The Butterfly Fund 2022
About This Campaign
We named our crowdfund The Butterfly Fund because the butterfly symbolizes transformation and joy. Its dance reflects the need for movement from where we are to our next phase of being. This sentiment reflects our intentions as we support trafficked women and their children to heal, grow and rebuild their lives. It also reflects the importance of Stepping Stones Network moving into our next phase of being. To do that, we need your help.
In December 2019, Stepping Stones Network opened our doors to the first long-term residential recovery program in the Midwest for sex trafficking survivors who have children. Within the first months, we supported the birth of a new baby and admitted several other families. In one case, we had the opportunity to reunite a mom with her child. In another, we assisted a newly pregnant mom to avoid a trafficker that was harming her and the baby. All of our first clients had a similar story; having transitioned out of foster care as a young adult without a support system, then ending up homeless, trafficked, and pregnant. And, they all love their children and want to be with them.
As we were just starting to get our legs, COVID hit. COVID shelter policies drove us to reduce staff to limit exposure. Four members of our staff sacrificed greatly, working 24 and 48-hour shifts to keep the home open and safe. While the pandemic presented its challenges, the generosity of staff, donors and grantors allowed SSN’s Residential Program to survive its pilot season, obtain a 3-year CARF accreditation, and undergo a pivotal program reboot to improve and expand our services in 2022.
In 2022, our program will look different. We will be moving away from communal residential for families and using our residence as an Assessment location to get to know each new family and determine their eligibility and needs. After this initial Assessment, our families will move into their own apartments near our new programming facility. This facility will house our new Day Program, as well as our Childcare & Development Program. Adults and pre-school children will attend Monday through Friday programming led by credentialed Program Leaders. Topics will include Planning & Purpose, Holistic Health, Parenting, Relationships, and Recovery.
The Butterfly Fund will offer the gift of a safe community and the opportunity for transformation to the adults and children in the Stepping Stones program.
Thank you for being a partner in this movement!