In September of 2003, Violet Luebs began her final internship for her Masters Degree in Social Work at CrossRoads Ministries Inc., New Life Pregnancy Resource Center. During the ten months Violet served as an intern at the Center, she counseled with many young pregnant women who stated they had been sexually abused as children.
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse herself, Violet, was concerned for the well being of these women and took her concerns to the Executive Director of the Center, Bonnie Harlukowicz. Together they determined that a program needed to be developed to assist these clients in healing from this heinous crime against children. Violet’s internship was completed and she was awarded her Masters Degree in Social Work in August of 2004, at which time she continued her association with the Pregnancy Center as a volunteer.
In January of 2005, Violet, began development of a support group program to assist in the healing process for New Life Pregnancy Resource Center clients who were victims/survivors of child sexual abuse. This first support group began in March of 2005 with 4 Center clients. Because this type of counseling was outside the realm of the insurance coverage for the Center and the coverage necessary was too expensive for them to afford, Violet decided to open her own counseling practice and continue the work started at the Center.
In June of 2005, Journey to Freedom was founded and continued operating out of the Center until October of 2005 when it moved to its current location. The majority of clients were referred by The Department of Human Services, New Life Pregnancy Resource Center and Otsego County Juvenile Probation Department.
Another turning point for Journey To Freedom was the decision to convert into a non-profit corporation, becoming Journey To Freedom Inc. in February of 2006. This decision was based on the realization that many individuals and families were struggling with various life issues as well as the victims/survivors of sexual abuse and could not afford or did not qualify for available counseling services.
In January of 2007, Journey To Freedom Inc. applied for tax exempt status with the IRS and received a 501 (c) 3 status determination in July of 2007. Our association continues with the Department of Human Services, New Life Pregnancy Resource Center, Otsego County Probation Department as well as Community Corrections, Community Mental Health and other area organizations. With this new status we look forward to better serving our clients and residents of the communities we serve as they embark on their journey to freedom.
Today
We are growing!! We are now able to accept Molina Health, Community Choice, CompCare and McLaren Health Plan Insurance. As we grow in this direction we look forward to meeting the needs of the communites we serve.