HER serves vulnerable young women ages 18 to 25, all of whom have experienced complex trauma such as substance addiction, sexual exploitation, early pregnancy, and homelessness. Staff members commonly hear from them that they have little sense of agency and little sense of choice. So across 24 months, each woman (or “peer”) co-creates a roadmap for her life. Trained staff develop relationships with peers using a trauma-focused approach, creating trust, and supporting women through immediate crises first. They then work with them toward long-term recovery, emotional healing, and self-sufficiency by offering one-to-one support (case management), skill building, workforce development training, and connections to mentors. Since its founding as a survivor-led organization, HER has walked side-by-side with 3,200 young women. Many return to encourage new peers and all find community on their path to independence.
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