Rural Missouri - September 2024 - 48

ReHope's goal is to offer tranquility after trauma to its 17 participants. This is done through a holistic and long-term approach led by staff and volunteers,
including from left, Roxie Loyd, chief program officer; Judy Sifuentes, operations and social enterprises manager; and volunteer Cindy McCloud.
They provide trauma-informed counseling, life coaching, wellness programs, job training, education, reintegration programs and more.
But the committed team at ReHope refuses to give up
on their mission. " We're a support system for life, as long
as they want it, even after they've finished the program, "
she says.
There aren't many programs across the country that
offer ReHope's holistic and ongoing approach, says Judy
Sifuentes. She would know; she was a participant for two
and half years and has worked at ReHope for the last three
years as their operations and social enterprises manager.
" Long-term programs are hard to find, " Judy says. " I've
been to a few short-term programs throughout Missouri
and there's nothing like this. Most of them are 30 to 45
days and have a ridiculously high turnover rate, plus they
are costly. Here at ReHope we're rent-free and don't charge
for our services, so that allows the girls to save up their
money for a new start. "
At ReHope, participants receive so much more than just
a safe space. They provide everything from access to medical
services to anger management courses to trauma treatment
to spirituality groups. " The girls will typically take a
class or two in the mornings and the second part of their
day is open to either gardening, tending the animals or
anything related to healing arts and life skills, " Roxie says.
The ReHope campus has an entire building dedicated to
48 RURAL MISSOURI | SEPTEMBER 2024
teaching the women new trades. " We make everything from
soy candles to cold-processed soaps to stainless steel tumblers, "
Roxie says. " Every Tuesday, some wonderful women
from a nearby church give one-on-one sewing classes. We
also have an Italian chef who comes in and teaches the
girls how to cook. "
The women may also look for a job after they've reached
certain milestones and goals for themselves, usually after
four or five months. " The whole time they're here, they're
saving 70% of what they make, " Roxie says. " And all the
survivor-made stuff is sold on our website and the proceeds
go entirely back into services for them. "
ReHope is supported by donations, for everything from
clothing to hygiene products to utilities. Their biggest
fundraiser is their annual gala, where they host a silent
auction, accompanied with a dinner and notable speakers.
They have also done an " Over the Edge " fundraising event,
where individuals either pay or get sponsored to rappel
150 feet off the side of the Overland Park Marriott.
" Somebody invited us to the first gala and I knew
instantly I wanted to help, " recalls Cindy McCloud, a
ReHope volunteer. " Working in this ministry, I soon realized
and learned to recognize signs of trauma and trafficking
can be in your own close families. I thought I was here

Rural Missouri - September 2024

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