Survivor-Led Peer Advocacy Program
MISSION
The Survivor-Led Peer Advocacy Program at Restorations (PAAR) is a space that has been designed by survivors for survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. The program compliments non-peer related services at Restorations as it exists to promote collaborative relationships that empower survivors.
Our programming
The Peer Advocacy Program employs individuals with lived experience of human trafficking and sexual exploitation to extend help and hope to those in our communities affected by these injustices. While our primary focus is on the Hamilton and Halton regions, our commitment extends across Ontario by providing virtual opportunities to connect.
We believe in meeting each individual where they are at to provide on-going, individualized advocacy that centers around connection, empowerment and resource sharing.
Please note that Restorations is not a crisis response centre. If you are in crisis, here are some resources that might be helpful.
RESOURCES & CONNECTION
We share resources and opportunities with survivors at Nancy’s House and help them and their care networks (e.g. service providers, parents and caregivers, etc.) navigate systems (judicial, health, social, economic, etc.) that support their healing journey.
One thing that we have learned to be true about meeting survivors where they are at, is that there is an ever evolving need to pivot and tailor our services so that they remain relevant and effective for our community. We work to provide mentorship and encouragement to others with lived experience both at Nancy's House and in the community.
Educational toolkit to assist caregivers and care providers better identify, prevent, and intervene in human trafficking of youth.
Restorations has received funding from WAGE Canada for a project to develop and put in place a Survivor-Led Peer Advocacy approach to increase identification, prevention, and intervention of human trafficking of youth.
This work is ongoing - stay tuned for updates!
Amplifying voices
At Restorations, we have a policy to amplify survivors’ voices when possible and appropriate. We aim to actively look for opportunities for survivors to speak and share their voices, stories, and expertise.
In support of this intent, we launched a blog category called “Survivor Voices” in Spring 2020. These posts include reflections on arising topics or issues and more. New posts are added when survivors have the capacity to contribute with relevant content.
We recognize the importance of financially compensating survivors for their time, energy, and expertise and, as such, we financially compensate all survivors who contribute written pieces for the blog. We strongly believe in the necessity of financial compensation for this work, and we urge other organizations who request survivors to speak, write, or consult for their organization to do likewise for the following reasons:
to demonstrate a commitment to honour and respect survivors’ time, energy, and expertise;
to demonstrate an appreciation for the emotional, mental, and physical energy necessary to share their experiences with us in order to benefit others;
and to demonstrate a commitment to developing the economic independence of survivors.
Connect
Community and self-referrals are welcome!
Email us at peeradvocacy@restorationscanada.org to learn more and/or book an appointment.
Guiding Values
Click here to learn more about our guiding values that shape our peer programming.