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First-ever ceremony recognizes self-sufficiency
By Rachel Vo
At the Network of Emergency Trafficking Services’ (NETS-OC) first-ever graduation ceremony March 17 in Anaheim, Calif., 16 female and male victims of human trafficking received certificates of achievement to recognize significant strides in achieving self-sufficiency.
NETS-OC provides comprehensive case management services for victims of human trafficking currently living in and/or who were trafficked in Orange County. Since its establishment in 2009, NETS-OC has served over 50 victims of sex and labor trafficking and their families as part of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force.
The day began with a three-hour workshop for current clients to hear from other survivors of human trafficking. They discussed shifting from “victims” to influential advocates working against human trafficking, emphasizing the sense of power and strength gained in promoting societal change.
Sherri Harris, NETS-OC program director, then welcomed the audience of 50 members from faith-based organizations, non-profit agencies, and community volunteers and mentors who were integral to the support and emotional recovery of the graduates. Clients—from NETS-OC and its partner agency, Community Services Program (CSP)—were presented a certificate of achievement and a small gift by his or her case manager.
“[The Salvation Army] has always walked side by side with me to support and help me make decisions for myself,” one client said. “Slowly, you began to walk behind me so I could do more by myself. One day, I will look back and not see you anymore. And that is scary, but I know that I can handle it on my own.”
The ceremony concluded with a prayer from Major Jessica Elgart, assistant social services secretary in the Western Territory.
