Anti-Human Trafficking | PEARL Essence
The Salvation Army of Greater New York’s anti-trafficking program, PEARL Essence, fights to end forced labor and sexual exploitation in New York City.
Purposed Empowered Appreciated Respected Loved
What is PEARL Essence?
PEARL Essence is an outreach initiative based in the Greater New York Division of The Salvation Army. This initiative is dedicated to supporting individuals in settings where there is an increased risk for trafficking and exploitation. These settings include illicit massage parlors, strip clubs, nail salons and outdoor brothels.
It is in these settings where individuals are at risk for exploitation and trafficking. Our mission is to provide initial services aimed at ensuring a holistic approach on the intersectional issues that these individuals are experiencing. PEARL Essence focuses on empowering individuals facing trafficking risks due to extreme poverty, trauma, immigration challenges, and other social issues.
Our teams visit these locations consistently to connect with individuals, offering personal care packages that contain an assortment of necessary hygiene products aimed at supporting daily care and overall health. Alongside these gifts, we provide informational cards about local Salvation Army Corps resources such as free meal programs, ESL classes, affordable childcare, clothing and our 24/7 contact information.
During each visit, our message to those who have endured exploitation and trafficking is centered on affirming their intrinsic worth: Purposed, Empowered, Appreciated, Respected, and Loved (P.E.A.R.L). We believe in their potential for healing and autonomy and aim to establish ourselves as trusted companions in their journey toward reclamation of self.
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate, advocate, intercede and create relationships with the individuals being trafficked while partnering with law enforcement to provide resources for recovery. PEARL Essence is dedicated to partnering with survivors and empowering them through their journey towards healthy and fulfilling lives. PEARL Essence is committed to training and educating partners to provide similar support.
Our 4-Step Approach
1
Gift Giving
We offer gifts as gestures of kindness and value, without any expectations attached, aiming to uplift spirits.
2
First-Step Services
We extend invitations to essential services that empower individuals, offering initial steps toward healing and restoration.
3
Empathy
Recognizing the profound challenges many individuals face - such as abuse, fear of deportation, economic hardship, and profound poverty - we approach them with compassion and understanding, striving to provide a pathway out of exploitative situations.
4
Engagement
We seek to reflect God’s love through our actions, aiming to build trust and rapport without proselytizing. Our hope is that through this trust, deeper conversations may naturally emerge over time.
Multicultural Considerations
Since our inception, we've witnessed the transformative impact of our outreach efforts. PEARL Essence has equipped individuals from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds to be volunteers and bridge cultural and linguistic divides, enabling deeper connections with vulnerable individuals throughout Greater New York Division.
Divine Appointment with a Lost Salvationist
In one stirring instance in East New York, our team shifted gears to provide breakfast and support to individuals engaged in street prostitution. Amidst the challenges and risks, we encountered a woman who recognized The Salvation Army shield on our van, revealing her own history with the organization. This unexpected connection reaffirmed our belief in the power of God’s divine timing for every outreach.
PEARL Essence continues to uphold a commitment to serve and support vulnerable individuals, guided by the belief that every individual deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive beyond exploitation.
PEARL Essence in the Media
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