How it Works

The central person of an ATRM is an African sex worker. The central focus of an ATRM is the gospel of Jesus Christ. ATRM combines human tools and divine intervention to bring about transformation and rehabilitation in the lives of African sex workers. An ATRM program occurs over the course of seven months. It requires a thoughtful, prayerful, and resourced effort. A description of the key components of an ATRM follows and occurs in sequential steps. 

 African sex workers in a local community are identified and interviewed by a local ATRM Center Director. Each sex worker must be willing and desire a new life.  

Interested sex workers attend an orientation meeting. The ATRM program is explained to the group in detail. It is essential that each sex worker understands the commitment necessary to complete the program successfully. Each lady is expected to read, understand, and sign the Special Ladies Covenant. Once a sex worker enters an ATRM she is renamed as a Special Lady. Each Special Lady receives a Bible and any necessary materials, such as a journal.  

Each Special Lady attends two classes per week over a seven-month period. One class is a Bible Study and the second is a discipleship class. Relevant Bible studies have been carefully chosen that focus on the gospel and Christian life. Discipleship classes report on daily Bible reading, journaling, church attendance and prayer. Bible study and discipleship classes are most often led via Zoom by a seasoned U.S. Christian. They may be led by a mature local Believer.  

  A monthly stipend is provided to meet the basic needs for each Special Lady while she is in the program.  This enables her to leave sex work and begin a new business for her livelihood.  Additionally, an emergency fund is available when this stipend is inadequate.  This is most often the case before they begin their new businesses.  Rent and food are the most often requested emergency assistance. 

After a month into the program Special Ladies attend an all-day job development seminar. The goal is to assist each Special Lady with the creation of a business plan. In the past most have chosen selling food items in the open market or a simple trade.

Each Special Lady is given 26,00 Kenyan shillings (approximately $200) to begin a business or employment. This amount is given in two installments; the first is after being in the program one month and the second is the beginning of the third month. 

An Accountability Team supervises the Special Ladies in their pursuit of income. Members make site visits and graciously and firmly hold the ladies to their business plans. This has proven vital to success. Accountability occurs throughout the length of the ATRM program.  

A graduation celebration occurs at the end of the seven-month program. This affirms and motivates the Special ladies to continue in their Christian disciples and lifestyle commitments. The ongoing growth and development of the Special Ladies is given to their local churches.