When “María” (name changed for privacy), a survivor of human trafficking, first connected with Catholic Charities’ Bakhita Empowerment Program, she was facing one of the most traumatic days of her life. After enduring exploitation and control at the hands of traffickers, she was navigating urgent medical care and the overwhelming process that follows victimization. The weight of her experience felt unbearable. But she did not face it alone.
Through a coordinated response alongside community partners, Bakhita team members Isabel Matthysse and Jill Martin stepped in to provide critical, compassionate support at the Healthcare District.
For María, language could have been another barrier during an already painful and retraumatizing process. Instead, it became a bridge. Isabel’s Spanish-speaking skills ensured María fully understood each step of the medical visit and her available options as a victim of human trafficking. More than translation, Isabel offered steady reassurance, clear communication, and a calm presence that brought comfort during a long and emotionally exhausting day. Her compassion and professionalism helped María feel seen, heard, and treated with dignity.
At the same time, Jill worked diligently behind the scenes to ease the logistical burdens. With patience and initiative, she coordinated with the pharmacy to secure the necessary prescriptions, helping expedite the visit and reduce additional stress. Her proactive approach allowed María to focus on her immediate health and emotional needs rather than navigating complex systems alone.
Maura Smith, a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office victim advocate later shared deep appreciation for the Bakhita team’s involvement, noting that the day was a powerful example of a coordinated, multidisciplinary response. The teamwork demonstrated how collaboration between agencies can create a seamless network of care for survivors of human trafficking — ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
For María, what could have been an isolating and retraumatizing experience instead became the beginning of healing — supported by professionals who understood the complexities of trafficking trauma and walked beside her every step of the way.
The Bakhita Empowerment Program exists for moments like this: when survivors of human trafficking need advocacy, language access, emotional support, and practical assistance all at once. Through partnership and dedication, Catholic Charities continues to stand beside survivors as they move from crisis toward safety, stability, and hope.
