Minors Program at The Refuge

short-term residential therapeutic program for formerly-trafficked minors

Named "The Refuge", our minors home provides a place for girls to stay for up to 6 months so that they can have the best opportunity possible for healing and healthy integration into society. Schooling, job training, various types of therapy, in a healthy family-style atmosphere are all a part of the center’s program.
Of its many charms and qualities, the Refuge boasts a quiet and beautiful location in San Diego county, round-the-clock care from a loving and devoted staff, a tasty and expertly arranged meal plan, group outings, and a diverse lineup of therapeutic activities including music and equine therapy.
Houses up to 6 girls
​from ages 12-17
Quiet, Safe Location in
​San Diego County
Round-the-clock
​Day/Night Staff
Onsite Therapist /
​Trauma-Informed Care
Onsite Chapel / Mass
Music​Therapy
Equine Therapy

What's the Need?

In the State of California, there are ~20 beds dedicated to 
commercially & sexually exploited children (CSEC Youth)
There are an estimated​
200,000-300,000​
CSEC Youth
​in the US.
Over the past decade, the FBI records 2,700 
girls rescued from trafficking & 1,300 traffickers convicted.
The average age of entry into trafficking is 16. 1 / 6 domestic survivors are under the age
of 12 .
While San Diego County has an anti-trafficking division, there are no other faith based organizations providing housing for minors coming out of human-trafficking. Within the County of San Diego, there are thousands of minors being trafficked, and only 12 beds to house this population. It is to these minors that our hearts go out the most. If a child can be taken out of an environment of abuse / slavery, their chances of returning to the life are dramatically reduced.

If you are a Social Worker or Probation Officer looking to refer a youth to our STRTP please email any referrals to:

Intake@ciheart.org

Saint Teresa of Calcutta used to quote our Lord Jesus Christ when describing the reason for her work: “You did it to me.” We hope to live this same ideal and welcome our Savior in the person of these girls who have suffered so much. It is our prayer that we be Christ’s light in the life of these girls.
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me” (Mark 9: 37).