YANA Services

Street and Community Outreach - Our goal is to meet our clients where they live. In situations of human trafficking YANA assists in rescuing woman and children who are enslaved. Outreach is conducted on foot and by car throughout Baltimore, at prostitution strips and other places where exploited women are found.  YANA Staff members connect with clients deeply, asking how they are and what they want. Staffers offer condoms, clothing items, toiletries and other resources. Often, the greatest need is for someone to listen, without judgment. We strive to make this happen in each encounter.

Hospitality - Our clients are often homeless, hungry and needing a place to come that offers some of the comforts of a loving home. Through donations, YANA provides food, clothing, prescription co-payments, transportation monies, and even a place to sleep during the day. All services are offered to our sisters with love.

Counseling - Almost without exception, YANA's clients report themselves to be survivors of multiple acts of sexual abuse and neglect. Many "self-medicate" through substance use, in order to repress memories that are both inescapable and horrific. Trauma counseling is a vital part of a woman's recovery process, promoting healing and helping her to go on to the life that she would choose for herself.

Case Management - Clients of YANA require an array of resources in order to move forward. These include referrals to substance abuse treatment facilities, literacy programs, job training and employment programs; potential employers; health care providers and many other community-based supports.

YANA is pleased to partner with Health Care for the Homeless, a local non-profit health care provider, for the care of YANA's clients who do not have health insurance.

Advocacy - Prostitution affects not only the individualss directly involved, but entire communities. YANA staff members regularly present at community association meetings, churches, civic groups, conferences (local, national and international) and in other venues in which the issue is discussed. We consider this type of outreach and community education to be critical to moving the work forward on behalf of, and often with, our clients.