Javalina wasn’t sure what would happen when her parole officer referred her to Nomi Network. Would they judge her for her record, or tell her she wasn’t qualified for anything? Committed to a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Javalina overcame her nerves and made an appointment. To her surprise, instead of an office, they met in her neighborhood. The Program Manager was a warm and friendly woman who listened and seemed to really care.
Towards the end of their meeting, Javalina sat with a pile of papers and colorful brochures in front of her. Each one held a promise.
- Nomi Network promised free training, ways to explore careers she might be interested in, and connections to a network of supportive programs.
- Houston Community College shared a training pathway from nursing assistant to becoming an RN.
- A manufacturing company was offering an opportunity to work full-time and receive extra support for the first six months.
Javalina stared at them all and could feel tears in her eyes in frustration. “It’s too many choices,” she said quietly. “I don’t know what to do.”
She was told, “We can figure it out together, in your time and in your way.”
Making decisions and feeling confident is something every person struggles with, no matter their lived experience. People who experience trafficking often have every part of their life controlled by someone else—including where they go, what they do, and how they live each day. Even after they leave that situation, it can be hard to feel in charge of their own life again.
Many survivors struggle to trust themselves or make decisions on their own. Because traffickers often made every choice for them, survivors may not have had the chance to learn or practice basic decision-making and life skills. This can make everyday tasks—like planning for school, finding a job, or setting personal goals—feel overwhelming.
This story shows the internal work survivors must do to recognize their potential and ability to make decisions. That’s why, every step of the way, we build trusting relationships and create a network of safety and support. For the women we serve, this is only the first chapter of a new story, one with a future free of exploitation and full of economic opportunities—a story where women like Javalina have the freedom to choose.
Javalina’s story comes from our Adult Women’s Empowerment Program in Houston.
Note: Name has been changed for safety.
