Residential PrograM

Our residential Program is slated to open September 2022

Due to an unexpected medical emergency, we have had to push back our opening until mid-September. We are currently creating a wait list for potential residents.

Mary’s Sanctuary will be a place of refuge, respite, and restoration for women survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. In the home, residents will receive comprehensive care physically, emotionally, educationally, and spiritually.  Our program will focus on safety, stabilization, healing, and new life. Women will have time each day to learn life skills, relationship skills, continue their education, form meaningful relationships, and heal from the complex trauma they have experienced. All in the safety of a home with 24-hour staff in an undisclosed location.  

We will have space for up to 5 residents at a time. Two of our bedrooms will house 2 women at a time who are seeking a long-term program which will lead to a greater impact in their lives. The third bedroom will house one woman and will be a transitional room. Women coming into the program will be housed in the single bedroom while they acclimate to the house and the new life. They will then transition into a bedroom to share space with another resident. When the single bedroom is available, we will use it for women who need short-term housing but do not fit into the long-term program. All residents will be screened and assessed before they are allowed into the program to make sure we are a right fit for them, and they are a right fit for us. All screening will take place at our Drop-In-Center. 

The highest priority in the home will be safety. As such, women will have to agree to surrender their cell phones and electronic devices to be a part of the program. We do not want to risk the safety of our residents, staff, or volunteers. Internet access will be limited and only available to residents when they are participating in online learning, which will begin in phase two of the program. The home will be equipped with a privacy fence and a security system with exterior cameras. Relationships will be built with local law enforcement, so they are aware of who we serve and the potential to need their services.  

Our program will be 18 months in total with 4 phases of care. The completion of each phase will be celebrated as residents move from one phase to the next. At each level, residents will be allowed to call contacts that are deemed safe by staff members. Residents will also have the opportunity to have weekly visitation with those that have been approved for visitation. At every phase, women will learn life skills and will be responsible for personal hygiene, taking care of their personal space, personal laundry, daily chores, and cooking meals on a rotation. We will have a case manager who will work with the women to set goals and help set appointments for dental, medical, and other needs such as obtaining an ID.     

The following is a breakdown of each phase: 

Phase 1 Respite (0-3 months) Residents will focus on stabilization with an emphasis on safety, sobriety, and dealing with trauma in a group setting. There will be a check list of accomplishments before residents move to the next phase regardless of time spent in this phase. This applies to each phase of care. 

Phase 2 Renewal (3-6 months) Residents will start attending one-on-one therapy, academics and have a higher focus on their trauma and self-care. 

Phase 3 Redirection (6-12 months) Residents will continue with one-on-one therapy and academics. They will begin to receive job training, resume writing, mock interviews and will be encouraged to get a job. We will establish relationships with a few local businesses to employ our residents. Residents will be able to work certain hours so they can continue their education in the morning and work in the afternoon or evening. When residents secure a job, they will be given access to their cell phones on a limited basis. 

Phase 4 Restoration (12-18 months) Residents will continue all areas in the previous phase and will be encouraged to start saving money so they will have funds available when they leave the program. They will plan with their case manager next steps and transitioning from our program. 

Our goal is to acquire a residence where we can offer a transitional home for graduates of our program. Graduates will live with other graduates in an independent environment. They will be responsible for rent, utilities, food, and expenses of living on their own. These expenses will be split with the other residents. They will remain under the umbrella of Harriett’s House but will not have 24/7 supervision or staff in the home. 

Mary's Sanctuary is dedicated to Mary Calloway. Mary was a woman who loved to help others. Her son, Derek Wanex, donated the house in honor of his mother. We want this home to be a place of refuge, respite, and restoration for every woman who walks through the doors. 

We would like to thank the following businesses, organizations and individuals who are making the renovations to the home possible:

William Paterakis

Brown Advisory

Robin Corey Elliott

Marc Weller

Alexander Smith

Rosemary Hoover

Bozzuto & Associates

Lou and Alison Cohen

St. John's Escrow

Baxter Family Foundation

Venice Paterakis Smith & Karen Paterakis Philippou Irrev. Trust

Comm-Foods

Dresher Foundation

Kelly Integral Solutions

Leslie Bishop

VFW Post 7464

American Legion Post 91

Dorchester Elks Lodge 223

Ed and Anne Thomas

Trinity Bible Church

Open Bible Church

Ruff Roofers

Crain & Sons Masonry

To support our work please send donations to:

Harriett's House

P.O. Box 586

Cambridge, MD 21613

Donations are tax deductible EIN 83-2279182

Online donations can be made here