MAry's Sanctuary

Our Residential Program is Open!

We are accepting referrals for short and long-term care

Questions? Please call 443-786-1843

Mary’s Sanctuary is a 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 focuses 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 have space for up to 5 residents at a time. Please follow the link for the referral process to fill out the online application form. There is information about the referral process and requirements to attend the program. All screening will take place at our Drop-In-Center. 

The highest priority in the home is 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 is equipped with a privacy fence and a security system with exterior cameras. Staff is on-site 24/7 and is working in partnership with residents to reach their goals.

Our program consists of short-term and long-term care. Short-term is 3 months and long-term is up to 18 months. Phase one is the extent of our short-term program. At the end of phase one, an assessment will be completed with the opportunity for the client to extend their stay or to leave the program.   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 have a case manager who works with the women to set short-term and long-term 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. At the end of phase one, those in the short-term program will have the opportunity to exit or to continue on.

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. 

Mary's Sanctuary is dedicated to Mary Calloway. Mary was a woman who loved to help others. Her son, Derek Wanexd, 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

H&S Bakery

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