KENTWOOD, Mich. (ABC 4) — Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been a leader in West Michigan, providing residential care, counseling and community programs to restore the well-being of children, teens, families and adults. Central to this mission is the Manasseh Project, which offers specialized support for young survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
“So many people don’t realize that trafficking is a really big issue, especially here in Grand Rapids,” Sydney DeVos, a business leader and philanthropist, said. “It’s becoming a worse issue.”
A cornerstone of these survivor services is the Cook Claus program, which delivers residential, trauma-informed treatment for girls ages 12 to 17 who have survived sex trafficking or severe sexual trauma. At Cook Claus House, teens receive individual and group therapy, learn independent living skills and participate in employment training. These services are designed to restore safety, build confidence and help each teen envision a hopeful future…