Casita de Sarah

Juarez, Mexico, located on the U.S./Mexico border, is rife with crime and poverty. In his travels, Father Chris found that many women, men, and children were living quiet lives of desperation

Casita de Sarah Project,
Juarez, Mexico

Butterfly Project, Mpls MN

Father Chris will speak at
Sweet Briar College Tuesday March 24 @ 7pm

The Hidden Face of Sexual Exploitation: Sarah's Story

Father Christopher Vorderbruggen will speak about his personal experiences working with young women who are victims of sexual exploitation in Mexico along the US border. Father Christopher will also address relevant issues that pertain to college age women in the United States.

As a self identified feminist, Father Chris' presentation is sure to raise eyebrows and motivate people to action. This inspiring and troubling talk is offered in recognition of Women’s History Month.

Please plan to come!

there. Often, houses have no running water, and malnutrition is rampant. Illiteracy, gunfire, drug addiction, and desperation are everywhere. In these conditions, young women are particularly vulnerable, turning to the sex trade to feed themselves and their families.

In Juarez, girls often begin having babies in their early teens. Conditions that Father Chris has witnessed include these girls giving birth alone, on dirt floors, with no medical care. Murder is a common occurrence in this border town. As an outreach worker, Father Chris sees the night time streets, teeming with desperate girls who are trying to make a living. Some girls work the brothels or dance in strip clubs. Almost all of them barely scratch out an existence. It is estimated that between 700-800 women are kidnapped and murdered in Juarez every year. Many of the bodies are found; some simply disappear.

Legion of Mercy has begun an outreach project in Juarez, distributing basic supplies and information to women and girls who are either at risk or are already being exploited. Recently, we acquired a house, lovingly dubbed “Casita de Sarah.” In this house, five young women from the most violent part of Juarez have begun a new life. The family-style setting provides free room and board, educational services, and a chance to gain job skills and go on to college.

Casita de Sarah, or Sarah’s House, is so named because “Sarah” is the anonymous girl in Father Chris’ speeches, whose story he tells as he raises awareness of exploitation and violence against women. At the house, the young women study for their high school equivalency tests, isolate their life goals, develop skills, and heal from the crushing grip of poverty. Small and communal, the house is designed to mimic the feeling of a family setting. A house mother oversees day to day activities, tutors work with the women to help with their school work, and other volunteers supply enrichment activities. The near future holds plans for art therapy, holistic health classes, music therapy, and more! While the Casita is small, we believe that empowering small numbers women has a domino effect that reaches forward for many generations. In the future, more houses shall be acquired and run on the same, “family” model.

It is our hope to expand our services in Juarez to include a medical services van, even more “care packages,” and educational pamphlets. More volunteers, in-kind donations, and money are desperately needed. Can you help?

Minneapolis Projects

The Legion is proud to announce our expansion to include a Minneapolis office and programs, which will be coming soon! Plans include the “Butterfly Project,” which will

empower women who are in the local sex industry to create and implement positive life plans, a Reiki group for women at risk of domestic abuse, and a “Safe on Spring Break” series for college age women.