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Devereux GA opens Grace’s Place to support survivors of human trafficking

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Georgia recently worked with Georgia first lady Marty Kemp, the state Department of Human Services and other community partners to open Grace’s Place, a commercial sexual exploitation recovery center for youth.

Grace’s Place, located in Lawrenceville, helps survivors of human trafficking recover and rebuild their lives.

“The commercial sexual exploitation of children is a critical human rights and public health issue,” said Devereux Vice President of Operations Gwen Skinner. “Youth who have experienced this unimaginable trauma and abuse have been robbed of their childhood and thrust into a life of turmoil. At Grace’s Place, we are providing these individuals with the services and support they need to lead healthy and happy lives free from exploitation.”

Devereux National Trustee and Georgia Advisory Board Chair Hank Booth expressed his gratitude to Skinner and the Devereux Georgia team for helping to make Grace’s Place a reality, noting, “Grace’s Place is a valuable resource for vulnerable children in their time of need. This specialized residential treatment center offers crucial care for children who have endured what no human being should ever have to experience.”

Individualized services

Grace’s Place, which serves youth ages 12 to 17, provides individualized services, including:

• Case management
• Treatment planning
• Housing and transitional living options
• Medical and nursing services
• Education and life skills training
• Recreational therapy

Clinical services, including assessments and individual, family and group therapy, are provided by View Point Health, while Devereux Georgia provides all other services.

“There is a tremendous demand in Georgia for safe and secure residential programs for youth who have survived exploitation,” explained Devereux Georgia Clinical Director Amy Waldron, LPC, BCBA, who is responsible for the development and oversite of the clinical programming at Grace’s Place. “I work closely with View Point Health, offering consultation on any needs specific to working with this highly specialized population. Because these youth have been manipulated and victimized, it is critical that we provide a supportive therapeutic environment where they can break the cycle of abuse, heal and thrive.”

Meeting unique needs

Grace’s Place serves up to 24 youth at a time for up to six months, with the length of stay depending on the unique needs of each individual.

“Our ultimate goal is to help youth discover their self-worth, develop healthy relationships, achieve greater independence and take control of their lives,” said Devereux Georgia Program Director Chi’Kyla Coleman, MPA, “This program is not only changing the lives of the individuals we serve, but also our staff. We are intentionally shifting our mindset and approach in how we accomplish our work every day, and we remain committed to making a positive impact on those in our care by ensuring that every day is a new day of grace.”

Learn more about Devereux Georgia, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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