Frequently Asked Questions

  • Sex trafficking refers to when one is exploited for commercial sex acts for the purpose of financial gain or personal advantage. Like trafficking, sexual exploitation refers to an actual or attempted abuse of someone's position of vulnerability to obtain sexual favors or personal advantage. While all sex trafficking survivors are sexually exploited, not all sexual exploitation survivors are trafficked in a traditional sense. We have seen adult industry survivors, such as exotic dancers or webcam models, Child Sexual Assault survivors, and unique domestic violence situations occur that had a sexual exploitation component within the case. However, the long-term emotional trauma and life-altering setbacks both populations experience can be detrimental to one's recovery. Therefore, we serve human trafficking survivors and sexual exploitation survivors.

  • Absolutely! We have welcomed survivors of all genders and orientations to receive our comprehensive support services. We also have LGBTQI+A staff members who are queer identifying. We consider Alabaster Jar Project to be a safe space for all.

  • Our namesake comes from a biblical story about giving your most precious gifts to the greater good. When we see new survivors want to give back to those who are overcoming similar struggles, we consider this their “alabaster jar.” Survivors who have gone through our program have taken on all sorts of roles in serving others, including drug counseling, nursing, domestic violence counseling, and leading groups such as AA or NA as well as relapse prevention. This is their alabaster jar, and a core component of our overall mission.

  • We do not require subscription to any faith for a survivor to receive our services. Although many employees on our staff are of Christian Faith, we believe in leading by example first and foremost, and that survivors’ autonomy must be honored. In the past, clients have identified as Hindu, Muslim, Catholic, Atheist, Agnostic, and Orthodox Catholic, and non-denominational, as well as Christian.

  • Our staff is comprised of 50% survivors—those who have overcome trafficking and exploitation themselves make up most of our staff. We believe that surviving trafficking situates one with a specific skillset that we aim to employ in all areas of our organization. Some of the positive attributes survivors possess are resiliency, problem-solving skills, empathy, the ability to read others in a timely manner, determination, and creativity.

  • Human trafficking in all its forms is very complex. Although we focus primarily on the emotional toll sex trafficking and sexual exploitation takes on a survivor, we do recognize that there is some crossover to those who are labor trafficked. In some cases, labor trafficked individuals do experience sexual coercion and abuse and would be a good fit for our services.

  • Yes! We involve volunteers in all areas of our organization from fundraising, strategic planning, car mechanics, house repair, and serve days. However, to be a client-facing volunteer (a volunteer who works directly with survivors one-on-one), you must complete a standard 40-hour OVC training on trauma-informed practices. To volunteer in any manner, get started here.

  • If you’re interested in donating items, …we’d love to connect and hear more. Fill out the form on this page and one of our team members will reach out by phone shortly.

  • The best way to get involved in our fight to empower survivor and end human trafficking is to donate, volunteer, or attend one of our presentations or fundraising events.

Written By Amanda Moon Ellevis