WELLSPRING PROGRAM PROVIDES A SAFE HAVEN FROM PROSTITUTION
The Salvation Army offers ‘Wellspring' to help former prostitutes transform their lives.
The Salvation Army's Wellspring program, now in its 16th year, provides case management, assistance and advocacy for men and women wishing to escape the vicious cycle of prostitution. Wellspring clients are given individual counseling to help overcome addictions, achieve higher education, and prepare them for employment.
Those wishing to leave a life of prostitution can come to the Wellspring program without fear of blame or judgment. The program aims to break the cycle of prostitution through street outreach, pre-treatment regarding substance abuse, services for those in correctional facilities, and supportive family services. As the only program of its kind in the state of Nebraska, the Wellspring program finds that more than 90 percent of clients are victims of rape, sexual molestation, or incest.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month as recognized by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.
Wellspring began in 1988 with a small group of concerned Omaha community members and by 1994 it had evolved into a program of The Salvation Army. Today, many Wellspring clients are referred to the program by the judicial system, correctional centers, human service agencies or probation programs. Though the primary focus of the Wellspring program is to help clients and their families make a safe and healthy transition out of prostitution, the
benefits to the community are considerable. The program has helped reduce social and economic costs in areas such as law enforcement, public health, and community image.
Those seeking to break the cycle of prostitution can contact the Salvation Army's Wellspring Program at (402) 898-5900.