Lighting the way home for women still searching for a way out

With a heavy heart, we share an important update regarding Magdalene House Chicago. For the past 10 years, your generosity and commitment have helped us provide hope, healing, and a safe haven for survivors of sex trafficking. Because of your support, women have found the strength to reclaim their lives, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.

Despite our collective efforts, we have been unable to secure the long-term funding necessary to sustain Magdalene House Chicago at the level needed to fully support the women in our community. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to dissolve the organization.

While this chapter is coming to a close, the impact of your kindness and dedication will live on. The women we have served, empowered by the resources and love they received, will continue their journeys of healing.

We are proud of the progress made and humbled by the unwavering support of this community. As we transition, we encourage you to continue supporting organizations that share our mission. If you are interested in learning about other ways to help survivors, we would be happy to connect you with resources.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of this journey. Magdalene House Chicago would not have been possible without you, and we will forever be grateful for your compassion and generosity.

With sincere appreciation,

The Rev. Amity Carrubba
Board Chair
Magdalene House Chicago

Resources

  • Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA): The lead victim-service agency in the Central Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force, providing services for both labor and sex trafficking victims.

  • Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE): Provides legal advice, consultation, and representation to survivors of sexual harm, including those who have been trafficked. They also engage in community education and advocacy.

  • Ernestine's Daughter: Focusing on a harm reduction approach, Ernestine's Daughter supports women impacted by gender-based violence, including trafficking survivors, with services like a self-help center and substance use treatment.

  • Heartland Alliance: This organization offers comprehensive services to foreign nationals who have been victims of human trafficking through their "Freedom from Trafficking" program.

  • Metropolitan Family Services Legal Aid Society: Since 2012, they have provided free legal services to survivors of human trafficking in the Chicago area and expanded to assist survivors throughout Illinois in 2019.

  • Naomi's House: Located in Wheaton, Illinois, Naomi's House helps every woman who has suffered from commercial sexual exploitation find healing, freedom, and a fresh start.

  • Reclaim 13: This Christian-based non-profit operates a safe house for sexually exploited children between the ages of 10 and 17, providing rescue and rehabilitation services.

  • Refuge for Women: This faith-based non-profit provides care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation.

  • Salvation Army STOP-IT Program: This program offers direct services to survivors of sex and labor trafficking. Services include a 24/7 hotline (877-606-3158) and a drop-in center in Chicago for young women who have experienced sexual exploitation and/or trafficking. The Salvation Army is a leader in fighting human trafficking.

  • The Dreamcatcher Foundation: Based in Chicago, this non-profit works to prevent the sexual exploitation of at-risk youth and assists individuals currently involved in prostitution to find stability and support.

  • Thistle Farms: A nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. We do this by providing a safe place to live, a meaningful job, and a lifelong sisterhood of support.

  • World Relief: World Relief has an anti-human trafficking program in Chicagoland.

In Chicago, an estimated 16,000-25,000 women and girls are involved in the commercial sex trade each year, yet there are fewer than 50 beds available statewide for adult women survivors who are ready to heal. Out of those surveyed, 83% said they would leave the life today if they had an exit ramp.

We light a candle for the woman still on the streets and the woman trying to find her way home.  Together we are stronger. You are not alone.