BIDDEFORD — Hope Rising, Maine’s first residential treatment program and safe house for survivors of human trafficking, has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Raskob Foundation.

The funds will support intensive clinical treatment, including mental health services and substance abuse treatment; as well as life skills development and training; educational support and vocational training; and job readiness and professional development skills training.

Hope Rising currently operates Maine’s only long-term, residential program for women who have been trafficked, housing up to five women ages 18 and older with stays of up to two years as they work toward their goals.

According to Hope Rising Director Carey Nason, this grant will substantially help the program serve individuals in need.

“More than 200 to 300 girls and women are trafficked in Maine every year,” Nason said. “Hope Rising is a safety net that can support women as they work to regain their lives.”

Since 1945 the Raskob Foundation has awarded nearly $200 million both domestically and internationally for a wide variety of causes which support and aid the mission and activities of the Catholic Church.

Hope Rising recently celebrated its third anniversary and is a program of St. Andre Home, Inc. which has been providing services to vulnerable women and children for more than 75 years.

Founded by the Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec, the order’s focus has always been to serve young women and children in need and promote the individual dignity of each person.

To learn more about human trafficking in Maine, how to spot the warning signs or to support Hope Rising’s efforts visit www.HopeRisingME.org