Dear Friend,

Since the doors first opened at the Pathfinder Center, we have been at the forefront supporting trafficking victims by providing refuge and healing. There have been times that I have had doubts. How would this work out? Where would the funds come from? How can we be unique? Just as God trusted me with this mission, these women are entrusting us with their lives. 

Our unique approach

The healing process is complex and requires a unique approach. Each woman that comes to the Pathfinder Center has a different path. We have found success in offering a flexible approach with each survivor. The level of trauma they have been through can leave them unable to navigate their future. Our Advocates are there for them every step of the way offering empathy, support and a road map of healing. Let me walk you through what makes the Pathfinder Center so unique. 

The Pathfinder Center is a long-term facility. We are in it for as long as it takes to get these women back on their feet. Most treatment centers only offer a 30-day program. We offer the women the choice to stay, they are not forced. They must decide whether they will commit or not. This is in stark contrast to the lack of choice they were subjected to while being trafficked.

We use cultural healing modalities. One of our pilot projects in 2020 was our Cultural Harvesting program. It focused on teaching the survivors indigenous ways of gathering, harvesting and preserving natural foods. This culturally sensitive service is a step towards self-sustainability and extremely helpful in the healing process. 

We seek and welcome experts in recovery. Kelly Patterson, a trafficking survivor, can share her heartbreaking account of personal survival from the sex trade industry with the women at the center. Having a survivor be able to work with a survivor is irreplaceable. They are able to freely open up with someone that has walked a mile in their shoes. They are also motivated by a success story. This could be their future as well.

We are a Native American based center. Many of our advocates and survivors are Native American. It is empowering for Native American women to be helping other Native American women.  As a Native American woman myself, this is a unique advocacy and one we cherish. 

Equipping the Community

Advocacy is a large part of ending human trafficking. We want to provide you with the tools you will need to effectively make an impact within your community. We are currently working on an online training. The goal of these online trainings is to bring important tools to your attention. We shared these same tools earlier this month with law enforcement officers. The Pathfinder Center held an event to educate the law enforcement officers about the horrors of human trafficking. They left more knowledgeable and more able to recognize when trafficking may be involved.  

The Pathfinder Center is also involved in the All Nations Human Trafficking Task Force. This group consists of key tribal leaders and advocates from Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Rosebud and Cheyenne River. Our tribes understand there is a problem and we are ALL committed to ending it. The task force is used for training opportunities and equipping the tribes with the necessary tools. 

If you are interested in learning more about our online trainings, don’t miss out. Make sure to subscribe to our emails and follow us on social media. We will be releasing a special campaign as soon as they are finished. When you equip yourself with these tools, you are sending a clear message, “Human trafficking is unacceptable and ending it is a top priority.” We are excited about this unified effort so stay tuned!

Success story update

I mentioned a few months ago that we were preparing one of the ladies for the next step in her healing journey. We are excited to announce that with your help this woman has officially taken that next step and moved into her own apartment! What a wonderful success story that you get to take ownership of. Without YOU and the support you have given; whether that be donations, volunteering, or prayers, it worked! We are so proud of this woman and all that she has accomplished during her time at the Pathfinder Center. She will continue to be involved with our Advocates and will always be a part of our Pathfinder Center family.  This is the purpose of the Pathfinder Center and it’s amazing to see God’s work.

One thing we know to be true is that when we come alongside these survivors, the outcome is powerful. That’s why we are asking you for your support. These success stories happen because of YOU and YOUR support. Please consider donating. It only takes a minute to take action! Here are some ideas to get you thinking… 

• Check out our website and subscribe to our emails.
• Get involved! There are many options when it comes to volunteering.
• Share our story on social media or with your friends.
• Donate. There are many more success stories you can help make happen. 

As the leader of this organization I want to say THANK YOU! Every time I step foot into the Pathfinder Center, I say a prayer for you. None of this would be possible without your gracious heart towards helping the victims of human trafficking. God bless you and stay well.

Lisa Heth
Executive Director, Pathfinder Center