Education is Essential
This short piece about the initiatives of our education programs at My Refuge House was written by Dr. Ivonn Ellis Wiggan. Dr. Ivonn joined the team at My Refuge House in May of this year and has been boosting the spirits of the girls and…
Hearts Aligned
First Chinese Baptist Church (FCBC) Youth Choir recently put on another fundraiser for My Refuge House. In addition to an afternoon of showcased talent, some great Filipino food and people gathered together to support a common goal-- FCBC raised…
Introducing Dr. Ivonn Ellis Wiggan
Allison email Dr. Ivonn a couple of days later asking if she would ever be interested in working for My Refuge House. And the rest is history. Dr. Ivonn packed up her belongings (including an airbed that fits in her suitcase!) and relocated…
Hope and Healing Through Art
Art is powerful. It always has been, and always will be. Art has the capacity to touch the depths on your soul, in the places where words can't fit. Whether it's painting, dance, acting or singing, art is an incredible tool for healing.
For…
Bad Jokes and Predator Psyche by Nannette Ricaforte
I'm so grateful for this latest piece by Nannette Ricaforte. The Philippines is one of the countries most affected by online sexual predators. Because of the prevalence of the English language, Filipinos are often sought out in the online…
TF-CBT Graduation
At My Refuge House, all of our girls go through a counseling program. This year, we used an adapted form of Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) with the girls. We chose TF-CBT because it is the most evidence based form of counseling…
Kickboxing for Freedom
I'd like to introduce you to my friend Kelly. Kelly used her talents as a photographer and video producer to help us tell our girls stories more effectively, but she was so touched by meeting the girls, she didn't stop there! Watch this video…
Nanner’s Runners –By Nannette Ricaforte
Today's post comes from our dear friend and catalyst, Nannette Ricaforte. Nannette has been an integral part of My Refuge House from the time it was a dream, until now, and continues to offer her time and resources (she's an incredible photographer!)…
Photo Blog of Completed Cottage (and Construction!)
At the end of August 2013, we started construction on a new cottage!
This cottage, is completed and will become home to six more girls who will be rescued from sex trafficking and exploitation in March 2014!
For those of you who missed our…
Paths of Least Resistance
People often ask me, "How do those kids get trafficked anyway?" and I typically say something cryptic like "Well, there are various common scenarios." Unfortunately, that answer does little to explain the realities of how trafficking happens.…
