In addition to meeting many of the physical needs of the girls, Free the Captives seeks to provide job training and experience through their job preparation program. This program is designed to not only teach creative skills to the girls, but also prepare them for the workplace.
Some of the many projects and activities the girls get to experience throughout the summer include making soaps, candles and other crafts as well as learning how to fill out an application, dressing professionally, and budgeting tips. One of the girls’ favorite days is “Professional Development Day”, in which the girls get the opportunity to “shop” for professional clothing (donated by churches), eat in a formal dining situation and practice their introductory and interview skills. This is often the first job experience for most of the girls and provides financial stability for many of them.
One of the best summaries of the program comes directly from one of our girls, who stated that “I feel safe here. It is a place where I can come and work and not have to worry. [In addition to making candles] I also get to learn a lot!”
