Nonprofit supports women who survived human trafficking, domestic violence, addiction

CHARLOTTE — One local nonprofit is gearing up for its first ever virtual walkathon to stomp out human trafficking.

Dahlia Grove supports women survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and addiction. Reporter Elsa Gillis visited with the group to see the difference it’s making.

“I was struggling with addiction and going in and out of domestic violence situations...I got into very abusive relationships and, by the grace of God, I walked away with my life.”

That’s how one Charlotte woman, who asked us not to show her face, found Dahlia Grove.

“I always say that like I’ve only ever known love to hurt,” she shared. “But this program is truly life changing and it’s giving me that second chance that I was never able to get myself.”

She’s 28, has been sober for more than a year now, and has been with the nonprofit for almost as long. In the fall, she plans to go back to college to pursue a degree in music.

Gillis met up with some of the women of Dahlia Grove on manufacturing day, where they work making jewelry and other products they sell.

Gayle Smith is the executive director. She said the goals are to empower and employ survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and addiction.

“We do it with a two-year, rent-free restorative care home where during that time they’re given the time and the resources to heal,” Smith said. “We’ve found that a lot of the studies with brain studies and trauma and addiction, that the neuroplasticity of the brain needs that time to heal. And so that’s why it’s a two-year program.”

They have a home where the women live, and the need is great. Smith said they turn away about four women a week.

The model came in part from Smith’s own passion to help and personal experience surviving abusive marriages. She saw that once women left safe houses, they couldn’t make enough money to live and find time for therapy and recovery.

Now, Dahlia Grove is gearing up for its first ever virtual walkathon to stomp out human trafficking. Registration for the summer virtual walkathon is open -- it starts in July. You can find more information here.

The nonprofit also runs a weekly community café where the women work, on top of the products they sell.

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