For Immediate Release
January 2, 2024
Contact
Amanda Powers
2nd Street
(518) 928-9888
[email protected]
PITTSFIELD, MA — Second Street Second Chances will begin facilitating a weekly Living in Freedom Together (LIFT) support group for female survivors of human trafficking on Monday, January 8 at 3 pm. LIFT is a nonprofit organization committed to ending the sex trade.
The support group will be held in four-week cycles at 2nd Street, located at 264 Second Street, Pittsfield. Preregistration is required; to enroll, call (413) 443-7220, ext. 1275.
Created with the support of the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, the Elizabeth Freeman Center and the Brien Center, the group offers help for women who are survivors of human trafficking, are still involved in the sex trafficking life, and/or are trying to exit.
“2nd Street is embarking on a transformative journey with the LIFT group. We are so excited to kick off the program next month,” said Sergeant Lindsay Maynard, a correctional caseworker for the Women’s Re-Entry and Aftercare program at the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office. “LIFT provides women the chance to join an empowering movement, connecting with others facing similar challenges of addiction and sexual exploitation.”
LIFT is conducted inside the women’s correctional center in Chicopee, Massachusetts. It originated in Worcester at Jana’s Place, a 16-bed recovery home for women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and have co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Led by and for survivors, LIFT provides survivor-informed training and education for medical professionals, law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, social service agencies, students and the community on the harms of the sex trade. Those who attend LIFT sessions while incarcerated may enroll in the program at 2nd Street after their release.
2nd Street staff completed a day-long training session with Jana’s Place and will be receiving ongoing support from the organization.
Maynard said the support of community partners was critical to the formation of the support group, noting that the Brien Center will be available for mental health counseling if any participant in the support group experiences a mental health crisis or is triggered by topics surrounding abuse and trauma. The Elizabeth Freeman Center has offered assistance for anyone in need of emergency shelter or domestic violence/sexual violence support, or anyone who is ready and willing to flee their situation. The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office will send referrals and has offered additional support by providing hygiene products and basic needs.
“In this supportive community, we strive to create a space where every woman can feel safe, comfortable and free from judgment,” Maynard said. “We are thankful for our partners for their contributions and support to get this group up and running. Together, we rise, heal, and inspire.”
About 2nd Street
Second Street Second Chances, Inc., better known as 2nd Street, supports formerly incarcerated persons in Berkshire County and connects them with the tools, programs and support they need to successfully reenter their community. 2nd Street is committed to treating formerly incarcerated individuals with respect and encouragement; providing them with job readiness skills and access to employment opportunities; preparing them to become productive and contributing citizens; and educating and advocating for communities to embrace them as such. Services and referrals include medical and mental health resources, substance use disorder services, financial resources and literacy, transportation, family reunification, housing, job training and employment, and legal services. Visit 2nd Street at www.2nd-street.org.