SHINING A LIGHT FOR THOSE AT RISK
Providing Holistic and Dignifying Resources for Our Community
The Lighthouse Resource Center is a place for vulnerable members of our community to be connected with resources that help them to find holistic and sustainable ways to grow. We are open five days a week with a variety of resources available for adults with the goal of providing tools to help all of our clients find healing and dignified work.
OUR COMMUNITY
At the Lighthouse We are Working to Address Specific Issues in Our Neighborhood
The Tutunichapa community is located in a part of San Salvador where issues of exploitation, addiction, and poverty have collided for generations. We are committed to changing that story in our neighborhood and beyond.
Poverty and Homelessness
Cycles of violence, abuse, deportation, internal displacement, and family disintegration have contributed to homelessness and extreme poverty. We are working to build relationships and address the root causes of these issues with the hope of breaking these cycles. We accompany those who find themselves abandoned by their families, facing economic issues, recently deported, or dealing with homelessness and extreme poverty because of domestic abuse, addiction, or mental health issues.
Substance Abuse
El Salvador has one of the highest rates of alcohol related deaths in the world and is facing a crisis of drug abuse. Many of those drugs move through our community. The devastating consequences of addiction are all around us so we address the issue by offering resources for those who are in recovery, want to be in recovery, or find themselves on the streets.
Exploitation and Trauma
Violence, poverty, and trauma make people vulnerable to being exploited through human trafficking and prostitution. We work to prevent and identify trafficking among the vulnerable populations that we serve. We also work to provide counseling, care, and reintegration for women and girls who are survivors by partnering with Free The Girls.
Our Model
We are focused on addressing the needs of the specific populations that we serve. We work to incorporate best practices in assisting our clients in addiction recovery, to partner with our clients in dignified solutions for poverty, and to provide holistic aftercare for survivors of sexual trauma.
Our center is a place those who are hurting or alone can feel seen, loved, and cared for. We have many resources open for everyone who comes in the door, and we also have a program within the Lighthouse designed for those of our clients who are ready to commit to a deeper process of change and growth.
Each of our clients has the opportunity to work with our multi-disciplinary team to receive the care and services they need to grow spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially
Our Resources
Connection Points
Physical and Social Support through resources like shower facilities, lunches, breakfast, laundry facilities and access to clean clothes and toiletries as needed. In addition, we meet the need for community and connection through games, movies, art workshops, coloring, soccer, basketball, birthday parties, special events, and more.
Life Skills and Job Training resources are available to help our clients plan for their futures and set personal goals for growth. Our “level system” program within the Lighthouse also helps our clients to work on “soft skills” necessary for life and future employment and we have workshops focusing on everything from self-care and money management to job preparation.
Comprehensive Aftercare for Survivors is provided for women who have suffered trafficking and sexual exploitation. A variety of resources for survivors include counseling, social support, job training and labor reintegration. In partnership with Free The Girls, each survivor has the opportunity to start her own business selling bras.
Spiritual Needs are met through Bible studies each week, discipleship, and connections with local churches in the city.
Therapy is provided to meet the emotional and mental needs of our community. We have group therapy for men and women and individual therapy is also available. Our therapists are trained in the areas of trauma, substance abuse, and human trafficking so they are sensitive to the needs of our clients.
Job Preparation Projects provide our clients with work experience and the opportunity for dignified work. These projects include quilling cards and the Free The Girls program for survivors of trafficking.
Addiction Recovery Support is key to helping our clients as they work to break cycles of addiction in their lives. Through addiction counseling, support groups, recreational activities, spiritual resources and social support we accompany our clients in recovery