Our Mission
The National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance is a network of service providers committed to enhancing services and increasing access to care for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
THE NEED
Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, with up to 300,000 people at risk of being trafficked in the US alone. This problem generates a desperate need for thousands of survivors to find a safe place where they can heal and experience high quality, trauma-informed care.
THE SOLUTION
As the response to human trafficking in America continues to increase, the need for service providers to collaborate and stay connected is more important than ever. NTSA is working to ensure that every survivor has access to the care they need via three sustainable initiatives…
We equip programs with training, resources, and support to learn and grow in a collaborative national community.
We connect survivors from anywhere in the US with appropriate residential shelters efficiently and with dignity.
We provide accountability to ensure survivors receive quality care from healthy, trauma-informed organizations.
OUR IMPACT
Change isn't just possible, it's happening. Join us on the journey.
You can be a part of widespread impact on survivors across the US…
History
National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance was born out of a need to ensure every survivor has access to the best quality of care and every service provider feels connected to a support system. In 2016, twenty-two agencies from across the country gathered outside of Chicago, IL, along with a host of individuals who aspired to get involved in survivor care. Represented were survivor allies, survivors of the sex trade, and survivors of other forms of exploitation. It was an incredible gathering of dedicated individuals, each of whom had accepted the call to step into the world of darkness and evil known as human trafficking.
Soon after, it became clear that there was eagerness to formalize an alliance of service providers. In January of 2018, a founding steering committee was established that consisted of eight agencies from across the country: The WellHouse (AL), Gracehaven (OH), Engedi (WA), Rest (WA), North Star Initiative (PA), Refuge for Women (KY), Truth for Women (PA), and The Samaritan Women (MD). Then in October of 2018, National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance (NTSA) officially launched to the public. At that time, some members of the founding steering committee became NTSA board members.
The formation of NTSA happened organically. It was developed out of a sincere desire to learn from one another so that we could each improve our services, as well as grow together as an anti-trafficking field. There was a great determination to sharpen each other so that all involved could provide the best quality care to survivors of trafficking. There was an understanding that the best way to do that is by working collaboratively – to rise by lifting others.
ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIALS
We value your trust & make sure your generosity counts… NTSA strives for the highest level of financial integrity. When you give, every dollar has impact.
MEET THE TEAM
Melissa Yao
Executive Director
Melissa is the Executive Director of the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance. Melissa has her master’s degree in International Development from Eastern University and has worked in the anti-trafficking field for over ten years at both the local and national level. For nearly eight years, Melissa worked in a direct service role at a long-term restoration home for survivors, where she noticed firsthand how service providers often felt siloed in their work. It was through this experience that Melissa realized the importance of building bridges and cultivating collaboration- forming a national community led by the belief that we rise by lifting others. As the Executive Director of NTSA, Melissa has had the opportunity to see the diversity of programs supporting survivors across the US and share with the service providers on the ground about the needs, challenges, and wins they experience for survivors in their programs. Before joining the anti-trafficking field, Melissa worked in advocacy and policy, supporting issues related to hunger and poverty.
Director of Operations
Referral Program Manager
Accreditation Program Manager
Membership Program Manager
Marketing & Community Engagement Manager
Accounting Operations Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
www.RachelCThomas.com
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Who are our members?
Check out which agencies are currently part of the Alliance network.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
