Eleison is pleased to introduce D.M.R.O., one of our Peer Facilitators! She is a graduate of Eleison’s Barug matched savings program and was previously a leadership team member in Eleison’s photovoice research, where she co-led data analysis with other survivors and the Eleison research team. As a Peer Facilitator, she assists part-time in the facilitation of program activities with Eleison clients, serving as a role model and resource for incoming clients. She aims to support Eleison clients in achieving their goals and overcoming similar challenges to those she previously experienced. When asked what motivated her to assume the role of a Peer Facilitator at Eleison, she said:
“An Eleison staff invited me to be a Peer Facilitator. I was motivated to become a Peer Facilitator because I wanted to share my experiences in applying what I’ve learned in Barug. I have known Eleison Foundation for many years and I have witnessed how good their programs are and how these have benefited their clients.”
She aspires to become a social worker in the future and has begun studying college credits in social work. Believing in the power of prevention, she hopes to practice social work with vulnerable children in her community in the future. When asked what it means to her to support other human trafficking survivors involved in Eleison’s programs, she shared:
“I was also a victim of human trafficking before. It feels good when someone is there to support you, to feel that you are not alone, and that someone is there to see you through. Programs for survivors encourage them to move on and help them in the next chapters in their lives. A good support system is important for survivors of human trafficking. It is important for me to support human trafficking survivors because I see how it affects people, especially those who are away from their families. Others take a long time to recover from their traumatic experiences, but we can’t blame them because we haven’t witnessed the fear and danger they experienced in the presence of a perpetrator.”
Eleison is proud of her commitment to supporting other survivors on their journeys toward healing. We’re grateful to have compassionate and dedicated leaders like D.M.R.O. on our team.
