A Place Where Healing Begins
Mission Haven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization creating a safe, restorative community for girls who have survived Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST). Tucked among the pines of North Carolina, Mission Haven is a place where trauma is met with compassion, dignity, and expert care—and where hope is restored.
Here, survivors are not defined by what happened to them. They are seen, protected, and empowered to build a future of their own choosing.
Our Purpose
Mission Haven exists to provide girls ages 9–19 with comprehensive, trauma-informed care and life-building opportunities that empower them to heal, grow, and thrive.
Our vision is to establish Mission Haven communities in all 50 states, ensuring that every child survivor has access to a safe, restorative place to heal and reclaim their future.
Why Mission Haven
Is Needed
Sex trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world—and it is happening in our own communities.
North Carolina ranks 5th in the nation for human trafficking
The average age of victims is 13, with some as young as 6
“Domestic” means these girls are born and raised here
Fewer than 600 beds nationwide exist for child survivors
THE NEED IS URGENT. THE RESOURCES ARE NOT.
A Community Designed for Healing
Our securely enclosed village brings together everything a child needs to heal in one safe, supportive place.
With 24/7 access to trauma-informed therapists, on-site education, medical and wellness care, fitness and recreation spaces, spiritual support, art and music therapy, and private tiny homes designed to honor safety, dignity, and choice, Mission Haven creates an environment where healing can occur without disruption, fear, or instability.
MISSION HEAVEN IS NOT A SHELTER—IT IS TRANSFORMATIONAL HOUSING.
The Mission Haven Model
Hope
Healing begins with believing that life can be different. At Mission Haven, girls are surrounded by mentors and role models who help them rediscover possibility—graduation, careers, creativity, entrepreneurship, and purpose.
We help them uncover their gifts, develop their strengths, and imagine a future they choose.
We cannot erase the past, but we can transform the future.
Healing
Trauma affects the body, brain, and soul, which is why our approach to healing is holistic, individualized, and available around the clock.
Mission Haven provides advanced trauma-informed therapy through personalized treatment plans, supported by staff trained in safe attachment and relational care.
Within a consistent, nurturing community, girls experience stability, trust, and belonging—allowing healing to unfold at its own pace. Healing is never rushed; it is honored.
Heaven
Haven means refuge—and home.
Our village includes tiny homes, a central hospitality house, education facilities, and wellness spaces designed to promote safety, privacy, and autonomy. Many of our girls experience choice, personal space, and stability for the first time here.
Mission Haven remains home until each girl is ready to step into independence.
Healing Takes a Village
Recovery is a journey best taken together.
Mission Haven is built by a community of compassionate professionals and volunteers—therapists, doctors, educators, artists, builders, and mentors—each offering their gifts to restore lives.
If you have:
A SKILL TO SHARE . A TRADE TO TEACH . OR A HEART TO SERVE
We invite you to join us.
Special invitation: Contractors, builders, artisans, and trades professionals are especially needed to help build Haven from the ground up.
Programs & Support
Medical Care
Education and exposure to music, the arts, and other life enhancing skills.
Bonding
Sharing life together, while putting life back together promotes healthy bonding.
Counseling
Trauma-informed comprehensive soul care
Job Skills
Creating careers and building businesses for financial independence
Education
Education and exposure to music, the arts, and other life enhancing skills.
Support
Support is available 24/7.
Our Team
Mission Haven is led by a dedicated team of four committed leaders, supported by compassionate visionaries and an army of volunteers working together to create a sustainable model of healing, hope, and restoration.
Troy Vermillion
Founder & President
Hilda Vermillion
Co-founder & Creative Director
Andrew Estes
Vision Director
Megan Estes
CEO
Connect With Mission Haven
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, partnering, or learning more about our mission, we’re here to help.