Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting & Serving Sexually Exploited Youth (MISSEY) - Approved
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MISSSEY has worked to address the exploitation of young people in Oakland, Alameda County, and throughout the state of CA, supporting hundreds of youth on their journeys to safety, healing, and liberation. Our mission is to provide supportive services and work for systemic change with youth impacted by commercial sexual exploitation.
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Mrinalini Narayan
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12-14-2020
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01-25-2021
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N/A
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How To Contact
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General Contact
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424 Jefferson St
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Oakland
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CA
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More Information
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12-14-2020
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N/A
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free
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0.00
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Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting & Serving Sexually Exploited Youth (MISSEY)
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94607
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Helpful Links
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Detailed Information
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Intensive Life Coaching:
In order for commercially sexually exploited youth to successfully exit the sex trafficking cycle of abuse and violence, intensive support and services are required. Many exploited youth are prevented from engaging in recovery services due to the stigma and shame associated with their exploitation, low self-esteem as a result of their exploitation and marginalization, and a lack of trust for service providers who may not understand their complex trauma.
MISSSEY’s intensive life coaching and case management programs provide survivor- and trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and strengths-based supports that work to remove these barriers and create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. Intensive Life Coaches and Case Managers work closely with systems-involved (juvenile justice or child welfare) and non-systems-involved youth ages 12-24 who are highly vulnerable to or already victimized by CSEC to assist with overall stability, including court advocacy, connections to medical and mental health professionals, housing options, educational and vocational programs, and basic needs support.
Intensive Life Coaches and Case Managers work with program participants on developing self-identified goals and implementing activities that enable goal achievement. Action steps are concrete and always include connecting participants to community resources. Support is ongoing and is individualized based on personal goals. Helping CSEC and vulnerable youth build individualized networks of support is integral to increasing the overall safety and well-being of our youth by ensuring they have the knowledge and abilities to access a holistic, youth-focused array of community supports at any given time.
Star Drop-In/Community Mentoring:
Due to the underground nature and social stigma of sex trafficking, many commercially sexually exploited youth are not recognized as victims and survivors by systems and traditional social service organizations. Our drop-in center remains one of the few safe spaces in our community for exploited youth to come as they are without fear of judgment or stigmatization.
Our drop-in center provides a safe space for exploited and vulnerable female-identified youth* ages 14-24 to build community, gain new knowledge, cultivate leadership abilities, and access resources. We offer basic needs support, life skills workshops, community mentoring, peer support, school/employment exploration and enrollment assistance, therapeutic arts and movement, and support groups that explore mindfulness, sexual health, and political/cultural education. Through these activities, youth learn to connect and collaborate with others, uplift their voices and express their truths, explore their passions and interests, access safety and healing, and develop the confidence, knowledge, and self-advocacy skills that empower them to lead healthy, self-determined lives.
Youth Engagement Services:
The Youth Engagement Services program, funded by Alameda County Social Services, is focused on prevention and early intervention. MISSSEY’s Youth Engagement Specialists provide CSEC specific prevention and intervention services to Alameda County foster care youth ages 12-17 on-site at the Alameda County Assessment Center, in group homes, and in the community. Youth Engagement Specialists also provide training and technical assistance to child welfare workers, group home providers, foster parents, and individual agencies.
Childhood experiences that survivors of CSE commonly share:
- Prior sexual abuse by a family member or family friend
- Parental neglect, abuse, or abandonment
- Time spent as runaways
- Homelessness
- Poverty
- Community violence
Prevention and Training Institute:
Our prevention program delivers holistic, gender responsive prevention education to youth ages 13-19 who are vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation in schools, at community-based organizations, and in the community using a resiliency building curriculum that is focused on reducing vulnerabilities of young women.
MISSSEY uses the “Word on the Street” curriculum for our preventative trainings to youth. The trauma-informed, gender responsive curriculum was pioneered by MISSSEY co-founder and survivor leader Nola Brantley in partnership with the Los Angeles Probation Department, with the vision of empowering young women. The curriculum offers critical information on healthy relationships, responsible media consumption, the sexual objectification of women and girls, and commonly used exploiter tactics, using accessible and engaging formats such as interactive games, group discussions, journaling, and storytelling. We believe in the brilliance of young people and know that with the right tools and support available, vulnerable youth can become empowered to make safe choices and recognize the signs of the unhealthy relationships that often serve as an entry into sex trafficking.
Technical Assistance:
For those seeking support in developing or expanding organizational capacity, we offer technical assistance. We provide consultations that support program development and innovative strategy creation. Our diverse training staff has years of experience developing victim centered trafficking programs within community based organizations and governmental agencies and will work with you to tailor a plan that suits your specific goals.
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Eligibility Information
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- CA
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- Alameda County
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- Children 0-18 years old
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Files
