The Program
At Cedar Refuge, we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing space for children who have been recovered from sex trafficking in America. Our vision includes creating a long-term healing sanctuary for kids under 12 and boys up to 18, where they can heal from trauma, regain their sense of childhood, and develop life skills in a supportive, self-sustaining environment.
Our programs and services are being designed to offer holistic care, meeting the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of every child we serve. We will offer:
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We will provide secure and comfortable living spaces in a peaceful, rural environment. Our long-term housing ensures that each child has a safe place to heal and rebuild their lives, free from fear and instability for as long as they need it.
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Healing from trauma is at the core of our mission. We will offer specialized therapeutic services, including individual counseling, art therapy, and holistic approaches like equine therapy.
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Education is a key component in providing a brighter future. We will offer academic tutoring, vocational training, and life skills development such as building healthy relationships, budgeting, cooking, and personal safety. Children will have the opportunity to learn at their own pace, with a focus on their individual needs and abilities.
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In addition to academic and therapeutic programs, Cedar Refuge will provide a variety of recreational opportunities to support physical and emotional well-being. These will include physical education, horseback riding, gardening, animal care, nature walks, art, outdoor adventures, and more.
Our approach is rooted in collaboration and a deep understanding of the unique needs of minor trafficking survivors. By working closely with therapists, survivors, and experts, we are building the best possible healing program. Drawing from a wide range of therapeutic practices, including trauma-informed and holistic care, we are committed to a tailored approach that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
We believe it is essential to create an environment where healing can unfold at each child’s own pace. Our team will consist of licensed professionals, educators, and caregivers, all dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized, and long-term support.
We are a faith-based organization with a deep love for the Lord. While we believe that through Him all things are possible, we welcome children to come as they are, with no expectation or requirement to adopt Christianity. We believe that God loves each child unconditionally and desires their healing, regardless of reciprocation.
Our first priority is securing a large property in Northern California. This will be the foundation of Cedar Refuge, where we will create a self-sustaining ranch with space for housing, therapy centers, classrooms, and areas for recreational activities. Once we have the property, we will begin developing the space to meet the needs of the children we serve.
While Cedar Refuge is still in the startup phase, our vision is already inspiring hope and building awareness in the communities we aim to serve. The need for long-term, specialized care for commercially sexually exploited children is overwhelming, with hundreds of thousands of children needing care in the United States alone.
We are committed to ensuring that every child who enters Cedar Refuge has access to the best care possible—supporting them as they transition from a life of exploitation to one of healing and restoration. The programs we plan to offer will help children:
