Program Application

Applicants Must:

• Be age 18 or older to apply

• Be female-identified

• Be willing to commit to a 2-year residential program

• Have a history of addiction (past or current) and is willing to commit to sobriety

• Have history of being sex trafficked, exploited in commercial sexual activity, or have participated in prostitution

We are unable to consider applications who:

• Are using Methadone/Buprenorphine or Dolophine/Suboxone as opiate addiction treatment (Vivitrol/Naltrexone monthly injections are okay)

• Non-ambulatory or unable to manage self-care

• A threat to herself or others, or under imminent threat from others

• On the sex offender’s registry

• In a (non-marital) relationship that she expects to continue while in the program. (We take very seriously the need for Residents to refrain from relationships during the first 12 months of sobriety.)

• Pregnant or in physical custody of her dependents, children, or pets

We do not provide emergency or transitional housing.

We have the following expectations for applicants. She must be willing to:

•  Maintain a substance-free lifestyle for the duration of her time at MHC. 

•  Confront the things in her past that made her vulnerable to exploitation. 

•  Give up her personal phone, email, Internet, and social media for a minimum of 90 days. Residents are permitted to purchase and keep personal cell phones once they begin working, have an approved budget, have met specific milestones, and have approval from Staff. Typically, Residents are eligible for a cell phone between 4-6 months after entering MHC. Social Media and other uses of the Internet will come with education about safe practices. 

• Live harmoniously in a Residential program. 

The following points must be understood by referring agencies and be made clear to all applicants: 

• Magdalene House Chicago is a restorative PROGRAM – with specific activities, schedules, and goals. 

• We are a voluntary stay, but not a halfway house where she can come and go as she pleases. 

• She will be expected to participate in therapeutic groups and individual counseling. 

• Over time she will earn privileges and trust, but they will not be immediately granted. 

• She will be living with other survivors, sharing in the work and the dynamics of the household. Getting along with others is part of the program. We understand that she may have trouble with the responsibilities that relate to communal living. Staff will help her to create a plan that works for her and facilitates harmonious group living.