Partner Testimonials
How One Young Person Found Healing with 180 Degrees
Jessie arrived at Brittany’s Place after what she thought was a friendship turned to abuse and exploitation. During her trafficking, she turned to substance abuse to cope with the traumatic events. “I was trying to find something new to focus on besides all the stuff going on,” she said. Brittany’s Place offered Jessie the stability and support that she needed to address her addiction and heal from trauma. She moved from the shelter into one of Brittany’s Place’s transitional living programs, where she was able to continue her education while learning independent living skills.
How the Work Matters to a T.O.N.E. U.P. Peer Navigator
“This work is personal. Every time I walk into the Ramsey County workhouse, I’m not just showing up as a service provider—I’m showing up as someone who lived that reality. That changes everything. People open up differently. They listen differently. They believe something different is possible. What we’re building isn’t just a program. It’s a bridge.”
How the JK Movement Made a Safer Choice Possible
During a one-on-one check-in, another youth shared that they had recently walked away from a situation that could have resulted in a physical altercation. Drawing on conflict-resolution strategies discussed through PIVOT, the youth chose instead to contact a trusted adult for support. This decision demonstrates an important application of PIVOT’s prevention and intervention strategies: strengthening a young person’s ability to pause, assess risk, use a positive support system, and make a safer decision when confronted with conflict.
Questions?
Contact Neighborhood Safety Community Council Manager Tyler Bouwens at tyler.bouwens@ci.stpaul.mn.us.