While Ascent 121 is not new, my conversation with Megan Jessup-Smyth, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, showed her trust in the truth of Revelation 21:5. It is God who makes all things new.
Lutheran Child and Family Services has been in partnership with Ascent 121 since 2014. This partnership is part of the reason our residential program is now exclusively caring for young women who have experienced sexual exploitation or human trafficking.
In response to a need they saw, Megan J and Megan McGuire, current CEO, put their trust in the Lord and began the adventure which created their agency. Ascent 121 is a faith-based organization which recognizes “that survivors of sexual exploitation present with unique needs for clinical support, where continuity is vital.” They knew it would be important to provide long-term, residential care. This led them to invite LCFS to join them in their endeavor. Thus, they launched Impact as their first program. Over the last decade, they have expanded their programing to include community-based services, family preservation services, peer mentoring, and the LIFT Program. LIFT provides training and coaching for other agencies which also serve this population.
Both LCFS and Community Health Network are blessed to be working with Ascent 121. Our partnership and collaboration bring the expertise from each entity together to provide the care and support these young women need. Dr. Ann Galloway, lead psychologist at Ascent 121, appreciates that collaboration. In addition, she is helping to train the next generation of psychologists in this field by bringing “doctoral-level practicum students (on site to LCFS), providing population-specific training unavailable elsewhere”. Also, Stephanie Zale, Clinical Director, shares her joy that comes through giving “families an opportunity for healing (and to) rebuild their relationships”.
Ascent 121’s website identifies Psalm 121:1-2 as the inspiration for their agency.
I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from the mountains? No, my strength comes from God who made the heaven, and the earth, and the mountains.
It comes as no surprise to me that when I asked Megan how others could be praying for her and Ascent 121, she quickly proclaimed, “Prayer is our lifeline!” She, and the others mentioned above, offer these suggestions for those so inclined:
For renewal, endurance, and rest for the team at Ascent 121
For strength in the partnership between our agencies
For the teens and families in their care as they navigate trauma recovery
And if I may add, for those who would support all of us through their time, treasure, and talent.
