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Phoenix Arise Foundation for a Better Future
Peer Support Program
Empowering Youth. Preventing Exploitation. Building Futures.
At Phoenix Arise Foundation, we know that the most effective way to prevent sex trafficking, exploitation, and trauma is to invest in youth before harm occurs. That’s why we’ve launched a comprehensive, trauma-informed Peer Support Program designed to help young people heal, grow, and build lives they are proud of.
This program is built from lived experience, survivor-led insight, and strong community partnerships and support—including Durham Children’s Aid Society, Durham Police Services, and Durham Victim Services.
We walk alongside youth in a personalized journey, building a support plan in phases:
1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
Even if youth do not continue with Phoenix Arise for the full year, their program plan can continue with another peer support worker—or even independently—because every part is built to empower sustainable growth.
Hobby to Hustle: Turning Passion into Power
This is the heart of the program. Hobby to Hustle helps youth turn their interests—like art, fashion, music, baking, or photography—into income and independence.
This stream teaches youth how to:
- Brand and market themselves
- Build websites and online stores
- Handle payments safely
- File taxes and manage finances
- Set up pricing, client leads, and social media presence
- Run a safe, ethical small business online
- Involve family or caregivers through our Parent Support element
Why Hobby to Hustle matters:
When youth have access to safe, empowering ways to make money, they are less vulnerable to manipulation, trafficking, or unsafe economies. This is about prevention through opportunity.
We’re calling on the community to get involved:
- Mentors & creatives to share skills
- Marketing & business professionals to guide
- Supporters who want to shop youth-led brands or help them grow.
Program Areas We Cover
In addition to Hobby to Hustle, the Peer Support Program includes 14 trauma-informed focus areas:
1. Trauma, Triggers & Reactions
Understanding trauma responses, emotional regulation, grief, and healing practices.
2. Coping & Grounding
Practical tools for managing emotions, including somatic healing, suicide and self-harm prevention.
3. Self-Exploration & Growth
Identity, self-worth, goal-setting, and storytelling for healing.
4. Relationships & Boundaries
Healthy relationships, personal boundaries, and peer support skills.
5. Resource Navigation
How to advocate for yourself and find the right supports.
6. Self-Defense & De-Escalation
Verbal and physical techniques to stay safe and protect others without violence.
7. Prevention Beyond Protection
Gang prevention and early intervention strategies rooted in community care.
8. Sex & Labour Trafficking Prevention
Consent, grooming, recruiting tactics, and labour rights education.
9. Online Exploitation
Digital self-defense, AI sextortion, and safe online habits.
10. Substance Abuse Awareness
Peer pressure, mental health impacts, and how to reach out for help.
11. Youth Rights & Police Interactions
Navigating law enforcement, court processes, and knowing your rights.
12. Advocacy & Social Change
Using social media, protest, and restorative justice to lead and make change.
13. Hobby to Hustle
(Featured Above) Entrepreneurship, safety, confidence, and financial empowerment.
14. Financial Independence
Budgeting, credit, banking basics, taxes, debt management, and long-term planning.
Get Involved
We’re building futures- and we need you to make it happen.
Whether you’re a mentor, artist, educator, business owner, or simply someone who believes in Youth, there’s a place for you in this movement.
Partner. Mentor. support. purchase. share.
Together, we rise.