03 Sep Strength in Every Corner: SAFE Partners in Northern & Eastern WA
Together, We’re Making a Difference
SAFE hit the road in August to visit partners doing frontline work across Northern and Eastern Washington. Thanks to your support, survivors of all ages, genders, and backgrounds can access the resources and pathways they need to prevent, exit, and recover from exploitation. Today, we’re proud to spotlight the vital work of Cocoon House, DVSAS, Engedi Refuge, Mirror Ministries, and Lutheran Community Services.
Everett’s Hub for Kids Experiencing Homelessness
Everett is a small community with big-city problems. Cocoon House was founded in 1991 as an emergency shelter for youth and has grown into a network of programs designed to prevent and end youth homelessness. With SAFE’s support, Cocoon House reaches a population especially vulnerable to trafficking recruitment and harm. SAFE funds equip staff, youth, and community partners to recognize red flags and respond when they appear. Cocoon House provides not only a physical safety net for youth without a home, but also an emotional one that fosters belonging, self-worth, and protection from exploitation.
A Safe Place for Survivors in Bellingham
After the rush of metropolitan Seattle, arriving in Bellingham feels like entering another rhythm. The nature is astounding, there are quiet streets, local shops, and the heartbeat of community. In the middle of it all sits Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Services, offering respectful supportive services to survivors from every background.
“We just used SAFE funds to move a woman who experienced trafficking to another state,” shared Development Director Marjie George. “She didn’t need much, but for her, that money meant the difference between staying in abuse or reaching safety. It made a difference.”
When you give to SAFE, you ensure survivors have access to safety, dignity, and hope.
From Harm to Home
Outside Bellingham, among the farms and open fields of rural Washington, sits Engedi Refuge, a long-term residential program offering holistic, therapeutic care. Since opening in 2013, more than 110 women have found healing after escaping the abuses of the sex trade. Engedi Refuge offers a chance to experience something entirely different: a family-like setting where residents learn to live with others, define themselves by character and choices, and gain the skills to build community and accountability.
“Engedi Refuge is like treatment from ‘the life,’ where you’re told you’re an object, you belong to a person, and your worth is to make money,” described a graduated resident, whose life was changed at Engedi.
SAFE hears again and again from survivors: leaving abuse takes a safe place, caring people, and the ability to earn income—and Engedi Refuge provides each, turning hope into reality.
Mirror Ministries: Reflecting Hope, Restoring Lives
Drive through rural Washington to a busy Tri-Cities intersection, and you’ll find Mirror Ministries, a hub for survivors of trafficking. Here, adults and children can meet with advocates, join support groups, access therapy, and meet basic needs—all under one roof. They also offer equine therapy at a nearby location. In a bright, welcoming room, signs link holidays with memories and emotions, alongside ideas for creating new, healing traditions. Nearby, to-go bags for the Take Out Trafficking campaign hold information, stories, and a playful “Let’s Taco Bout” taco. This mix of seriousness and hope reflects what survivors find here: an honest acknowledgment of exploitation and the resilience to build something new.
Spokane’s Center for Strength and Support
In Spokane sits Lutheran Community Services Northwest, known for their strong reputation providing trauma services to families, women, and children through refugee and immigrant services, aging and independent living, behavioral health, and crime victim services, including a comprehensive program for survivors of trafficking.
Their building is filled with hope and light, sturdiness and stability. “We partner with many agencies to make sure survivors get their needs met, including two housing units we subcontract with that are always full,” says Program Director Roshelle Cleland.Their story is part of a larger truth: the need is vast, but so is the resilience when communities respond.
SAFE’s Strategy to Fight Exploitation
Traffickers are organized and connected, profiting from the exploitation of women, men, boys, and girls. SAFE brings together organizations across Washington to fight back—so that, together with you, we can make a real difference in the fight against sexual exploitation. We invite you to take a step deeper into this powerful collaboration that is changing lives every day.
Want to learn more? Schedule a coffee meeting or contact SAFE’s Director at audrey@safeinwashington.com.