First-of-its-kind school for victims of human trafficking opening in Clark County

Joshua Peguero
·2 min read

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Clark County School District is opening a first-of-its-kind institution in the fall to educate children who are victims of human trafficking.

It will be part of The Healing Center, a sprawling campus St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is building on its property in Boulder City.

“I think about all the girls that at this very moment in this community who are waiting for a place like this,” Chief Executive Officer for St. Jude’s Ranch for Children Christina Vela said on Tuesday.

Vela remembers when all this was just a dream on pen and paper.

The Healing Center, a sprawling campus of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is building on its property in Boulder City. (KLAS)
The Healing Center, a sprawling campus of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is building on its property in Boulder City. (KLAS)

“The project is big, the funding gap is still there. But our kids are waiting for this place,” Vela said.

Construction began in January of last year on the $23 million project, which will have several small homes with a total of 60 beds.

Human trafficking is considered a hidden form of violence, according to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, and the Healing Center will take a holistic approach to helping children overcome their trauma.

Vela said most victims of human trafficking are 15 to 16 years old and often come from unstable homes.

“They’re looking for somebody to give them shelter, or safety, or water, or food. And oftentimes what kids don’t realize is that the adults that are offering that, there’s really a heavy price to pay,” she said.

CCSD is opening a sixth through 12th-grade school for victims that can take around 60 students.

“I think this is a true demonstration that CCSD is 100 percent behind our students, being able to get all opportunities possible,” Principal for the Healing Center School Amy Manning said.

She added that they’re also discussing giving students dual college credit opportunities.

“They’ve already had so much go against them, that if we give them that opportunity to get the best education possible, that we will set them up to become productive citizens of society,” Manning said.

Construction on the school will be finished by April, and the Healing Center School will open to students in October. A grand opening ceremony will take place at a later date.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.