Our mission
is to give vulnerable and exploited youth the opportunity to reclaim their lives and achieve healing through dance.
There’s no such thing as a child prostitute. #NoSuchThing
Sex trafficking victims are recruited, on average, between the ages of 11-16, young enough to be unaware of what’s happening to them. They regularly intersect with law enforcement who are ill-equipped to identify that they’re being actively abused or exploited.
50-90%
of sex trafficking victims have been involved in the child welfare system.
92%
of girls who have been identified by the LA court system as victims of human trafficking are African-American or Latinx.
Over 1 in 4
homeless LGBTQ+ children experience commercial sexual exploitation (CSEC).
The Swan Within is at the forefront of therapeutic engagement and mental health rehabilitation for young people who have been victimized through trafficking, gang involvement, and sexual exploitation. Using the principles of ballet, we help survivors achieve healing and create new possibilities in their lives.
Healing Through Dance
Founded in 2016 by classically trained ballerina, Meredith Harper Houston, The Swan Within teaches the art of life through the principles of dance. With a 94% completion rate, our program is helping incarcerated and foster care youth to gain ownership over their bodies, increase their self-esteem, and improve their life choices.
“Swan Within embraces and welcomes all youth, especially populations that have witnessed or experienced abuse or neglect. Swan Within’s trauma-informed, arts-based approach to youth development and diversion strives to give participants the tools they need to recover from the scars left behind by exploitation and violence.”
— Mark Ridley-Thomas, Former Supervisor, Los Angeles Second District.
Training in Modern Day Exploitation
Trafficking happens in every community. No longer as predictable as swiping a child from the mall, technology has made it easy to stealthily reach and recruit vulnerable youth. Our training sessions will help you recognize the warning signs.
Speaking Engagements
The Swan Within is committed to raising awareness about the commercial sexual exploitation of children and improving laws and policies that inadvertently punish victims. As a recognized expert on CSEC and how it impacts our youth, our Founder Meredith Harper Houston can visit your organization virtually or in-person to share her insights and experiences with your group.
Our Partners