Welcome to PRIDE!

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The Program for the Re-Integration, Development and Empowerment of Exploited Individuals at Cove Forge of Pittsburgh Outpatient Recovery Center

The PRIDE program is a court-ordered program run by Cove Forge/White Deer Run in collaboration with the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, the Pittsburgh Police, the Allegheny County District Attorney and Allegheny County Adult Probation.

When an individual is convicted of prostitution, they are sentenced to one year of probation and participation in the PRIDE program. The program gives these men and women an opportunity to gain information, knowledge and skills to change their dangerous lifestyle instead of going to prison.

The Problem of Prostitution

Like many communities, Pittsburgh faces problems with prostitution and drug abuse that impact the public health and safety. Increases in drug use, lack of stable employment, and the existence of “sex industry” businesses, escort services, strip bars and massage parlors land people in desperate situations. Many then turn to the lifestyle of prostitution as a solution.

While some people become involved willingly, believing prostitution is their last resort, others fall victim to what seems like fast, easy money to support a drug habit. Others become involved in prostitution because they grew up in an environment where they learned to use their bodies as a means to get what they want or need. In all of these cases, the individuals often lack the skills, support and/or education necessary to help them understand the danger of their choices. They simply know no other way.   

A Unique Population with Unique Needs

Services to address the lifestyle of prostitution are extremely limited, not only in Allegheny County, but across the entire country. 

Part of the reason may be that these individuals have complex needs. The significant trauma they have experienced makes them reluctant to change, accept help or trust others. They have been betrayed repeatedly by virtually everyone they ever trusted and have adopted defensive tactics in order to survive.

In addition to trauma, many who fall victim to prostitution are struggling with substance abuse and mental illness, which can be exacerbated by exposure to street life, lack of education, unemployment, homelessness and criminality. The result is a complex person who has built up layers of defense mechanisms and is often resistant to treatment.

The Purpose of PRIDE

PRIDE is designed to offer this dramatically underserved population an opportunity to begin to rebuild their lives by addressing the devastating effects of a lifestyle of prostitution in a therapeutic environment. 

As a result of being exposed to repeated betrayals, manipulation, intimidation, and physical, emotional and sexual abuse, these individuals often struggle with low self-esteem. Rather than being imprisoned and judged for their choices, the PRIDE program approaches them with compassion using a post-traumatic stress model. Participants attend support groups that address the lifestyle of prostitution and the problems associated with that lifestyle, including trauma, trust issues and interpersonal conflict.

The PRIDE program helps clients find ways to change their lifestyle, restore their self-esteem, build a life free of exploitation and begin to heal from the vicious and cruel experiences they have suffered.           

Cove Forge Outpatient Recovery Center’s Integrated Approach to Dual Disorders

People who engage in prostitution often suffer from co-occurring addiction and mental health issues. These types of dual disorders require integrated treatment that looks at all aspects of the prostitution lifestyle and provides services to address each area of concern, including drug and alcohol addiction, sexual abuse and trauma.

Through the PRIDE program, participants are able to receive comprehensive, integrated treatment for their substance abuse and co-occurring disorders at Cove Forge Outpatient Recovery Center. After an initial intake process, the caring staff at Cove Forge conducts a formal drug and alcohol assessment and provides each participant a safe and supportive group environment to begin to resolve the pain they endured while exposed to prostitution. Participants also have access to the following:

• Cove Forge’s psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues
• 24-hour emergency answering service, which is staffed by Cove Forge Outpatient therapists who can assist the clients in dealing with crisis situations
• Extensive case management services, including housing, utility assistance, medical care and medications, employment services, educational referrals and clothing assistance

Every PRIDE participant must complete the recommended level of care of drug and alcohol treatment (which can range from outpatient to inpatient to partial hospitalization), as well as a series of psycho-educational sessions. When the therapist determines that the client is ready to utilize a non-professional, outside support system, similar to a 12-Step recovery program, he or she will graduate from the PRIDE program.

The PRIDE program is changing the lives of men and women emerging from a lifestyle of prostitution. With well-coordinated supervision, appropriate care, intensive case management and support services, clients of the PRIDE program can begin building a new life filled with dignity and sobriety.