For All Seasons, is proud to be a part of the Governor’s initiative – the Maryland Regional Navigator Program – serving human trafficking victims under the age of 24 on the Mid-Shore of Maryland. Although For All Seasons has been working with victims of human trafficking for years, this program connects our Regional Navigator with experts across the state to better support human trafficking victims on the Mid-Shore.

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or threats to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act against a person’s will, often for little or no pay, or for something of value such as food, shelter, clothes, or drugs. It is a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children. All persons under age 18 who exchange sex for something of value are human-trafficking victims regardless of the presence of force, lies, or threats. A child cannot legally consent to commercial sex.

“Our Open Your Eyes. Get Informed.  campaign provides the opportunity to raise awareness and start a conversation with your children, family, and friends about exploitation and Human Trafficking. Trafficking is happening here in our community, and the public needs to be informed about the signs, risk factors, and resources available for victims,” comments Kristy Mirando, Director of Victim Services at For All Seasons.

The Eastern Shore is an attractive place for trafficking because of its geographic location in proximity to transportation routes by land, air, and sea that offer opportunities for human traffickers to go undetected. Major highways like I-95, Routes 40, 50, 301, and 13 all make transporting victims and meeting buyers easy. In addition, three major international, inexpensive bus transportation, train service, and a high rate of seasonal work make Maryland attractive to human traffickers.

Susan Ahlstrom, For All Seasons’ new Human Trafficking Navigator comments, “I hope to help mitigate the upward trend in Human Trafficking by expanding For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center’s outreach and strengthening the medical, legal, social service, and mental health collaboration that has already been established to support survivors. I believe my counseling and education background, along with the strong communication and networking skills that I bring to the position of Human Trafficking Navigator, will help facilitate the most effective trauma-informed response to serve victims and their families in the Mid-shore region and beyond.”

Human trafficking does not discriminate based on age, class, gender, race, education, sexual orientation, or geographical location. It can occur in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Targeted victims may have an unstable home life, a history of sexual or physical abuse, nowhere to live, be runaway youth, a substance user, have a lack of employment opportunities, or simply be a person who needs belonging and acceptance. The most vulnerable individuals may have experienced sexual violence and trauma in the past, homelessness, involvement in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, experienced substance abuse themselves or within their families, or be immigrants, LGBTQ youth, or developmentally or intellectually delayed individuals.

On the Mid-Shore, For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center has seen an uptick in trafficking victims through online sexual exploitation. Greater amounts of time online during the Covid epidemic and beyond have put youth at greater risk of being lured by online predators.  These imposters often give the impression they are younger and romantically interested in the minor being targeted to earn their trust to gain illicit photographs or videos of the minor.  Youth sometimes end up meeting up in person with perpetrators they befriended online and this often leads to trafficking situations.

Parents and caregivers are highly encouraged to talk to their children about the risks of sharing personal information online and educate them on why they should not communicate with anyone they do not know, even if it appears to be another youth.

Parents must monitor their children’s use of all digital devices including laptops, tablets, desktop computers, gaming consoles, and smartphones.  Traffickers tend to target marginalized and vulnerable individuals who may have experienced trauma or abuse, but any child can be at risk of being groomed by a predator.

If you are a parent or a caregiver, know whom your child is talking to online.  Talk to them about the risks of predators, remind them not to friend someone they do not know, never send photos and other personal information, and never meet up with people they do not know. Parents and caregivers can learn more about keeping kids safe online at: bit.ly/tips_onlinesafety.

To learn about how to identify possible human trafficking victims, the industries where human trafficking most likely occurs, and how to help, visit WeSupportSurvivors.org. If you want to stay updated on anti-human trafficking community events or presentations, email Susan Ahlstrom at sahlstrom@forallseasonsinc.org.

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For further information, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit forallseasonsinc.org

Jessica Bass, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC, NCC, the Director of Clinical Services of For All Seasons, Inc.

For All Seasons is providing a unique Supervisor Credentialing Training for social workers and professional counselors at The Point at Pintail in Queenstown, Maryland on June 23 to 25, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The three-day in-person training fulfills the 24 credit-hour training necessary for professional counselors and social workers to obtain the licensure that allows them to provide clinical oversight and supervision of interns and early-career therapists.

“Currently, there are no similar live, in-person options for obtaining this training on the Eastern Shore, therefore requiring mental health workers in the region to travel across the Bay Bridge to advance their careers, incurring additional travel expenses. This clinical supervisor training program will be offered to therapists internally at For All Seasons and clinicians throughout Maryland,” states Lauren Weber, Vice President of Philanthropy & Education at For All Seasons.

Funding for this training is being provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) administered by the Talbot County Economic Development, enabling For All Seasons to offer this training at a greatly reduced rate from $1,250 (actual cost) to $350 per person. Participants will gain the skills they need to become successful, trauma-informed clinical supervisors.  The experiential program will provide valuable instruction on how to create a dynamic and supportive atmosphere where supervisees will thrive. Participants will gain key learnings in person-first supervision, and recognizing and managing signs of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma in their supervisory roles. The training fulfills the COMAR requirements for licensure of both social workers and professional counselors in the state of Maryland.

Jessica Bass, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC, NCC, the Director of Clinical Services of For All Seasons, Inc., will be the trainer for the program. Bass received her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, and a dual master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the states of Maryland and North Carolina, a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist in Maryland, and a nationally Board-Certified Art Therapist through the ATCB, Inc.  Her clinical focus is incorporating a multi-modality approach to treat clients impacted by complex trauma.

“By offering this training, we are strengthening the community of social work and counseling leadership which in turn will help to build the health and wellness of the Mid-Shore community,” comments Beth Anne Dorman, President and CEO of For All Seasons.

Participating clinicians will receive 18 Category I CEUs for in-person training hours and 9 Category II CEUs for self-paced online learning (to be completed prior to the June 23-25 training). The cost is $350 per person. Breakfast and lunch, as well as training materials, are included. There are limited spots available. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/MarylandSupervisor.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This year’s theme, “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity,” calls on all individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions to change ourselves and the systems surrounding us to build equity and respect. In order to prevent sexual violence, we need to recognize the connections between various forms of oppression and the underlying causes of sexual assault. Risk factors such as poverty, lack of employment opportunities, and racism within the law enforcement or judicial systems make communities more vulnerable to acts of sexual assault.

Sexual violence is an umbrella term that includes any type of unwanted sexual contact. Forms of sexual violence include rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual abuse. It also includes a range of behaviors such as unwanted sexual contact or words, online exploitation, exposing oneself to others without consent, and nonconsensual image sharing.

Although sexual violence impacts every community and affects people of all ages, races, genders, and sexual orientations, certain groups are at higher risk. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports that more than one in four non-Hispanic Black women (29%) in the United States were raped in their lifetime; more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women (84.3%) have experienced violence in their lifetime; one in three Hispanic women (34.8%) reported unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime; and 47% of all transgender people have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives.

Everyone has a role to play in ending sexual assault, harassment, and abuse.

At its heart, doing the work of sexual violence prevention is a refusal to accept abuses of power; a commitment to educating yourself and others; and providing space for victims to reclaim their voice. Some ways that each of us can be involved include:

• Speak out when you see harmful comments that blame victims for what happened to them, you can respond by refocusing accountability on the perpetrator.
• If a sexual assault survivor shares his or her story with you, you can say, “I Believe You,” to help validate their experience and feelings.
• Shine a light on local support by locating your local sexual assault resource center and sharing its website URL/hotline number.
• Educate youth and adults about what consent means. Consent is the ongoing process of discussing boundaries and what you are comfortable with.
• Wear jeans on Denim Day to take a stand against victim-blaming (DenimDayInfo.org)

 For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center offers certified sexual assault victim advocates, counseling, free and confidential services in English and Spanish, support in the hospital, police department, and court, and referrals to social and legal services. The For All Seasons English Hotline is 410-820-5600. The Spanish Hotline is 410-829-6143. The text line in English or Spanish is 410-829-6143. For further information and to find support for online sexual assaults, visit forallseasonsinc.org.

Source: National Sexual Violence Resource Center at https://www.nsvrc.org/saam/drawingconnections

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For further information, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit forallseasonsinc.org.

For All Seasons recently partnered with the Dorchester County Detention Center to bring awareness about human trafficking through its Red Sand Project. Across the Shore, participants have poured red sand into sidewalk cracks and used the time to start a discussion about the causes and effects of human trafficking and exploitation. The red sand represents the victims of human trafficking who have slipped through the cracks yet may still be hiding in plain sight.

Susan Ahlstrom, Trauma, Addiction, Mental Health and Recovery (TAMAR) Coordinator at For All Seasons, who works with women who are incarcerated in the Dorchester County Detention Center, introduced the Red Sand Project to Kenneth Rodgers, the facility’s director. He got his maintenance staff on board to create a large, grey board that was routed to replicate the sidewalk outside so the women could participate inside the gym. The routed board had adhesive so the sand would stick – the idea of one of the women who participated so that the board could be a permanent reminder inside the facility of the importance of this issue.

Photo: With the Human Trafficking Red Sands Project board, created by women who are incarcerated in the Dorchester County Detention Center, left to right, are Susan Ahlstrom, Trauma, Addiction, Mental Health and Recovery (TAMAR) Coordinator at For All Seasons; Jennifer Hartfield, Visual Arts Coordinator, Dorchester Center for the Arts; Director Kenneth Rodgers, Dorchester County Detention Center; and Rebecca Woodward, LMSW, Dorchester Addiction Reentry/Treatment (DART) Program Coordinator at the Dorchester Detention Center and with the Dorchester County Behavioral Health.

“I also reviewed the subject of Human Trafficking and the history of the Red Sand Project with the TAMAR participants during the sessions. Human trafficking facts and statistics were shared and the women were educated about the high incidence of trafficking in our area and the aspects of trauma surrounding such an experience. Overall, the women were familiar with some aspects of the issue, but become more aware of the scope and prevalence of the problem. They were very engaged and the staff also became interested in the project and were quite outspoken about the magnitude of the problem. The Warden and staff were pleased with the outcome and the consensus was that it had become a collaborative/community work of art.”

“It was great how responsive the Warden and other staff members were to this Human Trafficking awareness project. I appreciated their willingness to work with For All Seasons to help bring this learning experience to the women at Dorchester County Detention Center. Hands-on learning experiences like this one are not always easy to implement in a correctional environment, but they are always impactful.”

Rebecca Woodward, LMSW, Dorchester Addiction Reentry/Treatment (DART) Program Coordinator at the Dorchester Detention Center and with the Dorchester County Behavioral Health, also joined in on the effort.

“There is so much to be said about why projects like this are important. Women who experience incarceration have often survived many traumas, including human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking. Some women do not realize that they have been trafficked because of the psychological component of the abuse and many women have shame around their experiences. Raising awareness helps provide education on what human trafficking is, and dismantles that shame. It lets people know that the abuse is not their fault and that they are not alone. This provides a pathway to healing,” Woodward remarked.

“The program offered through For All Seasons is very important to the facility to help stop recidivism and help the female detainees cope.  Some of the females that enter this facility have trauma-based criminal activity, from the use of drugs to theft and human trafficking.  Their self-esteem has been shattered so they start to rely/count on outside stimulants to be able to, in their mind’s eye, survive,” commented Director Kenneth Rodgers, Dorchester County Detention Center.

“I believe when the female detainees were able to participate in the Red Sand activity, it gave them some strength back, being able to recognize the inhumane existents of this terrible anomaly of Human Trafficking.  Being able to show the ones who have been lost in the cracks can help us as a nation, put a stop to this crime against society.”

The Red Sand Project board is currently on display at the Dorchester Center for the Arts, 321 High Street, Cambridge, Maryland.

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For further information, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit forallseasonsinc.org.

L-R: Erica Batson, Executive Assistant and IT Manager for For All Seasons; Myisha Johnson, Case Manager, For All Seasons; and George King, Director of Practice Operations, For All Seasons.

For All Seasons announced in March it will launch its “Give With Your Heart” seven-day virtual campaign which will underscore the importance of mental health and community connection and the impact it has on all of us.  Each day between March 25 and March 31, For All Seasons will share a video featuring its friends, clients, and staff on its social media and a virtual giving wall. The videos will showcase individual stories of mental health and the importance of reaching out for help. A campaign music video, featuring For All Seasons’ staff and Heart & Music cast members, will be released on March 31.

“Mental Health affects everyone, whether it is our own struggles or struggles experienced by our family, friends, or coworkers. No one is immune. Our ‘Give With Your Heart’ campaign highlights how mental health is at the heart of all of our stories. We invite everyone to donate to our heart wall to be a part of bringing hope, help, and healing to our community,” states Beth Anne Dorman, President & CEO of For All Seasons.

Visit givewithyourheart.org to watch For All Seasons’ mental health stories and to participate in the “Give With Your Heart” campaign.

For All Seasons is also looking for individual and business sponsors for the online event. Sponsorship includes recognition during the seven-day campaign, media coverage, and more. For sponsorship information, contact Lauren Weber, Vice President of Philanthropy and Education, at lweber@forallseasonsinc.org or (410) 822-1018.

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For further information, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit forallseasonsinc.org.

Melissa Kelly

Melissa Kelly of Easton has recently joined the Board of Directors of For All Seasons. Kelly is currently the Eastern Shore External Affairs Manager for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst). Before this, she was the Eastern Shore Regional Director for U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. She has an extensive background in health care, having served as Operation Coordinator for the Diagnostic & Imaging Center for the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and Practice Manager for the University of Maryland Community Medical Group, as well as Coordinator of the University of Maryland Clark Comprehensive Breast Center.

She is a graduate of Shore Leadership and attended Chesapeake College. Her civic involvement includes being a Board Member for U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Service Academy Nomination Board and a Member of the Mid Shore Local Health Improvement Coalition, Telehealth Subcommittee Member. She also served as President of the Soroptimist International of Talbot County.

“I’m a resource person and a connector. I am eager to help connect stakeholders to For All Seasons to support new facilities and meet the current demand for mental health services,” Kelly states. “Behavioral health is a huge priority for every local institution. Anything we can do to better support people within our communities and their mental health will ultimately help drive economic development and growth for our region.”

“We are excited to welcome Melissa to the Board of For All Seasons. Her background, enthusiasm, and skillset are a great addition and will help the board continue to grow and serve the mission of the organization,” comments Leslie Sea, President of For All Seasons Board Directors.

A capacity crowd attended the recent Open House for For All Seasons’ new location at 322 Market Street, Ste. 207 in Denton. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and a tour of the agency’s new space. Caroline County is the second largest county For All Seasons serves. This past year, the agency was able to bring help, hope, and healing to nearly 1,000 Caroline County residents with over 13,000 direct care services and provide nearly $70,000 in financial assistance to Caroline County residents.

Pictured left to right are Abby McNinch, Mayor of Denton, and Beth Anne Dorman, President and CEO of For All Seasons.

“Caroline County is a mental health care desert. Three years ago when the last time data was compiled there was only one mental health provider for every 2,000 Caroline County residents. Since then, many of the existing providers have moved into private practice, accepting only private insurance or asking clients to pay for services entirely out of pocket. Other providers have closed down altogether. For All Seasons is integral to Caroline County’s overall health and resilience,” stated Beth Anne Dorman, President and CEO of For All Seasons.

“Opening this office reflects our commitment to showing up for Caroline County and its residents. Debuting this new, larger, more state-of-the-art office is a bold statement about the importance of accessible mental health care. These four walls represent hope for a bright, healthy, and thriving Caroline County today and for the future.”

Beth Brewster, Supervisor of Food Services at Caroline County Public Schools, who attended the open house, added, “The number of mental health issues after the pandemic was overwhelming. To have this beautiful facility and friendly staff filling the mental health needs of Caroline County is huge. Part of the holistic approach to helping our families be whole is addressing their mental health.”

Ja Quaya Beasley, Client Services Specialist in the Denton Office, commented, “We have more than doubled our space for clinicians and clients, as well as added space for play therapy in our Denton office. Our clients come in with smiles on their faces, enjoying the welcoming space. It has made a big difference for clients and how they feel about being here.”

Pictured left to right are Melissa Kelly, Eastern Shore External Affairs Manager for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) and a For All Seasons Board Member, with Larry Porter, Caroline County Commissioner.

For crisis support on the Mid-Shore, contact For All Seasons’ 24-Hour Hotlines: 410.820.5600 for English or 410.829.6143 for Spanish or text in English and Spanish.

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For further information, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit forallseasonsinc.org.