Pictured from Left to Right: Thomas R. Harrington (President and Executive Director of Valley Youth House), Courtney Wagaman (VP of Lehigh Valley Independent Living & Emergency Services, Valley Youth House), Joshua Siegel (Pennsylvania State Representative), Philip C. Jackson (Valley Youth House Board of Directors Chair and CEO, Jackson Financial Strategies, LLC), and Ken Klein, M.A. (Senior VP of Programs at Valley Youth House). Image provided by Valley Youth House.

Bethlehem, PA (October 2, 2024) – Valley Youth House is proud to announce $150,000 in new funding for its THRIVE Program (Transitional Housing, Resilience, Independence, Victorious, Empowerment), located at the Sasso House. The funding, secured through state and local efforts led by Pennsylvania State Representative Josua Siegel, will support transitional housing and essential services for female-identifying trafficking survivors in the Lehigh Valley. This investment ensures that Valley Youth House can continue providing critical resources, including life skills education, mental health support, and housing assistance, to one of the region’s most vulnerable populations.

The funding was announced during a press conference hosted by Representative Siegel at Valley Youth House’s Administrative Headquarters, where he emphasized the importance of supporting youth who face unique challenges due to both their housing instability and the trauma they have experienced as survivors of trafficking.

“Programs like this make sure that [these young women] get a shot to reclaim their lives…where they can hopefully shed the scars that have been inflicted on them,” remarked Representative Siegel. “What struck me most within the THRIVE acronym is the Victorious component. Because I think at the heart of this program, it’s about taking victims of trafficking and turning them into victors,” he added.

The THRIVE Program at the Sasso House offers a safe space for female-identifying trafficking survivors aged 14-21, providing housing, meals, and personal items. Counselors connect residents to services like peer mentorship, addiction treatment, psychiatric care, job training, and medical support. The THRIVE Program at the Sasso House empowers young women to reclaim their lives through a five-level model symbolized by flowers, representing hope, strength, wisdom, truth, and rebirth.

“We do get referrals from community members who say, ‘this young person might really need your support.’ And this grant will directly allow for more youth to come into our program, and directly allow for us to continue the work that we’re doing,” said Alycha Boehm, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor for the THRIVE Program at the Sasso House.

Since opening in April 2022, the THRIVE Program at the Sasso House has made a profound impact on its residents, thanks to the generosity of Patricia and John Walsh, who purchased the Sasso House. The program has fostered deep relationships between staff and residents, organizing enriching group activities such as trips to the beach, movies, amusement parks, zoos, and even a first-time concert experience for one youth. As the program continues, its aim is to provide these young women with the tools and resources to heal, rebuild their lives, and embrace their independence.

Learn more about the THRIVE Program at the Sasso House by clicking here, and consider supporting the program by clicking below.

 

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Watch the Press Conference:

 

About Valley Youth House

Valley Youth House (valleyyouthhouse.org) does more than just provide homes for vulnerable young people in Pennsylvania experiencing abuse or homelessness. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.

Information provided to TVL by:
Sarah Pammer