Document text
Gift of art supplies could aid healing Thursday Dec 14, 2017 at 12:01 AM Sarah Lemon for the Mail Tribune @thewholedish Editor’s note: Light One Candle is an annual series sponsored by the Mail Tribune that focuses on an individual, group or agency who could use a helping hand during the holiday season. Once that need is filled, donations may be distributed to others in need. Art therapy is this single mother’s medium for healing from the horror of sex trafficking, and the gift of art supplies would reinforce the 29-year-old Medford woman’s recovery as a client of Redemption Ridge Resource Center in Medford. Through art, she expresses not only her pain and struggles but her hopes and joy, said Maha Snell, therapist and clinical supervisor. Because the specter of sex abuse still casts shadows on this woman’s body image, she also would benefit from a membership to Rogue Valley Family YMCA in Medford. Her 7-year-old daughter wants to learn self-defense at Higs Gym, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu, parkour and fitness center in Central Point. A membership would help her reach that goal. Redemption Ridge Resource Center is the first point of contact for female survivors of domestic sex trafficking. Women impacted by sexual exploitation can receive individual counseling, group therapy and other types of support. The organization’s advocates foster life skills, friendships and the affirmation of hope. Redemption Ridge also serves survivors’ family members to ensure they are equipped to assist the healing process. Redemption Ridge’s Grace House is a haven for female sex-trafficking survivors ages 11 through 17, who often stay as long as two years. One in three runaway teens is recruited by human traffickers within the first 48 hours of being homeless. Minor children constitute nearly half of all human trafficking victims, the country’s second-fastest growing criminal enterprise, according to the organization’s website. To help this client and others, call Snell at 541-816-4415.