A Manhattan-based organization was honored in Wichita Thursday for its service to victims of sex trafficking.
Attorney General Derek Schmidt presented the Outstanding Victim Service Organization Award to the Homestead Ministry at the 22nd Crime Victims’ Rights Conference in Wichita. The conference was hosted by Schmidt and Gov. Laura Kelly and focused on raising awareness of emerging crimes and new approaches to enduring ones.
Homestead was chosen for a seven-year track record of providing services to sex trafficking victims in an effort to disrupt the cycle of abuse.
“My turning point was going to Homestead,” says a program graduate who was quoted in a release by Schmidt’s office.
The organization has served 50 survivors and 18 graduates of their program — which runs from 12 to 18 months — free of charge. They run one group home, seven host homes for those with children, as well as aftercare for graduates with a team of five employees and 150 volunteers.
