Safe Port Initiative Begins Development of a Sanctuary for Survivors of Human Trafficking

New York, NY, October 15, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny and Appalachian mountain ranges, spanning the Pennsylvania-New York border, are three plots of land dotted with rustic turn-of-the-century cottages. To passers-by, the heavily wooded lots inspire dreams of weekend getaways with friends and family. To Safe Port Initiative (SPI) founder Christine Buckley, the sites have inspired the realization of a dream to develop a full-service, long-term residential recovery center for survivors of human trafficking.

When development is completed, the three sites will represent SPI’s North, Central and South Campuses. The North Campus, in New York’s Southern Tier, will host residences and recovery services for survivors, including a health hub, a community center, a sports complex, a microenterprise center, a library, a distance learning center, and an academy for secondary and vocational education. The smaller Central Campus, which is literally carved into a mountain on the outskirts of Bradford, Pennsylvania, will be used for administration and hospitality. The South Campus, located at the southern tip of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny State Park, will serve as a retreat for residents and a reunion site for graduates of the recovery program.

To date, we have had the privilege of restoring and empowering dozens of survivors each year through in-house training programs and full community college scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, fees and books. The development of our new Sanctuary will enable us to help thousands.

Christine Buckley, Founder, Safe Port Initiative

“Together,” according to Buckley, “the three campuses create a one-of-a-kind sanctuary where survivors whose needs exceed the capabilities of traditional short-term recovery programs can experience full and lasting restoration. Since our founding in 2012, we have been committed to equipping survivors of human trafficking with the skills and resources they need not just to survive, but to thrive. To date, we have had the privilege of restoring and empowering dozens of survivors each year through in-house training programs and full community college scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, fees and books. The development of our new Sanctuary will enable us to help thousands.”

To facilitate development of the multi-campus Sanctuary, SPI has launched a capital campaign that includes several unique naming opportunities. Individuals, groups and organizations who would like to create a meaningful legacy while helping to restore the lives of trafficking survivors can do so for as little as $25 by reserving a commemorative leaf on the Tree of Knowledge mural in the lobby of the Distance Education Center or a jewel in the crown-shaped walk sculpture in the Microenterprise Assistance Center. Additional naming opportunities include the sponsorship of an onsite nature preserve, a campus building, or even an entire campus. Seven such sponsorships have already been reserved; only eight remain available!

Interested individuals, groups and organizations can learn more by visiting SPI’s Web site at www.safeportinitiative.org or by contacting Christine Buckley at 1-844-SAFE PORT x810 (1-844-723-3767 x810).

Source: Safe Port Initiative