More than a decade ago, when agencies were addressing human Trafficking throughout the country and the Bay Area, Amy Schuman sought ways to do her part by creating the nonprofit group ARM of Care.
Related Articles
-
Local News |Oakland man found guilty of child Sex Trafficking
-
Local News |After apology and acquittal in similar case, East Bay man avoids jail for sex trafficking of a minor in 2006
-
Local News |Police rescue San Mateo County teen suspected of being being sex trafficked in Pinole
With an office located in Walnut Creek, members of the nonprofit ARM of Care (ARM is an acronym for Art, Recreation and Movement) have helped more than 3,000 youths and adults in the last 11 years. Angie Kavert, the group’s director of outreach and administration for the last five years, said she is passionate about what they do.
“There is a huge need for our work. I know we’re impacting lives in a positive way and helping people heal from this unthinkable crime,” she said. “We’re also reaching out to various organizations and schools in our community — such as Northgate High School and Saint Mary’s College — to help educate our youth, to help them hopefully avoid being trafficked.”
Partnered with other area groups such as Shepherd’s Gate, Love Never Fails, Pillars of Hope and Waves of Grief, ARM of Care members help survivors continue healing through art and movement therapy; foster self-care (healthy eating, exercise, education); provide resources to enhance and broaden life skills; develop community support groups with fellow survivors; and promote ongoing opportunities for cultural and educational experience.
“We employ practitioners who are trained in some aspects of the creative arts, such as art therapy, music therapy, somatic movement therapy, drama therapy and recreational therapy,” said Schuman.
ARM of Care also has a program called After REACH, which works with those who have graduated from the group’s respective programs or are being seen by other local services — both are held one-on-one and in group sessions, in person and through Zoom.
“For special events, we plan for baseball games, ballet performances, museum visits, nature hikes and other outings,” Schuman added.
Helping victims recover is the highest priority for all who work with and support ARM of Care, she said.
“Finding outlets for self-care, activities that bring enjoyment and healthy leisure time hobbies are crucial for all of us. In the population that has experienced this level of trauma and tragedy, it becomes especially needed for their recovery and their overall well-being,” said Schuman. “With so many horrible memories, they are able to release them, process through them and express them in safe and redemptive ways.”
Kavert said that while their biggest need as a nonprofit is financial support, they also need to educate the public about signs of Human Trafficking, many of which are listed on their website.
“Our youth are so vulnerable today, especially because of the amount of time they spend on the Internet and social media, which are prime locations for traffickers to ‘groom’ victims,” Kavert said.
ARM of Care also receives grants plus donations from private and public entities and at times has needs for volunteers in various capacities, such as marketing, fundraising, administrative tasks and periodically in-person help.
They also host an annual fundraiser and other fundraising events throughout the year, such as their “Time of Restoration” event Sept. 10 at the Pleasant Hill Pavilion (bit.ly/3YxDf9p). As for help at the governmental level, Schuman identifies Sweden’s law first, because she said it was the first to decriminalize the person being trafficked or victimized.
“The Sex Purchase Act in Sweden of 1999 has also been implemented by other countries and has kept the focus on those who are trafficking others and purchasing sex,” she said. “It is very comprehensive, including providing restitution to those who have been prostituted.”
She said the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000 was the U.S. government’s first effort to address this issue.
“Different states, cities, counties and businesses have implemented specific policies to combat this problem,” she said. “Federal human trafficking laws are easily found online, as well as those for the area where you live.”
Schuman added that “It isn’t just about creating policies. It’s necessary to have successful implementation of these policies, which includes electing and appointing leaders in our cities and states who will fight for justice and see that the law is enforced.”
She said she and her team are grateful for those in the community who support ARM of Care and other agencies involved in sex trafficking victims’ recovery.
“It takes many of us to restore lives to the ways they were meant to be,” she said. “People are not property.”
For more details or to contact ARM of Care, visit their website (armofcare.org), Facebook page (facebook.com/armofcare) or call them at 925-940-4006.
Charleen Earley is a freelance writer and journalism professor at Foothill and Diablo Valley colleges. Reach her at [email protected] or 925-383-3072.
This post first appeared on This Story Behind Better Solution Weight Loss Will Haunt You Forever!, please read the originial post: here
