Welcome To Our Roadmap Part 2!
Discovering the truths. Drawing closer to those in need.
We could not be more excited to know you have already worked through the first section of the program and are now adventuring the next step.
This will guide you into a deeper knowledge of our causes in hopes to shine a light on the true focus of our entire mission…the Survivors.
Once you have completed the below sections, we hope you will continue your journey and join our platform for weekly updates and ongoing awareness. We also hope you use this phase to increase your presence and join our efforts in action in your own community.
Disclaimer: We do not claim to have all the information about these causes, but we do stand by years of getting to know our communities, collaborating with our Partners, and most importantly, listening to survivors. We’ve gathered helpful information for you to start with, and our hope is that it will make it easier to understand these complex topics and breakdown some of the mis-information you may have about them. The more we can “see” someone, the closer we will move in understanding their situation and the better equipped we will be to help locate the resources in needed.
AWARENESS
Just as with the first Roadmap, below you will find our three causes with information to continue your growth. During this Phase we will point you in specific directions as we did in the last phase but we are expanding the choice for you to decide where you would like to focus. We will include a few more organizations and guide you to their website in hopes you will continue your journey in the future to explore them all in depth.
To change a community, it takes us all doing our part! We are so glad you are taking this NEXT step.
Sexual Exploitation
The sexual exploitation industry is driven by the demand of men/women and necessitates a constant supply of women and children who are sold for the profit of pimps, traffickers, and other predatory stakeholders.
Some are trafficked through means of force, fraud, or coercion, while others are seduced by the deceptive “empowerment" narrative in our culture, and still others are compelled to join the sex industry in order to survive. Regardless of how one enters the industry, virtually all experience the same exploitative dynamics that are systemic within it.
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#1: A21
Watch the short video under the “Our Theory of Change”
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From the Polaris Project: Complete the Human Trafficking Training for FREE!
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Suggested Movies:
-Nefarious
-Beyond Fantasy (adults only) (Exodus Cry)
-Raised on Porn (Exodus Cry)
-Trafficked
-Eden
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Download the FREE parents guide and read this short 6 page document on how to take measures to safeguard children/teens.
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One of the top organizations fighting HT around the globe is IJM. Take 5 minutes and read about their work and community protection model. The Casework section is a GREAT resource to work through for more information.
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Check out the indicators of HT from the Blue Campaign-Homeland Security site.
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Instagram and/or Facebook
#1: polarisproject (Polaris Project)
#2: Iamonwatch (I am On Watch)
#3: A21 (A21.org)
#4: dhsbluecampaign (DHS Blue Campaign)
#5: wearelife4real (Life4Real)
#6: Love146.org
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Homelessness
As the gap between increasing housing costs and stagnant incomeswidens, the end result is that more people become homeless.
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The Solution to Homelessness: Housing
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No address: They don't have addresses, which is required by most employers. This is a Catch-22 situation: They can't get a place to live until they get a job, but can't get a job until they get a place to live.
No job: Many employers won't consider unemployed job applicants (not even those with homes).
No phone: Many homeless people don't have reliable phones, and this becomes an obstacle to employment. Even if they have a phone, they might not always have a way to charge it.
Personal grooming challenges: It's hard to stay clean and neat when you're homeless, and most employers require grooming.
Gaps in employment: Many have gaps in their employment history, which can cause suspicion in many employers.
Bad credit: They have lousy credit scores. Many employers do credit screenings on potential employees, and when you're homeless, your credit score will suffer.
No vehicle: They don't have cars, and many jobs require one. Expensive transportation can be a huge obstacle to getting to work.
Criminal record: They have criminal records as a result of their homelessness (and sometimes, their only crime was not having a place to sleep).
Disabilities: A significant percentage of homeless are disabled. Many people with mental or physical disabilities end up on the street.
Addiction issues: Addictions can prevent them from looking for work and from getting hired. Many employers assume homeless people are addicts.
Homeless people can't get a place to live until they get a job ... but can't get a job until they get a place to live.
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Instagram and/or Facebook
#1: Invisiblepeople (Invisible People)
#2: Nationalhomeless (National Alliance to End Homelessness)
#3: Momentsofhopeoutreach (Moments of Hope)
#4: pacemshelter (PACEM)
#5: havencville (The Haven)
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Intimate Parter Violence/Domestic Violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. “Intimate partner” refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV can vary in how often it happens and how severe it is. It can range from one episode of violence that could have lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years.
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IPV can include any of the following types of behavior:
Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.
Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.
Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and/or to exert control over a partner.
IPV is connected to other forms of violence and is related to serious health issues and economic consequences. However, IPV and other forms of violence can be prevented
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Individual Risk Factors
Low self-esteem
Low education or income
Young age
Aggressive or delinquent behavior as a youth
Heavy alcohol and drug use
Depression and suicide attempts
Anger and hostility
Lack of nonviolent social problem-solving skills
Antisocial personality traits and conduct problems
Poor behavioral control and impulsiveness
Traits associated with borderline personality disorder
History of being physically abusive
Having few friends and being isolated from other people
Economic stress (e.g., unemployment)
Emotional dependence and insecurity
Belief in strict gender roles (e.g., male dominance and aggression in relationships)
Desire for power and control in relationships
Hostility towards women
Attitudes accepting or justifying violence and aggression
History of physical or emotional abuse in childhood
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Relationship conflicts including jealousy, possessiveness, tension, divorce, or separations
Dominance and control of the relationship by one partner over the other
Families experiencing economic stress
Unhealthy family relationships and interactions
Association with antisocial and aggressive peers
Parents with less than a high-school education
Witnessing violence between parents as a child
History of experiencing poor parenting as a child
History of experiencing physical discipline as a child
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Instagram/Facebook
#1: loveisrespectofficial (Love is Respect)
#2: ncadv (national coalition against domestic violence)
#3: d2lorg (Darkness to light)
#4: safeharborva (Safe Harbor RVA)
#5: sheshelter (Shelter for help in emergency)
#6: hanoversafeplace (Hanover Safe Place)
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If you would like, let us know when you have completed this section as we would love to connect with you to answer any questions and hear your thoughts!
Life4Real Leadership Team
ACTION
Below you will find our three causes and under each one we have introduced information in steps that will take you on a path in what we hope is encouraging, enlightening, and eye opening.
To change a community, it takes us all doing our part! We are so glad you are taking this step.
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#1: Coordinate a donation drive at your work, church or local business.
#2: Take on leadership role with L4R sorting team in your area.
#3: Commit to additional sorting in your home.
#4: Host a sip and swap!
Contact us for more information
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#1: Organize a collection and assembly team at your work/church/business/group to put together care bags.
#2: Offer to drive Care bags to one of our Partners for drop off.
#3: Hand out Care Bags to those in need in your community.
#4: Host fundraiser to support this program.
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#1: Talk with local business to see if they will allow you to put out Resource Cards.
#2: Engage in conversation with someone in your circle and tell them about L4R and the cards.
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#1: Attend on a regular basis one of our events with a Partner (Real Life, Moments of Hope, The Haven…etc)
#2: Sign up to pick up clothing.
#3: Sign up to help drop off furniture/time to a clients home.
#4: Sign up to drop off community requests.
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Make sure you have attended all of the Real Conversations at least once.
Host a Real Conversation at your work/church/organization.
Host a L4R Basics Event.
See Events