The Formations Project provides specialized services to those who have experienced human trafficking and/or exploitation. The organization has built a community of survivors. Legal aid, mental health counseling, emergency housing are just a few of the needs met. The Formation Project also works along side the Tri-County Human Task Force helping to identify individuals of human trafficking.
The Formation Project helps survivors of human trafficking put their lives back together. They focus on giving survivors a safe space, counseling, mental health, recovery from addiction, dental health, physical health, and help them get ID’s. They help with GED preparation and job searches. Many survivors have been branded by their traffickers and TFP will guide them to tattoo shops with knowledge of trafficking to get them removed. TFP can also guide their clients through the legal system as many have records they would not have if they weren’t being controlled by their trafficker. Many times, these records can be expunged. Most survivors go back to their traffickers a few times out of fear or because the shame is too hard to process or because their body is screaming for whatever drug they are addicted to. This makes the process emotionally exhausting and frustrating. The case managers at TFP understand the obstacles and work tirelessly to meet people where they are at without judgement.
When I did the training to become a volunteer at TFP, I was new to recovery myself. They helped me discover my purpose in helping others. I had no idea human trafficking was a thing in America.
I am now on the Education & Prevention subcommittee for the Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force. I volunteer at places where I see the sad and dark truth about it and we are incredibly lucky to have The Formation Project here in Charleston to help these victims get their lives back and turn into caring members of society that often take their success and pay it forward.