OUR MISSION
TRANSFORMING LIVES OF THOSE AT RISK OR VICTIMIZED BY SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
OUR VISION
A WORLD WHERE EVERY VICTIM OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION HAS ACCESS TO TRANSFORMATIVE CARE.
ABOUT WELLSPRING LIVING
Founded in 2001, Wellspring Living is a non-profit organization in Atlanta, Georgia that provides domestic sex trafficking victims and those at risk with specialized recovery services through four residential programs, two community-based programs and graduate services.
The programs provide transformative care through therapeutic services, education, life skills, and personal and professional development. The focus for each participant is on developing their courage to move forward and their confidence to succeed.
WHAT IS DMST?
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, reauthorized in 2008, is “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act” where the person is U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident under age 18.
DMST occurs when minors are forced, coerced or otherwise involved in the commercial sex industry. Despite how it may sound, trafficking does not require movement. A minor can be trafficked anywhere at any time and doesn’t even have to be moved beyond the boundaries of their own home to be a victim.
OUR PROGRAMS
RESIDENTIAL
PROGRAMS
GIRLS'
RESIDENTIAL
PROGRAM
AGES 12-17
Providing trauma-informed care to survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking in the service of physical, emotional and spiritual restoration.
In a safe residential environment, each girl is encouraged to set personal goals in her therapy and education, and each is supported by staff and volunteers throughout her journey of healing.
WOMEN'S
RESIDENTIAL
PROGRAM: SOUTH
AGES 18-21
This is a 13 month residential program preparing youth to become socially, emotionally and personally independent of social services while connecting them to life-long permanency connections and laying the foundation for the pursuit of educational and career opportunities.
WOMEN'S
RESIDENTIAL
PROGRAM: NORTH
AGES 18-39
Providing trauma-informed care to survivors of Domestic Sex Trafficking and those at risk with the service of physical, emotional and spiritual restoration. This program is an independent living apartment setting where participants receive education, personalized therapy, career training, supportive community, financial management, and life skills instruction off site at the Women’s Academy.
COMMUNITY
PROGRAMS
YOUTH
ACADEMY
AGES 14+
Recognizing that many children are facing multiple instances of family and community trauma as they navigate life, the Youth Academy will add another layer of prevention, specific to those at-risk or involved in trafficking. By providing access to much needed social, emotional, and academic interventions, students will be empowered to overcome obstacles and move toward meeting both academic and life goals.
WOMEN'S
ACADEMY
AGES 18+
Formally known as the Empowered Living Academy, the Women’s Academy offers life-changing programming to young women who have experienced difficulty gaining living-wage employment due to life circumstances such as poverty, sexual abuse, and trafficking. The Women’s Academy offers an invaluable opportunity to equip women in Atlanta’s communities for success!
OUR HISTORY
2001
WOMEN’S
RESIDENTIAL
PROGRAM
Opened first residential home to serve women
2008
GIRLS’
RESIDENTIAL
PROGRAM
Expanded to serve girls
2012
WELLSPRING
LIVING
INSTITUTE
Began the Wellspring Living Institute
2014
WOMEN’S
COMMUNITY
ACADEMY
Launched the Women’s Academy
2018
WOMEN’S
RESIDENTIAL
PROGRAM-SOUTH
Launched Women’s Residential Program-South
2018
YOUTH
ACADEMY
(AGES 14+)
Opened Youth Academy
TRAINING INSTITUTE
Apart from our restoration programs in Atlanta GA, we also invest in other cities and organizations who share our desire to see trafficking prevented, justice served, and lives restored.
Our Institute is designed to equip, train, and mentor developing organizations and individuals across the nation on the issues of sexual exploitation of children and adults.