Sex trafficking remains a hidden yet widespread issue in the Twin Cities, making street outreach a vital tool for reaching individuals who may otherwise be overlooked and underserved. Through direct engagement in high-traffic areas of Ramsey, Washington, and Anoka counties, our Outreach Advocates connect with victims and at-risk individuals, building trust and providing critical resources.

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Our outreach efforts are strengthened through partnerships with community organizations, ensuring clients have access to a full spectrum of services, including orders of protection, emergency shelter, chemical dependency treatment, and mental health referrals. This collaborative approach enables us to identify new clients and provide sustained support to those already connected to Breaking Free’s services, creating a strong, comprehensive network of care.

 

We use two primary strategies for identifying victims and connecting them with our programs:

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1. Collaboration with Ramsey County's "Continuum of Care" Program to identify and assist at-risk individuals.

2. Direct outreach by our advocates working within communities to engage individuals in need.​

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Survivor Intake Process

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Once a victim or at-risk individual is identified, the next critical step is the intake process. This process ensures that each person is connected to safe, stable housing as an immediate priority, providing a secure foundation for their success. Our team works closely with the individual to connect them to a full range of services, including housing, mental health support, legal advocacy, substance abuse treatment, and more. Advocates help clients identify their needs and set goals to ensure their success. This comprehensive approach helps create a personalized care plan that addresses their unique needs and supports their long-term stability and healing.

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Survivors can also participate in a 14-week intensive education program that explores sex trafficking as a modern form of slavery, the profound impact on victims' lives, and the challenges related to addiction and recovery. The program creates a safe space for survivors to process their experiences and connect with others who have walked the same path as them.

 

Through partnerships with local agencies, organizations, and community members, Breaking Free ensures that survivors receive relevant, meaningful information in a welcoming and supportive environment. This process allows survivors to reflect on their past, assess their present, and set goals for their future, all within engaging sessions designed to foster self-discovery and empowerment.