My name is Chelsea, and I am passionate about anti-trafficking work. I want to support youth who have experienced trafficking, exploitation, homelessness, or other forms of instability in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where I am from. Data from Pennsylvania shows a real need for increased trauma-informed support for these young people, which inspired me to start CC Compassion—a small community project supported my graduate school, American University, as well as ministries within the Church of Saint John in East Stroudsburg.

CCC partners with local organizations that already serve vulnerable youth, ensuring that trauma-informed care kits reach young people through trusted staff and programs. These kits are designed to offer immediate, practical support at key moments, such as intake, a first shelter stay, after disclosure, or during outreach. While they don’t replace counseling or case management, the kits complement existing services in a survivor-informed, low-barrier way, helping youth feel safer, more comfortable, and more seen.

Each care kit includes hygiene products like soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, wipes, and menstrual products. They also contain comfort and stabilization items such as blankets, socks, stress-relief items, journals, pens, and encouraging notes. Practical items like snacks, water bottles, hair care items, and small storage pouches are included, along with resource materials such as hotline information, local support contacts, and trauma-informed wellness resources approved by partner organizations. In this initial phase, CCC is focused on reaching youth in the Poconos, Bethlehem, and the broader Lehigh Valley region, with hopes to expand as capacity and funding allow.

I am deeply grateful for any support you can offer, whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser with others. Every bit of help makes a difference for youth facing incredibly difficult circumstances. Thank you for standing with us and showing these young people that their community cares.

*CCC is not a registered nonprofit and donations are not tax-deductible (but who knows what the future holds!). All funds will go directly toward supplies requested by partner agencies and outreach materials.*