Our Communications and PR Coordinator asked Megan McGuire, Chief Executive Officer of Ascent 121, the following questions to get to know our friends at Ascent 121.

Can you share the story behind the founding of Ascent 121? 

Ascent 121 was founded in 2013 in response to Indiana’s increased identification of trafficked and exploited youth across the state at a time when there were no specialized services available. Our founder, Megan Jessup, spent the first half of her career dedicated to working with survivors of sexual trauma, including survivors of trafficking, though specialized services were non-existent. After one youth tragically lost her life at the hands of her exploiter, slipping through the cracks of the system, Megan committed to following the Lord’s lead to close the service gap and began walking through every door that opened in front of her. Those doors eventually led to the opening of Ascent 121, with a mission of empowering survivors and their families through long-term recovery services to position them for their next chapter in life.

What are some of the most significant achievements the organization has had? 

1. We developed a continuum of care that is unique. Our clinical programming is designed to meet kids and families where they are in their healing journey and to stay alongside them for as long as they need us. Through customized treatment planning, we are often involved with them before, during and after their time in the Impact residential program. Staying engaged with them over the long-term increases the likelihood of them reaching their goals. 
2. Seeing the difference that this work makes in the lives of the kids we serve. Because of our program model, we stay alongside clients often for several years. We get to see them reach milestones and achieve goals they set for themselves. We’ve had a number of them circle back to us in their early adulthood to share news that they are excited about – successful family reunification, a new job, completion of a course, a new baby, a wedding, a new apartment. That is very meaningful to us. 
3. In 2020 we opened a 13,000 square foot Therapeutic Recovery Center that is specially designed to meet the needs of this population. 

Can you share a success story or a moment that particularly resonated with you during your time leading the organization? 

See the second bullet in the previous question. What is most rewarding to us in this work is seeing the kids make progress toward their goals. Our LIFT Director says it really well, “there’s something truly remarkable about being a part of someone’s healing journey. When you’re able to see who a client was when they came in and who they are when they walk out, there really aren’t words for it.” We believe in redemption and restoration. Through investing in services like these, investing in people, investing in the community, our whole society is better for it.

Can you share some about the IMPACT program LCFS has in partnership with Ascent 121? 

What inspired this partnership? In 2014, Ascent 121 was approached by the Department of Child Services and the Juvenile Probation Department with the request for assistance in developing a solution for the increased number of kids in detention who had a history of running away. Because they recognized the intersection between runway youth and human trafficking, the state was asking for some creative programming solutions. In response, Ascent 121 asked LCFS to join us in creating what would eventually become the state’s first specialized program for survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Together, we have created a safe space for kids to understand their experiences, redefine their identity and learn to dream again! 

Looking ahead, what are your goals for Ascent 121 over the next few years?

We are very excited about the expansion of the Impact Program. That will be our main focus in the next several years. The Impact program is well-positioned to grow and meet the needs of many more Indiana families. There is a strong partnership between Ascent 121, LCFS and Community. We look forward to the three organizations continuing to work together.