BOULDER CITY, Nev. (FOX5) – In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the St. Jude’s Ranch for Children Healing Center is raising awareness and support for young survivors through a special art installation.
Community members gathered at the Healing Center to place locks of love on a heart sculpture, each carrying a message of hope and encouragement for children recovering from the trauma of trafficking.
“And our goal with that is so that young people, maybe they’re having a bad day and they’re out for a walk and they just need that one little message that says you’re enough or you’re loved,” said CEO of St. Jude’s Ranch for children, Christina Vela. “That one little message could make all the difference.”
The Healing Center offers a safe space for young survivors, providing services such as therapy, education, and recreational activities aimed at helping them heal and rebuild their lives.
In an exciting development during Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the center’s Dream Home recently received its official licensing. The facility will soon welcome more children in need of support.
Tya Mathis-Coleman, one of the community members who participated in the heart lock ceremony, shared the inspiration behind her message.
“I have two messages, on one side I wrote that you are enough because I think a lot of times young girls, they don’t feel like they’re enough,“ Mathis- Coleman said. “On the other side I wrote you are special, so that if someone were to come out and see it, they would know that someone out in the community believes that they are special and that they are enough.”
St. Jude’s Ranch encourages the community to get involved by purchasing a lock of love by visiting the center. For more information, visit the St. Jude’s Ranch for Children website.
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