By Kristie Kiefer, BSW
Program Manager
Community Against Sexual Harm, C.A.S.H.
Have you heard about C.A.S.H.? It is not money, but we are a rich resource to the community. Community Against Sexual Harm C.A.S.H. is a survivor-led organization that serves survivors who have been commercially sexually exploited. We have wrap-around services that provide education, peer mentoring, youth services, life skills training, shelter and housing navigation, ‘Mommy & Me’ courses for mothers and infants, and referrals that help set them up for a better future.
We also have a Center for Women, one of the few places where commercially exploited women and their children can drop in and enjoy nutritious meals, get clothes from our clothing closet, access hygiene products, and use our Day Room and Children’s Center to relax and play. C.A.S.H. is a “low threshold” program designed as an entry point and safety net for the most vulnerable. We use a harm reduction, peer-mentor approach and are trauma-informed. This enables us to develop trusting relationships that address human trafficking, substance use, mental and physical health problems, and homelessness.
Over the past few years, we have steadily increased the number of women we serve through direct services, from 97 in 2012 to 350 in 2022.
Our services include:
Center for Women
Daily drop-in center open 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment. Food, hygiene, respite, and mentoring. Low barrier and is very accessible.
Center for Children
Our newest space for families. Mommy and Me classes and a safe place for moms to relax and play with their children.
ReCon (Reimaging Careers Over Nine Weeks)
Employment program with an emphasis on removing barriers to successful employment and an internship opportunity.
Comprehensive Services for Survivors
A collaborative program designed to help women create safe and stable lives. Includes housing, mental health care, linkage to a medical clinic, legal services, support groups, and long-term mentoring.
