Our Work

The Underground provides prevention tools and awareness event programs to engage and equip the community into action against sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. We also have initiatives that directly support victims and survivors with their recovery. We equip and bridge individuals to advocacy and volunteer opportunities in the anti-trafficking movement, and every person who takes action is vitally important to this cause. We continue to see this model work, as we draw on the gifts and talents of the faith community and simultaneously avoid duplicating existing services and resources.

Survivor-Ally Partnership Mentoring Services: Our program empowers survivors and allies to work together as a team of mentors and advocates, walking alongside human trafficking victims living in the community in their journey towards healthy independent living. We serve victims of all races, genders, faith-expressions and walks of life with respect and dignity. 

The primary work of the mentor team is to come alongside those who’ve been exploited on their journey to freedom, creating a safe, consistent place for them as they take their steps towards healing and wholeness. Our mentors help mentees with both large and small goals, such as finding safe and affordable housing, gaining employment, celebrating milestones, and being a calm presence in an otherwise overwhelming world. Part of our offering includes supporting the growth of skills, helping victims become survivors. These include such areas as budgeting, time management, mental and emotional wellness, connections to local resources, and the like. In addition we work cooperatively with other agencies as part of the coordinated network of services available to meet each victim’s needs. We hope that each individual we serve will come to know their value and worth, and recognize that they are never alone in their journey. 

Trafficking Awareness Events: UGNE hosts panel-driven trafficking awareness events led by experts and Survivor-Allied Partners. These events create the space for the community to increase their awareness and understand what is taking place in the trafficking world present day, as well as practical responses they can take.  We provide awareness events geared towards youth, adults and mixed age groups. Click here to bring an event to your community today.

Safe House and Independent Housing Support: UGNE helps survivors self advocate and mediate their path to safe housing.

Career Workshops: UGNE conducts career workshops for both survivors of trafficking as well as youth who are at-risk of being trafficked. Finding a stable job that leads to a fulfilling career can be an overwhelming and difficult challenge to overcome, especially for those who do not have a community to provide guidance and career advice. We help provide job search resources, as well as necessary life skills like resume writing, interview preparation, and practical methods to maintain the motivation through the job-search journey. Takeaways from these workshops include key elements that will enable the participants to become successful in both their personal and professional lives.

Volunteer Training: UGNE equips volunteers with an overall understanding of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) as well as how to assist in anti-trafficking efforts. All training is conducted by the CEO and trained volunteers, and takes place at approved venues around the state of Connecticut.

Back-to-School Backpacks: We desire survivors of trafficking and those at risk to start their school year prepared and on a positive note. One of our co-founders and a survivor of sex trafficking, Theresa Leonard, shared with us how it felt when she had to go to school without the necessary supplies that the rest of her peers had. She remembers it made her feel unworthy and reinforced her vulnerability. These backpacks are dear to The Underground’s heart.

Enrichment Opportunities: The Underground has funded scholarships for minors who were survivors of sex trafficking. One scholarship allowed the youth to take therapeutic pottery classes and another allowed the youth to participate in animal assisted therapy with horses.

Emergency Backpacks for Homeless Youth: Unaccompanied homeless youth and young adults make up an often hidden population who are especially vulnerable to becoming trafficked and/or exploited. According to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, in 2020 there were more than 2,900 homeless youths in Connecticut**. These backpacks, filled with blankets, socks, toiletries, ponchos, notebooks, wallets, and other necessary items, enable individuals to be prepared. In addition, each backpack includes a resource card with important information including the Anti-Trafficking Hotline #. **https://cceh.org/data/interactive/PITresults

Care Kits: UGNE has been able to create care kits for survivors of sexual assault. To date, over 100 kits were distributed by the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence as well as adults at Coram Deo.

In addition, the Underground provides:

• Temporary Financial Assistance toward furthering education and independent living

• Fundraising

• Handmade Encouragement Cards for youth at risk of exploitation created by volunteers

• Community Outreach Activities

• Hotline Poster Business Distribution and Trafficking-Prevention Programs

• End Demand Engagement/EPIK Project Involvement

• Partnership with Regional Anti-Trafficking Service Programs

• Awareness Events 

Supporting Their Dreams

UGNE celebrates each milestone we can with survivors.

These include:

• Graduation celebrations

• Empowerment

• Microbusinesses

• Enrichment 

• Scholarships