One Voice Home receives grant to better help sex trafficking survivors

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - One Voice Home has received a grant of $15,179 from the Texas Bar Foundation to assist in funding for training.

Since 2011, there have been 300 reported cases of sex trafficking in our area; 36 investigations happened last year that led to 16 arrests.

Marketing specialist for One Voice, Michaela Dubec, says the services it offers wouldn’t be possible without financial support.

“We’re not able to do all these kind of things without their support, especially trainings and stuff like that. To continue our knowledge is just such an important factor of it,” Dubec said.

At One Voice Home, that training includes multiple therapy methods that help staff understand trauma. It teaches them how to help build a survivor’s self worth, and helps them understand how these situations are different for everyone.

“It’s just getting to know like that it’s not based off of a scale that you can just easily access like it’s per person,” Dubec said.

The organization has two programs: the Journey program and the Haven program. The Journey program allows the survivors to live with the staff as they heal. The Haven program, geared more toward children, allows them to live at home and go to school while receiving help.

Dubec says no matter who it is, they are constantly working to help.

“It’s just really like day in, day out healing and just working through that and being there with them for it,” Dubec said.

With 300 reported case since 2011, Dubec says human trafficking is not talked about enough on the South Plains.

“It’s a problem, and that’s why we’re here - to fill the gap of...where we can, and just be here for them,” Dubec said.

Dubec says it’s important to have conversations with your kids about sex trafficking as well.

“You never know, especially with like online and technology, it’s easy to fall into and without them even knowing about it. It can go just so unnoticed,” Dubec said.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or a trafficking situation you can text the word “HELP” to 233733.

If you are or know a supervisor who needs help, the number to contact One Voice Home is (806) 429-2192.

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