Emmaus Survivor Support Center

Emmaus is a non-profit organization working to prevent exploitation and empower male survivors of the sex trade to rebuild their lives. They needed to establish a street-level office space centrally located in downtown Chicago to serve both new clients requiring immediate help, as well as returning clients who require ongoing services and social support. Aptus provided design services for this mutli-use space to help Emmaus with their mission. At the completion, the client reported back that Aptus really listened to their unique needs and designed spaces of safety, security, dignity, functionality and freedom for the people who come through the doors. Since the renovation, donor numbers have increased 700% quarter over quarter. Most importantly, the client said, “This is now a place where the people who need help can feel like they have value in society and this gives them hope.”