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Beacon of Hope for Exploited Youth

Providing holistic trauma recovery and care for survivors of human trafficking in Nova Scotia

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About TREY

Team supporting each other

Our Mission

TREY (Trauma Recovery for Exploited Youth) is a Nova Scotia-based organization dedicated to providing comprehensive recovery services for youth who have experienced sexual exploitation and human trafficking. We believe in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach that addresses the whole person.

  • Founded in 2015 by survivors and trauma specialists
  • First dedicated safehouse in Atlantic Canada for trafficked youth
  • Holistic recovery model addressing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs

Who We Are

Our Team

Comprised of trauma specialists, social workers, counsellors, and survivor advocates with decades of combined experience supporting exploited youth.

Our Approach

We meet survivors where they're at, providing individualized care plans that respect autonomy and empower personal growth.

Our Safehouse

A confidential, secure location offering trauma-informed residential care with 24/7 support staff and comprehensive services.

Lighthouse representing hope

Why the Lighthouse?

Our lighthouse logo symbolizes the guidance and safety we provide to survivors navigating the stormy waters of trauma recovery. Just as a lighthouse warns ships of danger and guides them to safety, TREY serves as a beacon of hope for exploited youth.

The blue represents trust, stability and depth of our commitment, while the yellow symbolizes the warmth, hope and light we bring to survivors' lives.

Our Services

Outreach Support

24/7 crisis response, street outreach, and hospital accompaniment for youth in active exploitation situations.

  • Crisis intervention and safety planning
  • Transportation to safe locations
  • Basic needs provision (food, clothing, hygiene)

Safehouse Program

Confidential residential care with flexible stay durations based on individual needs and recovery progress.

  • Trauma-informed living environment
  • 24/7 staffing with trained specialists
  • Life skills development and education support
  • Average stay of 6-18 months

Aftercare Services

Continued support for survivors transitioning to independent living or other long-term housing.

  • Ongoing counselling and case management
  • Employment and education assistance
  • Peer support groups
  • Alumni events and community building
Holistic healing

Our Holistic Recovery Model

Physical

Medical care, nutrition, movement therapy

Emotional

Trauma therapy, emotional regulation

Mental

CBT, education, life skills

Spiritual

Meaning-making, mindfulness, connection

Human Trafficking in Canada

Recent statistics highlight the urgent need for specialized services like those TREY provides. All data sourced from Public Safety Canada and RCMP reports.

93%

of trafficking victims in Canada are domestic

72%

are under age 25 when exploitation begins

1,400+

human trafficking cases reported annually

3-5x

higher rates in Atlantic Canada than national average

Youth Vulnerability Factors

Risk Factors

  • 1 History of childhood abuse or neglect
  • 2 Indigenous identity (disproportionately affected)
  • 3 LGBTQ2S+ youth facing family rejection
  • 4 Involvement in child welfare system

Protective Factors

  • 1 Safe, stable housing (like TREY's safehouse)
  • 2 Trauma-informed support services
  • 3 Education and employment opportunities
  • 4 Community connections and peer support

Survivor Stories

Names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. These are real experiences shared with consent.

Alex

Alex, 19

Safehouse resident, 2022-2023

"I came to TREY with nothing but the clothes I was wearing and so much fear. The staff never judged me, even when I struggled to trust. They helped me see my own strength. Now I'm in college and have my own apartment - things I never dreamed possible."
Jordan

Jordan, 21

Aftercare program participant

"After three years of being controlled, TREY was the first place I felt safe enough to sleep through the night. Their holistic approach helped me reconnect with my Indigenous culture, which has been crucial to my healing journey."

Breaking the Cycle

Since 2015, TREY has supported over 120 survivors in their recovery journeys. Our alumni success stories include:

85%

Maintained stable housing 1 year after program

72%

Pursued education or employment

92%

Reported improved mental health

Contact Us

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. All communications are confidential.

Get in Touch

Emergency Contact

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

24/7 Crisis Line:
902-444-4444

Text or call. All conversations confidential.

Our Location

For safety reasons, our safehouse location is confidential. All meetings are arranged by appointment.

info@trey-recovery.org
Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia
Administrative office hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm AT