Since 2002, Shared Hope has partnered with Jamaican nationals to combat the burgeoning domestic sex trade and address the increasing need for awareness, restoration, and justice. Shared Hope directly combats the sex trafficking of Jamaican women and children by partnering with a local organization to provide safe housing and holistic restoration programs for at-risk or commercially sexually exploited youth.
Montego Bay
Home of Hope, through funding from Shared Hope, can offer restorative care to six young women who have become pregnant as a result of commercial or familial sexual exploitation or who are at risk. Residents are received with love and grace into a safe and caring environment.
Since 2010, this Jamaican Home of Hope has welcomed these young women and their babies into the home and offered non-resident services to some in transition. Each young woman receives education and life skills development that includes information to help her prepare for her baby’s future – everything from financial planning to managing a household and proper nutrition.
Montego Bay’s Home of Hope offers a government-recognized job-training curriculum, which guarantees post-graduation employment, an essential aspect of survival for young mothers. Past graduates received top awards and have been recognized among the student leaders. These young scholars offer hope to their fellow residents and illustrate an example of success, determination, and accomplishment in a life free from sex slavery.
Women’s Investment Network
As with all Shared Hope’s international partners, there is an aspect of the Jamaica Home of Hope that prepares residents for independence. Because the residents are typically school-age girls, the primary focus is on helping them prepare academically, with classes being essentially on-line at this time. In addition, young mothers need support and assistance to acquire basic life skills, develop parenting skills, and learn to handle finances. All share in cooking and cleaning responsibilities; some are able to work part-time outside the home while others learn skills such as sewing school uniforms and masks to sell.
