your Support has helped BSCC • BSCC’s 24/7 Hotline received 440 calls in 2021; • Provided 31 victims temporary hotel stays; • we provided transportation to appointments, employment, school; • 6 Survivors were able to return to their city of origin; • 67 clients received direct services to build skills, self-esteem, and begin their journey of healing; • BSCC launched our new Occupational Therapy program, with the mission of empowering Survivors in the workplace; and • BSCC in collaboration with our partners launched a Self-Defense Class.

As We Look Forward to the New Year Our Goals for 2022 • BSCC will continue to advocate for Survivors and launching our new campaign to promote awareness of the dangers of human trafficking.

• BSCC will provide direct services to victims to become Thrivers living independently, free from fear, and looking forward to a new life.

• BSCC will continue to provide our emergency services, transitional housing, and implementing innovative projects empowering Survivors.

• We hope for your continued support.

Our Staff

Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition With sincere appreciation: Anne Hoiberg, President Marisa Ugarte, Executive Director

Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition “Combating Human Trafficking in the Americas” 24-Hour Emergency Trafficking Hotline (619) 666-2757 121 E31st Street, Suite A National City, CA. 91950 Phone: (619) 336-0770 E-Mail: info@bsccinfo.org Website: www.bsccoalition.org