Our Programs
Our mission is to serve vulnerable Thai (and other Southeast Asian) individuals as they leave prostitution, helping them rebuild their lives holistically by providing education, healthcare, therapy and job training.
Outreach
Reaching out, building connections
Dton Naam’s outreach program plays a vital role in connecting with individuals in vulnerable and dangerous situations. Through weekly visits to red-light districts, the team identifies those in need of assistance and gathers important data to understand the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ sex workers. Surveys conducted during outreach explore topics like education, finances, safety, and working conditions, helping to shape tailored support strategies.
One impactful outcome of this work was assisting Arisa, a young woman trafficked into Thailand without legal documentation. By collaborating with partners, Dton Naam helped her escape exploitation and return safely to her home country. This program not only provides immediate support but also ensures the organization’s efforts stay responsive to the changing needs of the communities it serves.
Healing lives, renewing hope
Dton Naam’s recovery program offers a comprehensive approach to healing and empowerment for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. The program addresses medical and educational needs, ensuring participants receive essential healthcare and opportunities to continue or restart their education. Through counseling and social work, individuals are supported in unpacking layers of trauma and abuse, building resilience, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Career and financial planning are integral components, helping participants identify career paths, gain vocational skills, and achieve financial independence.
The program also prioritizes family strengthening, fostering healthy relationships and support systems to create a foundation for long-term success. Creative outlets such as art and art therapy provide participants with tools for expression and healing. Additionally, a variety of classes equip individuals with practical life skills, from communication to job readiness, preparing them for a sustainable and fulfilling future. Together, these components form a holistic framework designed to meet the diverse needs of those on their journey to recovery.
Recovery
Job Training
Building skills, creating opportunities
Dton Naam’s job training program provides participants with practical, hands-on experience to prepare for sustainable employment and brighter futures. Participants are mentored by knowledgeable community members and business owners who guide them in exploring different types of jobs, helping them discover their strengths and interests. This mentorship not only provides valuable career insight but also fosters confidence and a sense of belonging.
The program emphasizes building usable skills through real-world business involvement. Participants engage in day-to-day operations, gaining expertise that serves as a foundation for more in-depth vocational training opportunities. A key component of the program is a job training cafe and bakery, a sister company located in Bangkok. This unique training ground allows participants to develop skills in barista and bakery work, equipping them for employment in the hospitality industry.
Through this multifaceted approach, Dton Naam’s job training program empowers individuals to take meaningful steps toward financial independence and career fulfillment while cultivating transferable skills and a solid work ethic.
Sustained support, lasting impact
Dton Naam’s aftercare program is designed to provide ongoing support and guidance to individuals as they transition into sustainable employment. The program includes regular follow-up visits to check on participants’ well-being and ensure they are successfully adapting to their new circumstances. Surveys are conducted periodically to gather feedback and assess areas where additional support may be needed.
A key component of the aftercare program is job placement assistance, which includes connecting participants with suitable employment opportunities and conducting routine job checks to address any challenges they may face in the workplace. For those who continue to require emotional or psychological support, counseling services remain available, ensuring a safety net for navigating personal and professional growth.
By maintaining a supportive presence, the aftercare program helps participants build stability, confidence, and resilience, fostering long-term success and fulfillment.
Aftercare