Thinking about volunteering in Beautiful Dream Society’s Oklahoma City Dream Home for victims of human sex trafficking but wondering what to expect? Here’s a firsthand account from one of our newest house mom volunteer’s experience:
Working with victims of Human Trafficking has been on my heart ever since I heard about the issue. Once I learned that Beautiful Dream Society had a shelter here in Oklahoma City where women were recovering from this tragic crime, I knew right away that I wanted to do whatever it would take to work with them.
Shadow Shifts
I had gone through the application and screening processes, through the intensive training, and I was finally ready and able to go into the shelter! The first two times in the shelter would be “shadow shifts,” meaning I would shadow a seasoned House Mom during her volunteer shift to learn the shelter, meet the women (there were three survivors in the house at that time) and observe the dynamics of the house and how the experienced House Mom interacted with them. My first shadow shift was scheduled overnight.
When I arrived, I took a tour of the home. I was impressed with both the security in place as well as the way the house was warmly and professionally decorated. I personally found the environment to be peaceful, inviting, and secure!
Sweet Times
That day, a professional cake decorator had volunteered to teach the women how to decorate cupcakes. They were beautiful! And they were so happy to show me which ones they had made. They were also very gracious in offering me whichever one I wanted. I ate one and it was delicious!
My main goal that first night was to watch, listen, and not talk too much unless the women initiated conversation with me. I wanted to give them an opportunity to “feel me out” and talk to me when they felt comfortable. Having an idea of the trauma the women had experienced and lived through, I knew I might be held at arm’s length until each woman decided I a trustworthy and safe person. I wanted to be sure that the actions I took would not bring harm to these beautiful women.
Fun and Games
That evening we played one of the favorite house games, “Apples to Apples,” and watched the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes.” As we spent time together, I started to get a grasp on their individual personalities. One woman was much quieter than the others. She preferred to read a book over watching the movie, though she stayed near us the whole time. The other two were more talkative, but directed most of their substantive conversation to the other House Mom with whom they were very familiar. When I did engage all three women in conversation, they engaged back and were very nice.
I felt very comfortable there, even though I was staying the night at a place I had never been. I slept through the night and said my goodbyes in the morning at the end of my shift. I told them I would be back to see them in one week and it appeared they were happy to hear that. When I left, my heart was full and I couldn’t wait to see them again!
If you’re interested in volunteering in the Dream Home, you can apply to receive training to become a house mom or participate in special activities as an indirect service provider. Please fill our our Volunteer Form and make sure to check “Special Programs.”