Enhancing services to male-identified victims and survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

EMMAUS has been supporting and advocating for male-identified victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation for over 30 years and is the only organization in Chicago that offers gender-specific services to male victims. EMMAUS supports male victims through material assistance, drop-in services, transportation support, referrals, and more. All clients have the option of participating in case management and working with a staff manager to pursue self-identified goals toward health and self-sufficiency. EMMAUS partners with numerous government and community organizations to offer a comprehensive array of services to clients beyond what EMMAUS can offer. Likewise, partner organizations refer victims to EMMAUS for male-specific services. With this OVC award, EMMAUS will increase its capacity to serve the growing number of clients with whom EMMAUS is making contact. EMMAUS will hire two case managers to support clients on their journey toward self-identified goals of health and self-sufficiency. This will allow current staff providing case management services to focus on outreach and community partnerships, among other things. The funds will also support the new centrally-located trauma-informed drop-in center, which will house support services such as trauma-informed individual and group therapy, material assistance, respite, access to technology, and case management. Additionally, EMMAUS will hire an impact manager to oversee grant management, gather data, and submit reports on progress.