Jamaica
Montego Bay
Negril
Women's Investment Network
Since 2002, Shared Hope has been working hand in hand with Jamaican nationals as they combat the burgeoning domestic sex trade and address the increasing need for awareness, rescue and restoration. By partnering with local organizations, Shared Hope is able to directly combat the sex trafficking of Jamaican women and children through safe housing and holistic restoration programs for at-risk or sexually exploited youth.
Montego Bay
Home of Hope
One such home, through funding from Shared Hope, offers restorative care to six young women at any given time. Their residents arrive in various stages of pregnancy, burdened with fear and shame. The Montego Bay Hope House receives them with open arms, love and grace into a safe and caring environment. At times, they receive residents referred from our Negril Hope House, another Shared Hope International Partner in Jamaica. This local partnership has ensured that all women in crisis will be offered a safe place to go.
While the number of residents fluctuates depending on the stages of pregnancy, this Jamaican Home of Hope welcomed a total of 22 young women in 2010 on campus and offered non-resident services to some in transition. Each young woman receives education and life skills development, as well as information that help her prepare for her baby’s future – everything from financial planning to managing a household and proper nutrition. Last year, Hope House’s direct intervention and life-giving services ensured the healthy delivery of seven beautiful babies, and equipped several mothers with the ability to support themselves and their children.
Montego Bay’s Hope House offers an intense educational and training program from which four girls graduated this year. This government-recognized job training curriculum guarantees post-grad employment, an essential aspect of survival for young mothers. Two graduates received top awards and one was recognized among the student leaders. These young scholars offer hope to their fellow residents, pushing past their victimization and claiming their place as survivors. We are so proud of their accomplishments!
Negril
Home of Hope
Shared Hope International has partnered with the United Church of Negril and other funders to build a Home of Hope in the area. After much planning and hard work, the safe house was completed in 2009 and officially opened its doors on October 1, 2010. In addition to basic accommodations, the home also offers an up-to-date computer center, game room, sewing center and library for residents. This amazing respite for victims of sex trafficking provides up to six residents with 24-hour rehabilitative care which includes education, life skills and therapy. These successful programs have solidified the Home’s reputation as an excellent center of care in Jamaica.
Currently all residents are enrolled in education programs and one of the proffered certified HEART-level programs. (HEART is a government training program that requires students to pass Grade 9 before becoming eligible to take the HEART entrance exam. This vocational training program provides skills that will guarantee job placement in their community.) The campus opened last school year with 48 students in the following core classes: English, Math, Computer, & Life Skills. Each student also has the opportunity to learn a certified skill in Housekeeping, Cosmetology or Lifeguarding. Of these, 17 students specialized in Cosmetology last year while 10 specialized in Lifeguarding. All students have also taken 30 hours of entrepreneurial training for the possibility of opening their own business. Aside from daily classes, the staff works hard to ensure there are ample programs of interest to engage the residents in positive campus activities, a welcome balance to these hard-working students.
Recognizing the specialized needs of their residents, staff will occasionally opt to relocate pregnant young ladies to the Montego Bay Home, where these mothers-to-be can receive the level of care needed. This strategic partnership has proven very fruitful as both facilities work to rescue women and children in Jamaica’s sex trade. The Negril Hope House believes that it’s crucial to provide the personalized care, tools and training to young people so that they can make positive choices for themselves. These are the principles behind all of their programs, a proven success.
Women's Investment Network
The Negril Home of Hope offers three options to pursue in vocational training: housekeeping, lifeguarding, cosmetology and printing services. Most young women pursue cosmetology, learning the skills of giving facials, manicures, pedicures and more. All young residents are eager to adopt this trade and proud to practice their skills on any willing visitors!
The print services training challenges students in the areas of marketing, branding, and design. Students create a variety of products such as menus, table tents, brochures and flyers at a reduced fee for local hotels, restaurants and small businesses. Both the cosmetology center and print services will be a welcome source of revenue for the training center and home. Included in these programs is a specific section on Career choice, which offers students more comprehensive advice on career decision-making, problem solving and conflict management. Both of these unique professions will allow students to run their own business by capitalizing on the tourist industry within the local community.