MISSSEY Services
MISSSEY provides direct services to commercially sexually exploited youth. We also provide training, technical information, and workshops for social agencies, law enforcement, and members of the community. Please select from the categories to the left for details.
- Direct Services
We provide direct services to CSEC and young women, which includes case management, resource services, and our SPA drop-in recovery center. We also provide CSEC with client advocacy, case management, and additional recovery and transition services. - Training & Workshops
We support community groups, staff, and volunteers through specialized training and workshops on domestic human trafficking, the commercial sexual exploitation of children, and issues involving CSEC. - Data Services
We have partnered with Westcoast Children’s Clinic and the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology to make data available on the CSEC population.
Direct Services
Question: What happens once a child is referred to MISSSEY?
Answer: All referrals to MISSSEY are received and directed by MISSSEY’s direct service manager according to the main needs identified on the MISSSEY Direct Service Referral Form. The services below describe what MISSSEY has to offer.
The Safe Place Alternative (SPA)
All clients who are referred to MISSSEY are offered SPA services. SPA services provide life skills development and self-sufficiency training, enrichment and recreational activities, connections to resources and opportunities for long-term sustainability. The SPA is open Monday-Thursday from 2:00-6:00pm. We provide drop-in center services for our clients ages 14-18, with a concentration on education, financial literacy, therapeutic services and enrichment activities.
Clients at the SPA are offered a monthly schedule of daily activities such as life-skills/educational workshops, arts and crafts, physical activity, self-care activities and small therapeutic groups. We also aim to provide all of our clients with family-style support through celebratory events such as Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas stockings and gifts, and amusement park trips in the summer.
Case Management
The case manager is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and serves clients between the ages of 11 and 18. Case management provides each child with needs assessment, support to engage in therapeutic services, education, employment, enrichment, and positive recreational activities, and continues to assist the child in meeting basic needs. In addition, the case manager works closely with each child’s family and/or system provider to ensure the child is in a safe, supportive residential setting. As an important part of case management is recognizing the child’s efforts and accomplishments. Thus, every child receives incentives for goals met and for efforts put forth. Case management typically lasts between 1-3 years.
Resource Specialist
The resource specialist is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and serves clients between the ages of 18 and 21. A resource survey is conducted to determine which resources outside of MISSSEY may be needed for each client to meet her individual needs. The resource specialist works one-on-one with each client to explore and pursue the identified resources. The resource specialist also assists with activities such as completing college applications and financial aid, creating resumes and cover letters, searching for employment, obtaining public benefits, and accessing free and low-cost resources in the community.
Case Consultation to Outside Organizations
MISSSEY’s direct service manager and executive director are available to provide technical assistance on CSEC cases. We do this in hopes of building the capacity of other youth-serving organizations and communities to serve this population.
Concrete Resources
MISSSEY offers concrete resources to CSEC and other young women we serve. We understand that oftentimes during the recovery process, the emergency and basic needs of the individual are not being fully met, which is detrimental to their transition and recovery process. Therefore, we assist with emergency and basic needs assistance through providing concrete resources including bus passes, hygiene products, and gift cards to local retailers and grocery stores. To donate any of these items to MISSSEY, please see our wishlist.
MISSSEY Survivor Leadership
Please check back in summer of 2011 for information on MISSSEY’s survivor leadership program. MISSSEY’s intention is to develop a program that will run 9 months of the year providing leadership training to MISSSEY participants and compensating them with stipends for their participation. The graduates of MISSSEY’s survivor leadership program will then be engaged in public policy work. There will also be opportunities for graduates to seek employment through MISSSEY.
To make a referral please contact MISSSEY at 510-290-6097 or fax a completed MISSSEY Direct Service Referral Form to 888-585-7819 and we will follow-up with you. Please include a confidential cover page.
Training & Workshops
MISSSEY provides a variety of training, technical assistance, and workshops to our community. We are pleased to provide your community group, staff, or volunteers with dynamic and engaging workshops on domestic human trafficking & the commercial sexual exploitation of children. We also offer our assistance on issues involving CSEC. Please contact us for more information at training@misssey.org.
To give you a better idea of what we do, below is the table of contents for the training curriculum that we use. Please do not replicate our materials without permission.
Some Testimonials from Trainees
"This was a great, informative and hope-filled presentation. I am so encouraged to hear of all the efforts and progress that has been made in this area. Thank you!"
-CSEC Training Trainee, June 2010
"Both Nola and Barbara were dynamic speakers with an obvious compassion for their subject and work."
-CSEC Training Trainee, May 2010
“This was a great program. I learned a lot. I wish there was a program like this in every school and center. Thank you so much.”
-High School Student, March 2010
"Very insightful! Amazing presenter! I’m so appreciative that someone as passionate, charismatic, and articulate as Adella is doing this work."
-CSEC Training Trainee, February 2010
"I appreciate the connections made by the training between systemic forces of exploitation (slavery, racism, etc.). Nola knows her stuff and it was very accessible. Thank you for sharing and disclosing your experience and reflections on your experience."
-CSEC Training Trainee, August 2008
"Great, so informative, you are amazing presenter. Thanks for keeping it real! We need it."
-CSEC Training Trainee, August 2008
"Thank you for this courage embodied by your program and training. Let’s change the world!"
-CSEC Training Trainee, August 2008
Data Reporting
MISSSEY has partnered with Westcoast Children's Clinic and the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology to provide much-needed data on the CSEC population. Links to a write-up, data highlights, and report are below.
