Opening the Door to a Better Future: Cheyenne’s Story
Ten years ago, Cheyenne was living on the streets in Minneapolis and experiencing sexual exploitation. That’s when she heard from another survivor about a place where she could do her laundry for free: a drop-in center run by The Family Partnership’s anti-sex trafficking program, PRIDE.
A Place to Rest and Begin Again
At first, Cheyenne was hesitant to visit PRIDE’s drop-in center because there weren’t many safe spaces available to her. But she took a chance and visited. Our drop-in center soon became a place Cheyenne could visit on cold days.
She could get a warm meal, take a hot shower, or get some much-needed sleep. Most importantly, she found a place with us where she could meet her basic needs without judgment.
Cheyenne always knew she wanted something different for herself. After some time, she was ready to make a change. Her ultimate goal was clear: regain custody of her son.
She knew the first step in her journey was to get sober. Cheyenne started meeting with a PRIDE case manager to set goals and develop new coping skills. As she built more stability, she was able to get sober and exit the life of trading sex.
Cheyenne always knew she wanted something different for herself…Her ultimate goal was clear: regain custody of her son.
Finding Support, Every Step of the Way
For years, Cheyenne stayed focused on her goals. She took one step after another toward the life she envisioned for herself and her son.
Over time, she tapped into additional resources from The Family Partnership for support along the way. Cheyenne saw a mental health therapist to address her past trauma and worked with a parenting educator to develop self-regulation and parenting skills.
As Cheyenne pursued her own healing, she became more present for her son, which strengthened their relationship.
As Cheyenne pursued her own healing, she became more present for her son, which strengthened their relationship.
Mother and Son Reunited
This year, Cheyenne accomplished her ultimate goal: she obtained full custody of her son.
Her case manager, who had walked alongside Cheyenne for years, had the privilege of witnessing this life-changing moment when Cheyenne’s family was legally reunified.
Thanks to Cheyenne’s persistence and self-advocacy, she is now parenting her son full time in their new home. Cheyenne will be there for all the important moments, from reading books at bedtime to joyful birthday parties. Next year, when he enters kindergarten, Cheyenne will be there to take first-day-of-school photos and walk him into his classroom.
Cheyenne’s relentless pursuit of healing has built a better future for her family.
More Families Are Seeking This Support
Cheyenne’s story is powerful, but she is not the only one. Right here in Minneapolis, new people come to our drop-in center every week as the first step toward a better day or a better life.
The Family Partnership’s anti-sex trafficking program, PRIDE (Promoting Recovery, Independence, Dignity and Equality), provides support services to sexually exploited adults, youth, and their families so they can live a life free of exploitation and abuse and move toward self-sufficiency.
This work—and our ability to walk alongside hundreds of survivors each year—is made possible in part through the generosity of community members who believe in healing and hope.
With the right support and resources, survivors of sexual exploitation can take steps toward long-term healing and brighter futures for their families—just like Cheyenne did.
Learn more about PRIDE’s offerings, history and partnerships here.