Bethesda House seeks $12,500 from county to support trafficking and domestic-violence recovery services

Ashley Jackson, representing Bethesda House, described the nonprofit's residential services for women and children who have experienced trafficking or domestic violence, saying the program operates two longer-term beds and several short-term placements and provides counseling, job training and case management.

"We are a residential program for women and children escaping human trafficking or domestic violence," Jackson said, outlining outreach, training and a focus on sustained independence. She said the program served 78 women since opening about 6½ years ago, operates with four beds for women and two for children and relies on transfers to partner programs when longer-term family placements are needed.

Jackson asked the commission for $12,500 in county support this year, saying about $10,000 would go toward direct services and a portion would cover the four‑year accreditation renewal process required for national certification. She said the program is 100% staffed by volunteers and that funds and partnerships help cover costs such as transportation, medical and recovery services.