Reflecting on this past year of ministry at Blackbox, I find myself incredibly thankful for how He has provided for this work. Blackbox International is a faith-based, Christ-centered nonprofit that exists to holistically rehabilitate formerly sex-trafficked boys and young men. We provide the critical aftercare component for boys rescued from sex trafficking, helping them find healing from their past, joy in the present, and purpose for their future. Blackbox currently cares for boys and young men in our safe home in the Dominican Republic, and we are building our next campus in Haiti.
Boys represent the fastest-growing segment of identified human trafficking victims. The U.S. State Department reports that the percentage of boys identified as trafficking victims more than quintupled between 2004 and 2020 — a far larger increase than for men, women, or girls. And the true number of male survivors is likely far higher than reported: boys are less often identified as victims, in part because communities can lack understanding that boys, too, are harmed by sexual abuse.
In the Dominican Republic, this past year we provided additional staff training, expanded our rite-of-passage program for young men turning 18, and grew our social worker visits with former guys from our program. We now have a two-year skills-training track that culminates in that rite-of-passage program, building age-appropriate life skills along the way. We’re looking to grow this further in the coming year. Through our expanded social worker visits, we’ve also learned of additional needs among former residents that we’ve been able to help meet.
In Haiti, our goals were to continue developing the campus, expand self-sufficiency with a solar system and backup generator, and move forward on legal paperwork and staffing. God has moved in several ways — including the moment we stood ready to receive 30 orphans and staff fleeing the capital in crisis. We continue to face real challenges there: violence, chaos, and a collapse of functioning government. Our team keeps moving forward, but progress is slow and hard-won.
So many young men have found healing and hope for their future. One alumnus recently visited one of our board members’ churches — he’s a pastor — to introduce his wife and son. He has a steady job and remains active in a church near where he now lives. Not every young man reaches this level of transition, but many do, and we remain committed to walking with them on their journey.
Our board and staff in both countries are local nationals — Dominican and Haitian Christians lead the ministry at every level, using culturally appropriate approaches carried out in partnership with local churches and community organizations. Our staff is all Christian and active in their churches. Our boys and young men attend church and youth group, go to camp, join church events year-round, and do devotions at home. Local pastors interact with them regularly.
Your financial support provides Dominican and Haitian Christians on the ground the resources they need to offer 24/7 care for male survivors of sex trafficking — boys under 18 in our main homes, and young men over 18 through our Verge Project. Your prayers strengthen us. Your encouragement carries us through the hard days.
I’m thankful for this church. Please know how appreciated you are — we’re grateful for this partnership.
The Story MUST Change!
Blackbox International
Blackbox International is a faith-based, Christ-centered, not-for-profit organization that exists to holistically rehabilitate formerly sex-trafficked boys and young men. Blackbox provides the critical aftercare component for boys rescued from sex trafficking in order to help them find healing from their past, joy in the present, and purpose for their future. Blackbox is currently providing care for boys and young men in their safe-home in the Dominican Republic and are currently building their next campus in Haiti.
