Page 11 - Hobe Sound Reflections - August '24

Hobe Sound, Page 11

Community news

CTWH Is Forging Important It exists so that no survivor of sexual violence residing on the
SART is the first team to respond to sexual assault cases.
Partnerships In The Community Treasure Coast or in Okeechobee must go through a crisis
alone, regardless of age, circumstances or their decision
By Jackie Holfelder whether to involve law enforcement. The group is comprised
It’s been an active several months for Catch the Wave of trained advocates, counselors and administrators and all
of Hope (CTWH) as the nonprofit continues to forge communications with staff are confidential.
important relationships and collaborations in its mission CTWH is also now part of DCF’s (Department of Children
to prevent the sexual exploitation and trafficking of and Families) Sex/Labor Trafficking MDT (Multidisciplinary
children through awareness and education, while providing Team). Sarah Marie Henry, executive director of the 501(c)(3),
restoration to survivors. attends meetings at which all parties come together to discuss
CTWH has joined the SART team (Sexual Assault Response services, resources and plans of actions to assist children
Team) on the Treasure Coast, a part of the Sexual Assault affected by human trafficking. Participants include DCF staff,
Assistance Program of the Treasure Coast. This team includes investigators, case managers, therapists, Guardians ad Litem Board members of Human Trafficking Coalition of the
victim advocates and other experts in the field. and other related resources. Treasure Coast and Okeechobee: Ali Hernandez, Mindi
Fetterman, Karissa Bolden, Terry Burke, Carol Rodriguez,
Libby Snider and Sarah Marie Henry
Club News from page 10 children who are working Photo provided by Catch the Wave of Hope
to overcome obstacles to
The nonprofit also furthering their education, Catch the Wave of Hope recently completed certified
honored her in 2011 by as well as awards that are facilitator training in the Monique Burr Foundation’s
giving her an attaché level presented to high school “Child and Teen Safety Matters,” which is Florida Board
membership in the Laurel girls who are involved in of Education-approved for schools and meets the state’s
Society of Soroptimist making their community a mandate for child trafficking prevention education for
International of the Americas. better place. students grades K through 12.
In 2005, she was recognized Soroptimist International And, importantly, CTWH is partnering with the
as Women of Distinction of Stuart’s annual Awards Human Trafficking Coalition of the Treasure Coast and
in Martin County Award Dinner was held at the Okeechobee, Circuit 19, to launch a resource listserv for
and was given an honorary Dolphin Restaurant on May both adult and child survivors of human trafficking. This
membership in the club. Tracy Ferguson 22. The club presented three Cade Ferguson draws listserv is an email-based resource that will be used to better
Just Gold Jewelers, Jody’s Live Your Dream grants and winning raffle ticket as Donna identify survivor needs and continue to grow and strengthen
business which opened in 1986, supported Soroptimist of Stuart one Youth Service Award. Linton looks on partnership between agencies, law enforcement, FBI, victim
for years by donating magnificent jewelry and other luxury In addition, Schonna advocates, mental health therapists, attorneys and many
items which were raffled off to raise funds for the nonprofit. Green, executive director of M.I.S.S. of the Treasure more parties working in the community to meet needs of
Jody passed away in 2023 and her daughters Kelly Bond Coast, was honored with the Women Helping Women trafficking survivors.
Pelletier and Tracy Ferguson and grandson Cade Ferguson Award, which is an annual recognition of a woman or Catch the Wave of Hope collaborates with other service
continue to honor her commitment to Soroptimist. community organization that has made an impact in the providers to prevent the duplication of services and to fill
This year they donated a beautiful diamond bracelet and the lives of women and girls. gaps in services that are not currently available to survivors.
name of the winner, Gigi Suntum, was drawn on March 10. For information about Soroptimist International of We take a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach to
Money raised will provide funds for the club’s Live Stuart, visit www.soroptimistofstuart.org. everything that we do, and we build our organization based
Your Dream grants which are presented to women with Photos provided by Soroptimist International of Stuart on feedback from the community and those we serve.
To learn more, visit www.catchthewaveofhope.org.