The John School has been chalking up some fairly remarkable stats with the individuals we have served in the classes. While we have organizational documents – the kind that induce REM sleep – we thought to share an update that was submitted to the District 15 DA’s office April, 2022, ago that sums up the impact to date:

On the buyers’ side, we have had several men who were also social influencers. The class impacted them so much that they said they would begin to advocate against commercial sex. One of them came up to Justin – the therapist who runs the buyers’ group therapy sessions – in tears, asking him how he could protect his 13 year old daughter. Several men have been in tears considering the impact of their actions on the women selling themselves. No shame! Just contrition over their choices and the damage done.

The buyers’ course feedback papers have been highly positive, thankful for the training, with high marks for the various sections. How cool is that!?!

On the sellers’ side, by the afternoon group sessions, they have been undone by the kindness, dignity and affirmation they are given – shocked that there is no shame or condemnation – and earnestly talking about what it would look like to change their lives. Every class has had one woman who wanted out. We have maintained contact with them and those still hesitating to take the risk – but at least they know there is support and resources available to them when they are ready.

The feed back papers from the sellers’ classes have all been highly positive as well.