The Nash Group has a tradition of selecting a nonprofit organization each year to support as part of our commitment to building stronger communities. This year, Arielle Nash, a student at Washington University in St. Louis and co-founder of The Nash Group, chose to support The Covering House. Arielle was deeply inspired by their impactful work through her involvement in a sex trafficking course, and we are proud to stand alongside her in supporting this vital organization. The Covering House was founded in 2009 by Dedee Lhamon after she watched a documentary exposing the devastating reality of minor sex trafficking in St. Louis. At the time, St. Louis ranked 13th in the nation for child trafficking cases, and resources for survivors were extremely limited. Moved to act, Lhamon raised funds and awareness to create a safe haven for these children. Over the years, The Covering House has expanded its services, starting with Community-Based Services in 2013 and opening its residential home in 2015. Additionally, they developed prevention and early intervention programs like Reducing the Risk and Trafficking 101, equipping the community with tools to identify and combat trafficking.


The Covering House’s work underscores a heartbreaking reality: trafficking often hides in plain sight. Alarmingly, 90% of their clients were trafficked by someone they knew, such as a boyfriend or relative, with the average age being just 15 years old. Their current residential home provides 24/7 care for five girls between the ages of 12 and 18 at any given time, offering a safe and supportive environment for healing. Looking ahead to late 2025, The Covering House is set to double its residential capacity with the opening of a new campus. This expansion will not only provide more space for Community-Based Services and new programs but will also serve as the organization’s headquarters. Excitingly, The Covering House is also planning to become a licensed child placement agency, launching a Therapeutic Foster Care program in the near future. This new program will allow the organization to serve younger children and boys while also offering a step-down option for youth transitioning out of their residential home.

The Nash Group is honored to support The Covering House’s mission. As they work toward expanding their services and opening a new campus, we encourage you to join us in making an impact. Your support can help provide resources like housing, therapy, and education to survivors as they rebuild their lives. Every contribution makes a difference.


If you’re inspired to help, please consider making a donation to The Covering House at https://www.thecoveringhouse.org/donate/. Together, we can empower survivors and ensure that every child impacted by trafficking receives the care and opportunities they deserve.

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