With more than three decades of dedication to supporting survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking, Carla S., Director of International Program Development at the SA Foundation, has witnessed firsthand both the struggles and the resilience of women rebuilding their lives. Since joining the organization in 1992, she has been part of its growth from a grassroots model in Calgary to an international program that equips leaders worldwide to provide long-term recovery, housing, education, and job training for women and their children.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
The SA Foundation provides an avenue of escape and hope for women who have endured sexual exploitation and trafficking.
What problem does it aim to solve?
The SA Foundation address the long-term recovery needs of sexually exploited and trafficked women. There are many organizations that provide rescue and job training, but our niche is in assisting women to heal from the deep traumas they experienced both in and before the sex trade. Their lives are shattered and they need long-term support to rebuild. This includes residential programs, recovery programs, skill development, job training and educational opportunities. We also provide services for women who have children in their care.
We are an international program, and have skilled trainers who provide the training and mentorship new leaders from countries around the world to adopt our program model for the women they will serve.
When did you start/join it?
I joined in 1992 when the model was first developed in Calgary, Alberta. I was an aspiring writer and met the founder, who quickly impressed me with her dedication to the women.
What made you want to get involved?
What drew me to stay involved was the women in recovery. When I met them, I was so astonished by their resilience! Here were people whose lives had been a total nightmare, often since the time that they were born into families who abused and neglected them. They had experienced so much harm, and yet had the courage to try and build a new future for themselves and their children. It saddened me to see how much they blamed themselves for their own trauma, and I just couldn’t walk away and leave them. I grew attached not only to the women, but the vision of setting women free. 33 years later, I am still here.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I first started with the organization, it was widely believed that women in the sex trade could not be rehabilitated. They were viewed as morally flawed women, out to make a quick and “easy” buck. People said they were just too lazy to work at a real job.
How has it changed since?
There is more education about the issue, for sure. While some people still choose to believe the old rhetoric, many films and educational initiatives have shown that these women are victims and that there is nothing ‘easy’ about this trade. It has no validity as a job, but is simply the slavery of women who, if they had any other choice, would not choose this.
What more needs to be done?
Education, education, education. We need to keep reaching people to let them know of this travesty! We also need to educate our young people to the dangers of the sex trade. We need to make sure no kid falls through the cracks. In Canada, it is known that a runaway girl will meet a pimp within 24 hours of fleeing her situation! These guys are skilled predators, preying on the weak and vulnerable. We must change our laws to ensure that when caught, the woman involved need never testify, as this prevents many from doing so due to real or perceived harm. And lastly, we need to support organizations that have success at helping these women rebuild (like SA Foundation).
How can our readers help?
If you are reading this and feel your heart tugged, get in touch with us! We are always excited when someone wants to help, and we can work with you to determine what that will look like. As well, if you want to support financially, we would be so grateful.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes, we do! On November 13th in Vancouver, we are having our Fall Gala, and on February 7, 2026, we have our annual Polar Dip in Calgary, Alberta.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | Website
