Story
Finding Identity & Relationship enhancement to Reduce Exploitation (FIRRE) was created out of a need for an intervention more intensive than typical "awareness" trafficking prevention programs while still catching teens before they have been exploited. FIRRE exists so that our highest risk teens don't slip through the cracks and experience the trauma of violence and trafficking. Teens and a primary caregiver in their life attend 16 sessions to build their relationship and decrease their behaviors that increase their vulnerability to commercial sexual exploitation. Created by mental health clinicians, public health experts, health educators, and trafficking lived-experience experts, FIRRE is based in research and evidence-based behavior change theory. The first evaluation identified FIRRE as a promising theory-based intervention and we anticipate funding in the next year. All items and opportunities listed are for the direct benefit of participants in the FIRRE Program. These items will be used during group and distributed to participants to sustain their skills. Any purchases are greatly appreciated and help the facilitators to not have to purchase items with their own money as they continue to deliver and evaluate FIRRE in the absence of funding opportunities.
Special Notes
When considering dinner donations, please be mindful of picky eaters and that group can be a stressful time for some. "Comfort" foods and/or kid-friendly type foods are best. Restaurants like Cane's, Chipotle, Kairo's, or Barbecue places are perfect. We do have a participant that is lactose intolerant and one that does not eat pork, so please provide an alternative if either of these is served. If you would like to donate snacks for our Tuesday afternoon sessions, please let us know or purchase a walmart gift card so that we may purchase snacks that our teens specifically request. However, our Thursday evening meals are our greatest need and we greatly appreciate any donations to support our families in their busy schedules to not be hungry during group and to have one less meal to worry about providing in their week. There are opportunities to donate dinner every Thursday from June 19-August 14, so please keep scrolling through other months on the calendar below!