Jacqueline and Wendy: Survivors of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence are now the Saviours of others with 'Thriving Twogether.'

The Thriving Together Society is tackling one of Nova Scotia's most pressing issues through an innovative approach that challenges conventional thinking about intimate partner violence and human trafficking. Founded by Jacqueline and Wendy, two women with lived experiences of trauma, the organization focuses on providing support systems specifically for men who cause harm against women – working from the understanding that we cannot effectively support women without also supporting the male population.

Nova Scotia faces a troubling reality as the province with the highest per capita rate of human trafficking in Canada – a staggering 8.6 per 100,000 people compared to the national average of just 1.4. This coastal province's geography contributes to this crisis, with communities always within 67 kilometers of water and multiple access routes connecting to different parts of the world. These statistics highlight why organizations like Thriving Together Society are desperately needed in the Western zone of Nova Scotia.

What makes this organization unique is its founders' personal journeys. Jacqueline survived 11 years of human trafficking after being lured from a group home at age 11 by a respected community member who promised her the world but ultimately exploited her vulnerability. Her story illuminates how children in care are particularly susceptible to trafficking – not because they're necessarily addicted to substances (though that can be a factor), but because they're seeking love, attention, and validation that they've never received. For Jacqueline, the grooming and exploitation felt normal because she had already experienced sexual abuse as a child.

Wendy brings another valuable perspective as a recovered addict who was once homeless and pregnant while fleeing domestic violence. Her journey included turning her life around at 40, pursuing higher education, and creating an organization that provides the support she once needed. Together, Jacqueline and Wendy represent the "yin and yang" of experiences that allow them to connect with and help a broader range of people in need.

The organization offers practical support through their location at 4 Second Street in Yarmouth (the old Vanguard building). Services include harm reduction supplies, free breakfast, peer support, and access to a registered therapist. They provide test strips for drugs to check for dangerous substances like fentanyl, benzos, and xylosine, along with both nasal and injectable Narcan kits. Their approach emphasizes safety while acknowledging the complexities of addiction.

What's perhaps most remarkable about Thriving Together Society is that it's currently running without government funding. The founders are self-funding their operations while seeking financial support, speaking with cabinet ministers, and relying on community partnerships to provide essential services. This dedication demonstrates their unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of violence against women.

The organization's philosophy centers on early intervention rather than reactive approaches. They advocate for teaching healthy relationships to children from a young age, helping them recognize when behaviors at home might not be healthy, and challenging generational trauma patterns. They emphasize that many men who harm women are struggling with their own unprocessed trauma, lack of emotional intelligence, and societal pressures that discourage them from seeking help.

https://www.thrivingtwogether.ca/