The Milwaukee-based care center Lad Lake is offering an alternative approach to therapy through artwork for survivors of sex trafficking.
Many recognize Rhonda Begos-Zolecki as one of Milwaukee's top performers. For years, she was one of the lead singers of the Milwaukee Bucks house band known as Streetlife.
But she's traded in the spotlight to shed light on the often-shunned topic of sexual abuse.
"I was violated as a child," she said. "There are so many different aspects of fear that come into talking about it. But I've learned talking about it, and working through the emotions of it, is the only way to heal."
She's found her life's purpose in a job at Lad Lake, helping young survivors of sexual abuse.
"This place really brought me to a new understanding of what my purpose is," she says. "These kids are dealing with some very deep issues. I understand those issues. I can only hope that my words and my experience will get through to them and help them on their journeys."
Begos-Zolecki is working to merge her two passions. She's going back to school to get a degree in music therapy from Alverno College.
"Music is an amazing therapeutic tool," she said. "It gives you the authority and permission to be able to feel whatever it is you're feeling. Music can bring out emotions. It actually creates a response in the brain. Writing lyrics can help you express those emotions."
The same goes for drawing and painting, which are already part of the curriculum at Lad Lake—the only organization in the Milwaukee area that offers housing and therapy for young survivors of sex-trafficking.
"Art can be the bridge between the trauma, and talking about the trauma," said Becca Larson, an art therapist at Lad Lake. "When we sit in those moments and we take time to create art, it helps us find the language or even understand the experience. It draws out things."
The majority of survivors in Lad Lake's program are just 12 to 14 years old. They stay on property for a year, earn school credit, undergo a wide range of therapy, and are under close supervision. That supervision is often necessary to keep them safe from the people they escaped from, who often try to find them.
"The survivors here never even leave the building without someone being with them," Larson said.
It's the sad reality of a problem plaguing Milwaukee.
"We try every form and outlet of therapy to help each survivor," Larson said. "What works is different for everyone. We're just trying to get them out of the cycle of abuse, and into the healing process. The resiliency of these kids is just amazing."
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