Mr. Enders
In April 2022, I applied for a position at one of CV’s residential facilities, which provides a safe haven dedicated to helping young women who are survivors of trafficking. I was excited about the opportunity to work with these youth and make a positive impact. Once I joined the team, I was deeply inspired by the program’s mission and its empowering, therapeutic approach. The program teaches the youth that they should never be ashamed or punished for their past experiences.
Now, as an Assistant Supervisor, my focus is on helping these young women discover their true selves. Many of them come from abusive backgrounds where they were denied the chance to express themselves. As a result, I emphasize the importance of effective communication, particularly assertive communication, so they can advocate for themselves and establish healthy boundaries. It’s incredibly empowering for them to realize that their voices matter—especially after having been silenced in the past.
In my role, I also lead individual sessions, and I’ve witnessed remarkable growth in the young people I work with. One young woman, who came to us from a juvenile detention center, was initially quiet and reserved. However, over time, she gained confidence and achieved everything she set out to do—she got her permit, attended prom, and built meaningful friendships. By the time she left, she was preparing for college and had fully embraced the skills she had learned.
“Mr. Enders helped me learn how to control my anger by working with me so I wouldn’t get into trouble. He always reminded me to stay positive and encouraged me to work hard to achieve my goals,” said a youth in care.
As I work with these young people, I always remind them to be patient with themselves. Mistakes are a part of the learning process, and it’s crucial to remember that everyone has their own survival mechanisms.
I’m truly humbled by the work I do, and I take immense pride in knowing I may be making a difference in the lives of these young women. It’s incredibly rewarding.
Mr. Enders is part of the program staff that works with teens in The Safe Harbor Program. The program provides therapy with the goal of helping teens who have been or are at high risk of being trafficked or sexually exploited gain the confidence and courage to return safely to their families and communities.