North County Lifeline Promotes Economic Mobility through Community Partnerships

North County Lifeline (Lifeline)  is a community-based nonprofit organization serving youth and families across San Diego County. Its mission is to “build self-reliance among youth, adults, and families through high-quality, community-based services.” In 2011, Lifeline launched Project LIFE (Living in Freedom from Exploitation) , an advocacy program that supports individuals who have experienced human trafficking through prevention and intervention services.

Funded through OTIP's Domestic Victims of Human Trafficking grant program, Lifeline provides trauma-informed case management services and assistance, including crisis intervention and safety planning, peer support, counseling and trauma-specific treatment, housing and residential coordination, and linkage to community resources. Lifeline also provides outreach and prevention services to groups disproportionately at risk of trafficking and offers public awareness, education, and training for professionals who serve these communities. 

People who have experienced human trafficking have consistently reported challenges securing safe and sustainable employment. Barriers may include limited education or job training, lack of documented work history, inability to provide references, or presence of a criminal record (often associated with their trafficking experience). Lifeline works with partners to help clients gain and maintain employment.

For example, Lifeline recently formalized a partnership with Future Stitch , a leading global textile and technology company whose business model promotes social and environmental consciousness. Through this partnership, female-identifying survivors who have experienced criminalization and/or incarceration are eligible for employment in a Future Stitch manufacturing facility. Eligible positions range from Inventory Manager and Heat Press Operator to Graphic Designer and Factory Manager.

Future Stitch continues to establish a high standard for employee working conditions and cultivate an environment of support. These efforts include:

• Building a family-friendly workplace by allowing children over 12 to be on site with their parent(s) and introducing efforts to implement an onsite daycare for children under 12.
• Providing resources and support to maintain successful employment through collaboration with local service providers.
• Offering daily yoga and meditation for employees.
• Providing skills-based education (e.g., parenting techniques, navigating family court systems).

Through this collaboration with Future Stitch, Lifeline seeks to address systemic challenges faced by clients who have experienced trafficking and strengthen access to economic mobility and other resources needed to ensure a safe, healthy life.

Learn more about Lifeline's anti-trafficking work .