Walking In Splendor Empowerment & Support Team
(WISEST)
Artwork ~ “Helping Hands” by Linda Carmel – https://www.lindacarmel.com/ – (Used with permission)
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Our team supports individuals affected by human/sex trafficking and sexual exploitation by addressing family reunification (on a case-by-case basis), lack of employment, substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and trauma-related challenges. Walking In Splendor Empowerment & Support Team (WISEST) provides personalized support and validated resources to empower each person on their journey. We use evidence-based curricula tailored to meet the specific needs of those we serve, ensuring our approach is effective and relevant in empowering each victim to become a survivor!
Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Juanetta Stephens is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Walking In Splendor Empowerment & Support Team (WISEST). Through her leadership, WISEST is dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals as they strive to realize their fullest potential.
Drawing from her own journey as a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation, she brings a unique understanding of the importance of empowerment and support for others facing similar challenges. Her experiences have shaped her belief in providing meaningful empowerment to those affected, ensuring they are offered the tools and encouragement needed to rebuild their lives.
Juanetta recognizes that establishing healthy boundaries is essential to recovery. Therefore, by implementing empathetic approaches, she helps individuals develop the confidence and skills necessary to move forward. Expressing genuine empathy, she dedicates herself to supporting survivors as they work to rebuild their lives. Her approach combines practical assistance with heartfelt understanding, ensuring that each individual receives both the guidance they need and the emotional support necessary for healing. By being present and attentive, she fosters an environment where survivors feel heard and encouraged throughout every step of their recovery journey.
“A SURVIVOR’S RECOVERY JOURNEY IS FOREVER EVOLVING!” ~ Juanetta Stephens
Over the years, Ms. Stephens has completed various educational and training programs that enable her to offer additional services to WISEST participants. These programs include:
• Alcohol & Other Drug Studies – Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC-II / ICADC-II)
• Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
• Ending The Game (ETG) – Trainer
• Human Rights Education Training – Certified Human Rights Consultant