Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/358103
ROBERT MITCHELL other organizations, but not at the Army. "That, in a way, is restoring their dig- nity and empowering them," Patton said. Manirakiza said staffers talk about spiritual issues with the women and are planning a Bible study. Scripture verses and encouraging quotes are tactfully placed on the walls. The women also visit the nearby Pioneer Corps, if they wish. "We desire to display the love of Christ through our actions and our relation- ships," she said. "We want to make sure that we are representing Christ well and that we are serving women in a Christlike way and showing them love and meeting their basic needs first. And then we talk to them about Christ." Patton says the first thing she does when a client comes in is to introduce herself and ask what the woman prefers to be called—either her "street name" or real name. Patton then tries to meet her needs, such as food, clothing, or toiletries. "I'm called to and passionate about this population," she says. "As a woman, I've felt as if I didn't have much respect and dignity for myself at times. "That moved me to want to get an edu- cation in social work and to empower a population of society's 'throwaways.' I feel as if it's my duty as a social worker and as a Christian to serve this population." Lopez says that, as a Christian, she enjoys "being the hands and feet of Christ." "I think of how Jesus hung out with people on the edge of society," she says. "This is a way that I get to do that and to interact with these women. "There is no doubt this is where God put me and this is what I was created to do." Manirakiza learned about human trafficking through working with international refugees, and soon realized that the problem is also in Pennsylvania. "You can't really turn your eyes away from it once you read what happens to somebody, or you hear her story, or see her cry, or notice the darkness in her eyes," she said. "You see the lack of hope and you just feel that shouldn't be anybody's story and that shouldn't be anybody's experience. I think that continues to fuel my passion." The Kensington neighborhood is actually quite close–knit and has some beautiful elements, but they get overshadowed said Manirakiza, Lopez, and Patton. They're often in the neighborhood at night. And when they sometimes walk the women to the train, they pray for safety. Several staffers who are on site each night, keep a watchful eye via stra- tegically–placed surveillance cameras. "Christ is with you," Manirakiza says. "He's watching over you and I do feel that He's called us to be in this com- munity. He's here and He's present. That power is definitely real for me." (Left) Arielle Lopez, anti–trafficking program coordinator, invites women into the center. (Above) Case Manager Kelsie Patton offers the women food, clothing, toiletries, and 'non–judgemental conversation.' Kensington, a close–knit neighborhood, has some beautiful elements. And 200 various church volunteers help at the center. 9 www.saconnects.org