Rescued
There are so many aspects to regaining self-esteem and inner dignity for these survivors it is hard to know where to begin. Once acclimated to their new surroundings and hopeful future, the trauma begins to subside as the new residents experience an environment of safety and stability. Under the watchful eyes of psychologists, teachers, mentors and existing residents, caring and understanding are healing remedies surrounded by a steady routine of inclusiveness. The journey begins with a comprehensive curriculum that has proven to be successful in rebuilding a lost life.
HEALTHCARE & CHILD CARE
Healthcare and nutrition are usually among the immediate needs of a new resident. OBGYN and maternity services are available if needed, and pediatricians are on call for those who come into the Home with children. The unintended consequences of trafficking are many, and these precious "children of children" also need immediate, compassionate care. So the missionaries put together a comprehensive Child Care Program on site, to attend to the needs of these little ones. Encompassing a broad curriculum, this service includes academics, the arts, and recreation wrapped in a nurturing environment.
EDUCATION
For all new residents, proper education is of primary importance and classroom work is personalized to the needs of each. Students can attain diplomas or certificates, and scholarships are awarded to those who choose to finish their formal education and pursue professional careers.
Here area few 2023 College Graduates! Cum Laude - Bachelor's Degree in Science and Education, a Bachelor's Degree in Technology and a Bachelor's Degree in Science in Business Administration.
LIVELIHOOD SKILLS TRAINING
Everyone is exposed to livelihood skills training to ensure they have the means to earn a living once leaving the Home. Sewing classes are extremely popular with the girls, who design their own clothes and accessories, instilling a valuable lifelong trade. Cooking classes of all types are taught and provide unlimited job opportunities in the future. It is remarkable to discover the individual God-given talents among these young girls once given a chance. Special cooking events challenge the residents to develop unique recipes for judges who present awards. Many have found restaurant and catering positions once they leave, and some go on to advance these talents at universities.
PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY
As to be expected, the psychological problems are numerous. Sister Clare, the in-house Social Worker has the expertise and experience to address most concerns. Linkages with specialized hospitals and psychiatrists are available when necessary.
RESPONSIBILITY
All residents are assigned independent duties as they learn how to restructure their lives. Every day, the girls are responsible for house cleaning, managing a large garden that supplies fruits and vegetables for their kitchen, and group maintenance of the grounds, giving them a sense of ownership, pride, and accomplishment.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Activities are plentiful. Zumba classes kick off each morning. Basketball or volleyball every day at 4 PM is a highlight, and painting classes provide an outlet for personal expression. According to psychologists, the art program is one of the most successful therapies for emotional stress endured by most for so long. A recent exhibit displayed paintings based on the theme of "Freedom," allowing each to express through art what the word means to them.
SUMMER CAMP
MQHM has found that it is vital to encourage residents to work together in a positive environment to promote healing and trust. This year saw the first "Summer Camp Program" within the surrounding property. The girls were divided into teams and assigned to make their own community tents, prepare their own meals outside, and compete in games for one week.
This activity is exactly what girls this age should be enjoying and enjoy they did! We know exercise helps improve physical health, but the emotional and mental stress reduced through team-building relationships looks to have made so much difference in strengthening outlooks as the girls move forward in their journey. This project was a huge success and will now become part of the yearly curriculum.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries commit themselves to making Jesus and Mary the true inspiration and example of their lives. This commitment is shared with the residents to encourage healing and to help them develop a relationship with God and the Holy Spirit. But they must decide for themselves to have faith in God Almighty. The girls attend Holy Mass at the Tuburan Parish Church and have availability to visit the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament everyday. First Friday Vigils are held each month to stay spiritually connected and comforted with inner strength and mental peace and group prayer is held each night before retiring.
OVERSIGHT
Careful monitoring of every resident is a priority in assisting recovery. Each girl's progress is reviewed and documented regularly by qualified staff and DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development Services) employees on site. MQHM also keeps in touch with clients once they leave the Home, offering continued involvement. The Sisters provide personal visits and moral support for their new direction in life until they are satisfied the former resident has integrated well as a productive member of society.
In 1996 seven women began with a sincere mission to save as many victims of sex trafficking as possible. The Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries are forever dedicated to their residents and have touched thousands since opening The Home of Love in 2005. MQHM have made tremendous strides boasting a 93% success rate of residents who turn their lives around while in their care.
And through our Regina Coeli Program of educational assistance to the vulnerable poor, each year MQHM provide 18,000 children across the Philippines with classroom supplies and necessities who otherwise would not attend school. Keeping rural kids in school is a preventative strategy and has been proven to diminish their chances of being lured into the unfathomable world of trafficking.*
* After a comprehensive 2-year study (2005-2007 Cebu), it became evident that poverty and availability in the rural mountain areas of the Philippines were the root causes of children lured by sex traffickers into prostitution.
Children pictured are enrolled in the Regina Coeli Education Assistance Program & receiving their supplies for the 2023/2024 school year
Human trafficking for prostitution is rampant in the Philippines but has recently been reported to be on the rise across the world, including the United States. As a result, MQHM will be opening Home of Love USA Rescue Shelter in October 2023 in Los Angeles.
Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries believe every child of God deserves help. You can read more about the organization and individual successes at MQHM.org
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