Survive and Thrive

Connecting the Dots: The Links Between Substance Use and Human Trafficking
2023-04-21 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Presenter: Marina Anderson, Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator, Northeast and Northwest Regions, Florida Department of Children and Families
One of the most effective and influential techniques that human traffickers use to coerce, manipulate, and exploit their victims – both youth and adults – is with drugs and alcohol. This presentation will provide an overview of factors that link human trafficking tactics of control to substances and how communities can know more to respond safely and effectively.
Traffickers commonly use substances to prey on a person’s vulnerabilities and recruit them into labor and sex trafficking. They may introduce them to drugs and alcohol or target individuals with existing substance use disorders to lure and recruit them into a trafficking situation. The trafficker can more easily control the victim once they are addicted and keep the victim in a trafficking situation. Substances are used as rewards or punishments, and to decrease the victim’s ability to resist trafficking and other abuses. Victims may also use substances as a coping mechanism both during and after being trafficked, in response to trauma.
Human traffickers are highly skilled manipulators that target a person’s vulnerability. A person with a substance use disorder is in one of the most vulnerable categories of trafficked persons. Someone who has an addiction may be seeking ways to support their drug habit or dependence and traffickers are actively searching for people with these vulnerabilities to exploit. Traffickers use substances as a means of coercion, to get victims to obey their demands, work longer hours, comply to their rules, decrease attempts to leave their abusive situation, and keep them in the life. Many victims also use substances as a means of coping with past or current trauma. Furthermore, victims often engage in forced criminality, a form of labor trafficking, as their traffickers require them to participate in criminal activities.
This topic has a wide reach and this webinar will be helpful to anyone who has contact with adults or minors who are trafficked or who are at risk including the justice system (law enforcement, prosecution, advocates, judges and judicial staff), child welfare, non-profits and advocates, human resource professionals, healthcare, businesses, the faith community, students and education professionals and staff, substance use disorder programs, and the many in the community at-large.
See slides for this event.
Additional links from the presentation:
What does trafficking look like? 1-800-the-lost (watch video)
Former Trafficking Victim Describes Her Ordeal and Rescue (watch video)
All American Girl – Heroin Super Bowl Commercial (watch video)

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Mobile Law Clinic April 26, 2023
2023-04-26 12:00 - 14:00 | Jake Gaither Community Center, 801 Bragg Drive, Tallahassee, FL, 32305, United States
The next Mobile Law Clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26, from noon until 2 p.m., at the Jake Gaither Community Center, to assist Leon County’s Promise Zone and low-income residents in civil law matters.

When Human Trafficking Comes to Work
2023-05-19 13:00 - 14:30
The Big Bend Coalition Against Human Trafficking (BBCAHT) and The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC)
invite you to participate in BBCAHT’s Monthly 3rd Friday Community Training Program:
When Human Trafficking Comes to Work
This free webinar one of the “Third Friday” community training events hosted by BBCAHT and STAC to inform and engage the North Florida community and beyond. We are happy to extend this invitation to friends and colleagues – please join us!
Sex and labor trafficking victims, adults and youth, are trafficked and exploited in plain sight, including at our area businesses and workplaces. How can we as employees, managers, workers and customers recognize and respond to trafficking that protect the bottom line and our businesses from liability? How can we help keep trafficking victims and the workplace safer? This interactive webinar is a live presentation of the online STACPRO training program and will provide vital information for: anyone working in an office, child welfare, businesses like restaurants or retail establishments, the financial sector, non-profit/social services agencies, the faith community, the justice system, and any organization large or small. While STACPRO is available online, attending this LIVE event means you can ask questions and participate with one other attendees.
Accreditation: 2.0 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits from The Florida Bar; Certified by FL Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation for mandated human trafficking training for public lodging establishments; Professional Development, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.
Presenters: Robin Hassler Thompson, Executive Director and Graciela Marquina, Community Services Advocate, STAC

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Free CME Training: ANTI-TRAFFICKING in HEALTHCARE : MAY31st
2023-05-31 20:30 - 21:30
American Medical Women’s Association-Physicians against the trafficking of humans is hosting a LIFT [Learn to Identify & Fight Trafficking] training May 31st at 530p PST.
FREE CME : MD/DO/PA/NP/Nursing/SW FREE curriculum designed to give health care professionals in-depth training about human trafficking. The LIFT series highlights the scope and reach of human trafficking in the U.S., equips participants to recognize the signs of trafficking, and provides connections to trustworthy local resources.
Hosted By:
Pediatric General & Thoracic SURGERY -Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital- Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 5:30 PM – 8:30pM PST ZOOM WEBINAR w/ LOCAL EXPERT PANEL
REGISTER
Please contact Upinder Sidhu: upindsidhu@gmail.com

Responding to Foreign National Minor Victims of Trafficking
2023-06-07 14:00 - 16:00
This training will help participants understand the resources available to assist foreign national minor victims of sex and labor trafficking as well as the reporting requirements under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended. Participants will receive an overview of the process to submit a Request for Assistance to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) as well as gain an understanding of Interim Assistance Letters, Eligibility Letters, and the benefits and services provided to minors who are potential and determined victims of trafficking.
Join the Zoom webinar using passcode [REDACTED].

Building a Human-Centered Community: Empowering Human Trafficking Survivors and Fostering Non-Violence
2023-06-16 13:00 - 14:30
The Big Bend Coalition Against Human Trafficking (BBCAHT) and The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) invite you to participate in BBCAHT’s Monthly 3rd Friday Community Training Program:
Building a Human-Centered Community: Empowering Human Trafficking Survivors and Fostering Non-Violence
This free webinar is one of the “Third Friday” community training events hosted by BBCAHT and STAC to inform and engage the North Florida community and beyond. We are happy to extend this invitation to friends and colleagues.
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking webinar that explores the critical topic of creating a community where nonviolence becomes the answer to human-centered action. In this webinar, we will explore the interconnectedness between anti-trafficking services and the creation of a better community, recognizing that focusing solely on the former exposes individuals to continued violence and retraumatization in various systems and circumstances.
To understand the implications of violence within our society, we will draw upon the words of Coretta Scott King, who powerfully stated, “I must remind you that starving a child is violence. Neglecting school children is violence. Punishing a mother and her family is violence. Discrimination against a working man is violence. Ghetto housing is violence. Ignoring medical need is violence. Contempt for poverty is violence.” These words will serve as a foundation for our exploration of the ways in which systems can perpetuate violence and harm.
We will delve into the experiences of survivors who have navigated these systems despite the inherent violence within them. By centering survivors in our work, we can gain valuable insights into creating systems that do not subject individuals to repeated violence, trauma, and retraumatization. Throughout the webinar, we will emphasize the importance of collective action in dismantling violent systems and creating social safety nets that protect and support vulnerable populations. By fostering nonviolence through people, places, and policies, we can build a community that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all its members.
Whether you are an advocate, a survivor, a community leader, or someone passionate about human rights and social justice, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for effecting positive change in your community. Join us as we embark on this important journey toward a more compassionate, inclusive, and nonviolent society.
Presenters:
Kristin Murray is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and is the creator of Authentic Witness. Kristin graduated from Florida A&M University with a BS in Journalism and an MA in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy from the University of Oklahoma. She has always been fascinated with the life stories of other people and believes that people sharing those stories (giving witness) is a way to spread knowledge and healing. Kristin has worked as a teacher, journalist, and has spent almost a decade in the non-profit sector. During that time she has worked on several certifications around trauma, narrative storytelling and healing centered approaches. Most recently, Kristin has completed her journey as a certified breathwork practitioner to help people soothe their somatic systems and reconnect with their inner most self.
Across all of her career paths, three things have remained consistent for Kristin-the value of human connection, the power of the human narrative and the ability for each individual to live embodied. Kristin works with individuals, non-profits and corporations to deepen connection with self and build relationships with others. In every place she steps into, Kristin believes in giving witness. She gathers people to connect over food, stories and personhood. She wants people to remember, “Be you, here. We’ll love you-even the broken bits. This is a place where your innermost self gets illuminated, nurtured and loved. It’s a place where you can give witness-authentically.”
Jamie Rosseland is a consultant in the field of anti-trafficking work with expertise in the program development and implementation for victims and survivors of sexual exploitation, trauma-competent and survivor-centered digital marketing and outreach strategies, and most recently, working on policy guides and research projects. She has been active in local government and statewide level policy advocacy. Through sharing her lived experiences and unique perspective, Jamie is committed to change the cultural view of the sex trade, addressing systems that drive demand, and confronting gender inequality.
Jamie has experience providing mentorship, court advocacy, and care coordination to youth impacted by sexual exploitation as part of the Open Doors Outreach Network with the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center. She has presented at countless community events, statewide summits, and national conferences. Currently, Jamie serves on the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice’s State Advisory Group. She is a Social Science Scholar at Florida State University, where she is working on earning her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary social science.
In 2018, Jamie won the Survivor Advocate of the Year award presented by the Florida Attorney General for her outstanding work with exploited youth. In 2021, the United Nations published the Delta 8.7 Justice Policy Guide, which Jamie contributed to as a working group member. Additionally, Jamie recently guest appeared on the New York Times podcast, The Argument, addressing the intersection of anti-trafficking work and pro-sex work technologies.
Download the slides from the presentation

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

From Stonewall to Stonewalled: Recognizing and Addressing LGBTQ+ Barriers in Rural and Urban Human Trafficking Service Models
2023-07-21 13:00 - 14:30
The LGBTQ+ community is a broad community that encompasses folks from various racial backgrounds, abilities, faiths, genders, socioeconomic statuses, and nearly every other identifiable way of grouping people. As we know, anyone can be a survivor of trafficking, including LGBTQ+ folks who exist across a spectrum of marginalization. The identities of queer people often become politicized, relegated, and a source for oppression. Compounding factors, including societal ostracization and poverty, can lead to increased vulnerabilities that can culminate into human trafficking, homelessness, and anxiety related to traditional service implementation models. There is even further divide in the effectiveness in service provision and outreach in rural and urban areas. This webinar will offer a deep dive into the unique situations of LGBTQ+ people and how those manifest into trafficking, as well as the nuances in rural versus urban service implementation for queer survivors seeking housing stability.
Download – Stonewall to Stonewalled Presentation slides

Presenter: Danni Hickey, Anti-Trafficking Housing Specialist, International Rescue Committee
Danni Hickey (They/She/He) graduated from Florida State University in the summer of 2019 with a degree in History, and a minor in Gender Studies. From there, Danni began working in the human services field. Danni began their career running a temporary homeless shelter for The Salvation Army of Tallahassee and upon successful completion of the grant, moved into the permanent role of case manager. Following a tenure with The Salvation Army, Danni transitioned to Catholic Charities where they served as Program Specialist for the Tallahassee office. At Catholic Charities, Danni executed and oversaw the housing programs offered by the agency in 8 counties. Currently, Danni serves as the Housing Specialist for survivors of trafficking on behalf of the International Rescue Committee. Through this position, Danni assists survivors with accessing shelter and permanent housing. Along the way, Danni has been engaging with a two-year program to achieve a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public Administration. For the graduation requirement for the MPA, Danni conducted a comparative study on urban and rural emergency shelter programs for LGBTQ+ folks and effectiveness of addressing housing insecurity. Danni was awarded an Exemplary Award for this work by the Reubin O’D Askew School of Public Administration & Policy. Danni’s passions are advocacy and community organizing as it pertains to queer rights and autonomy. Danni believes in using individual voices to lift communities into equality, sustainability, and independence regardless of age, identity, ability, or background.

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

National Human Trafficking Prevention Summit Livestream
2023-08-03 - 2023-08-04
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, January Contreras, Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families invites you to join the National Human Trafficking Prevention Summit Livestream on August 3-4, 2023.
Tune in to hear from experts across multiple sectors and discuss best practices in prevention.
Visit Summit Website

Labor Trafficking: Trends and Case Studies in Florida
2023-08-18 13:00 - 14:30
Since the Trafficking Victims Protection Act was passed in 2000, Florida has seen a variety of labor trafficking cases throughout the state. Join industry leaders for an in-depth discussion about current trends and labor trafficking cases. We’ll also discuss important lessons learned from these cases that will help identify future cases and assist future human trafficking survivors.
Speakers:

Cristobal Perez
Deputy Director of Programs and Data
Coalition for Independent Living Options
Cristobal Perez is an educational psychologist who obtained his bachelor’s degree in Denver, Colorado and his master’s degree in Santiago, Chile. For over 14 years he has supervised non-profit social workers and provided training for healthcare providers, social service agencies, federal and local law enforcement agencies and community associations. He currently works as the deputy director of programs and data for the Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. (CILO), a non-profit agency that works with children and adults with disabilities in West Palm Beach, FL.I n his position he analyzes agency-wide programmatic data and provides oversight and management of the Information & Referral, Food Pantry, Social Security Advocacy, and Treasure Coast Services staff. In addition to his role in CILO, Cristobal is also a consultant working on subjects related to vulnerable populations like unaccompanied refugee minors and victims of sex and labor trafficking. A published author and academic guest lecturer, Cristobal has received local and national recognition for his work on human trafficking.

Sue Aboul-hosn
Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator
Florida Department of Children and Families
Sue Aboul-hosn began her career identifying human trafficking victims among DCF’s missing children in 2003. Today, she provides expert guidance to child protective investigators and case managers and develops and implements policies, procedures and training that assists in identifying and determining the appropriate services for victims of human trafficking. She is a qualified expert witness in child risk assessment, is a contributing author to the academia textbook Human Trafficking: A Systemwide Public Safety and Community Approach (August 2017) and has published two research articles including “Human Trafficking Victimization among Youth Who Run Away from Foster Care (2018)” and “Child Labor Trafficking within the US: A First Look at Allegations Investigated by Florida’s Child Welfare Agency (2019).” Sue is six sigma green belt certified, a graduate of the Florida Child Welfare Leadership Academy (2010), St. Thomas University of Law John J. Burnetti Human Trafficking Academy (2018) and the NHTTAC Human Trafficking Leadership Academy (2019).
Do you have any access needs or accommodation requests that you would like STAC to know about? Contact our team at stac@surviveandthriveadvocacy.org or call 850-597-2080.

Register Now!

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Survive and Thrive Advocacy Training
2023-09-10 09:45 - 10:45 | Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1700 North Meridian Road, Tallahassee, FL, 32303, United States
CHEERS Sunday School is inviting us to join them in Sanders Hall on September 10th for a training presentation by Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center so that we can all be a part of ending human trafficking in our community.
How Do I Recognize Human Trafficking?
The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) has created an anti-human trafficking training program called STACPRO. This program is a free, online, on-demand training, funded by Leon County and the City of Tallahassee, designed specifically to empower businesses, workplaces, and employees with greater knowledge about how to recognize and respond if they suspect sex and labor trafficking in our area.
Be Part of the Solution
With the community’s support, STAC is building a network of people and organizations who stand with survivors and work together to prevent human trafficking. Please join us on Sunday, September 10th at 9:45AM in Sander’s Hall for a customized in-person training session for the faith community!
Learn more about STAC’s work to assist human trafficking survivors and empower communities with the tools to recognize, report and prevent trafficking at www.surviveandthriveadvocacy.org
Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) and/or their officers, directors, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, or partners assume no legal liability or responsibility for the actions or inactions of training attendees resulting from or following this training. Each individual taking this course will take personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
For more information or sharing, please download our flyer: https://www.saintpaulsumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/STACPRO-Flyer-SPUMC.pdf

Human Trafficking Webinar Series - Centering the Experience of Boys, Young Men, and Male Identifying Students in Human Trafficking
2023-09-13 15:00 - 16:30
Click here to Register!
Since 2020, the U.S. Department of Education has conducted a webinar series to address child and youth trafficking in America’s schools. The series draws attention to the important efforts underway in our nation’s education community to address both sex and labor trafficking.
On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) invites you to join the next webinar in this series, Centering the Experience of Boys, Young Men, and Male Identifying Students in Human Trafficking.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT
Boys, young men, and male identifying youth are often overlooked when it comes to recognizing and preventing human trafficking. In this webinar, we will explore how and why that is, and how methods of supporting males can differ from females. Researchers will present data dispelling the myth that exploitation of children is a problem that only affects cisgender girls and young women, as well as data showing that boys and male identifying youth are, in fact, frequently exploited and trafficked. The webinar will also include a panel discussion to better understand the experiences of male and male identifying youth who have experienced human trafficking, featuring experts with lived experience and educators working directly with youth in school anti-trafficking programs. We will end the webinar with a live Q&A where we will respond to your questions related to centering and supporting these youth in anti-trafficking work.
Speakers/Panelists

Jose Lewis Alfaro, Lived Experience Expert & Consultant
Jerome Elam, President and CEO Trafficking in America Task Force, Survivor Leader, FL
Jodi de la Peña, Grant Manager, Human Trafficking Prevention, Oakland Unified School District, CA
Jose (Peps) Garcia, Newcomer Safety Initiative, Program Manager, Oakland Unified School District, CA
Caroline Greig, Anti-Trafficking Initiatives Program Director, WestCoast Children’s Clinic, CA
David Perry, Health Data Research Analyst, WestCoast Children’s Clinic, CA

Click here to Register!

Florida’s Expungement Laws: Helping Survivors of Human Trafficking
2023-09-15 13:00 - 14:30
Download the presentation slides
When a youth or an adult victim/survivor of human trafficking is arrested – whether or not they are prosecuted – they can suffer lifelong personal and practical impacts. Trauma associated with an arrest can haunt them throughout their life. A criminal record can hurt their ability to be economically secure, to get a job or education, and to rebuild their lives and heal. Because these crimes happened while they were being trafficked, Florida law provides a way to help and clear, or “expunge,” their criminal histories.
This month’s program will explain the law on expungement, describe the process for clearing a survivor’s criminal history, detail the effects of expungement on a survivor’s life, and dispel myths and misconceptions regarding expungement. If you are a professional or community member who is in actual or potential contact with sex and labor trafficking survivors or anyone who might be vulnerable, you need to know about expungement.
Approved by the Florida Bar for 2 CLE credit hours (Download FLBAR Approval)
Speaker:
Brent Woody
Lead Attorney/Executive Director, Justice Restoration Center
This free certificate webinar is one of the “Third Friday” community training events hosted by BBCAHT and STAC to inform and engage the North Florida community and beyond. We are happy to extend this invitation to friends and colleagues – please join us!

Do you have any access needs or accommodation requests that you would like STAC to know about? Contact our team at stac@surviveandthriveadvocacy.org or call 850-597-2080.

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

20th Annual International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference
2023-09-20 - 2023-09-22
Join us for the 20th Annual International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference hosted virtually on September 20-22, 2023.
Register for the conference!
You don’t want to miss this one. TWENTY years strong!
You are invited to virtually connect with our growing community of global anti-trafficking advocates committed to social justice. This year will be our largest conference to date with 115+ live and on-demand webinars to rewatch & access for up to three weeks after the conference!
Our virtual 3-day conference will not only include the latest information from experts in the field of human trafficking and social justice, but will also feature virtual vendors booths, art exhibits, networking opportunities, and giveaways!
This year will be our 20th anniversary!
To make this year extra special, we will be hosting a Virtual Kick-Off Event on Tuesday, September 19th @ 6-7 pm Eastern Time. We will also be launching our exclusive 20th anniversary t-shirt which you could have a chance to win or purchase for yourself.
Register for the conference!

Identifying Human Trafficking in Domestic Violence Relationships: How OTIP Letters and Certifications Can Enhance Access to Public Benefits and Services for Survivors of Trafficking and Their Children
2023-09-20 08:00 - 17:00
Identifying human trafficking within domestic violence improves victim safety and also expedites protection, work authorization, and victims’ access to public benefits access. This webinar will offer tips and tools to identify human trafficking by intimate partners and family members, discuss new DHS policies on domestic violence and involuntary servitude, and explore how survivors and their children benefit from being identified as victims of human trafficking. Expert staff from the HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) will discuss federal trafficking definitions, the benefits and services foreign-born victims of sex and labor trafficking receive through OTIP certification letters and child trafficking victim eligibility letters, and interim assistance that may be available to child trafficking victims. This webinar aims to assist professionals in promptly identifying trafficking victims, enabling them to access state and federal public benefits and to receive case management support from OTIP.
Register Now

Trauma Informed Services and Resources for Human Trafficking Survivors
2023-09-26 15:00 - 16:30
Join us on September 26th for a panel discussion features experienced service providers, all working in the anti-trafficking sphere. Participants will hear from Dr. Beth Bowman, Assistant Professor of Social Work Gallaudet University and CEO of Restoring Ivy Collective, Liz Kimbel, Maryland Regional Director for Restoring Ivy Collective, Jewell Copeland, Baltimore City Human Trafficking Regional Navigator and Center for Hope Anti-Trafficking and Exploitation Program Supervisor, and Natalie Bishop, Esq. Staff Attorney (Immigration and Human Trafficking Focus) for the Sexual Assault Legal Institute.
With the upcoming October 1st enactment of the Safe Harbor Bill, that will protect child survivors from being prosecuted for certain crimes that are a direct result of the trafficking, this webinar will explore each of the panelists’ professional experiences working with different populations of human trafficking survivors and discuss the resources they use and the trauma informed approaches they employ in their work. Participants will learn more about this new law and gain practical insights, tools, and advice they can use when working with human trafficking survivors.
Register Now

Florida’s Human Trafficking Summit
2023-10-03 09:00 - 17:00
Florida’s Human Trafficking Summit brings together local, state, and national leaders working to eradicate all forms of trafficking. Learning opportunities created at the Human Trafficking Summit will allow Florida to continue working to protect victims, prevent trafficking, and prosecute traffickers.
Register Now

OWH Informational Webinar Series: HHS Innovation Challenge to Prevent Human Trafficking Among Women and Girls
2023-10-05 10:00 - 11:00
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) is seeking innovative ways to address human trafficking prevention among women and girls in the United States through the HHS Innovation Challenge to Prevent Human Trafficking.
OWH will be hosting an informational webinar for those who are interested in participating in the competition. The webinar will take place Thursday, October 5, 2023 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am ET. Please use the registration below to join and visit Challenge.gov or contact TraffickingChallenge@hhs.gov if you have any questions.
Register Now

Big Bend Area Health Education Center 2023 Community Resource Fair
2023-10-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Gadsden County Courthouse Greenspace, 10 E. Jefferson St., Qunicy, FL, 32351, United States
Free health and community resources for Spanish-speaking communities and more! Includes legal and screening services.
Download Brochure Download Brochure in Spanish

Human Trafficking and the African American Community: Myths, Realities, and Taking Action
2023-10-20 13:00 - 14:30
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Presenters:
Brianna Rogers, CEO, BriSafe
Khia Thomas, Founder, Infinite Public Relations
Description:
Traffickers target people who are vulnerable in almost any way. Factors that place Black women and girls, and men and boys, at greater risk include unstable housing, involvement in the criminal justice or child welfare system, mental and behavioral health/high suicide rates. According to the U.S. State Department: Human traffickers disproportionately target those in positions of socioeconomic or political vulnerability due to discriminatory policies, who are often people of color or part of a racial minority. While U.S. efforts to combat human trafficking have grown in magnitude and sophistication over the years, the United States still struggles with how to address the disparate effects of human trafficking on racial minority communities. To be truly effective, a comprehensive approach to prosecution, protection, and—most of all—prevention must embed racial justice and equity across its policies and programs. (2021)
This program will feature a lively and informative conversation. We will address questions such as, “What can we do better to recognize the impact of decades of discrimination and disproportionate treatment of people of color, especially in the African-American community?” and “How does this reality affect the prevention and support for victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking?”
Presentation resources:
Sex Trafficking Fact sheet
Acknowledging Historical and Ongoing Harm

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

How Do I Recognize Human Trafficking?
2023-10-23 18:00 - 19:30
The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) has created an anti-human trafficking training program called STACPRO. This program is a free, online, on-demand training, funded by Leon County and the City of Tallahassee, designed specifically to empower businesses, workplaces, and employees with greater knowledge about how to recognize and respond if they suspect sex and labor trafficking in our area.
With the community’s support, STAC is building a network of people and organizations who stand with survivors and work together to prevent human trafficking. Please join us on Monday, October 23rd from 6-7:30pm in the Parish Hall at St. Peter’s for a customized in-person training session for the faith community!

Know Your Rights Series: Wills for Trafficking Survivors
2023-11-08 12:00 - 13:00
We invite you to join us at a Know Your Rights webinar, “Wills for Trafficking Survivors.” This is the first webinar in the Know Your Rights Series organized by the Human Trafficking Legal Center Survivor Leadership Program. Our speaker will be Katie Lynagh, an attorney at the pro bono law firm of Milbank LLP.
The live webinar will be hosted on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 12 pm EST.
Please see the flyer above for more information. Survivors and advocates are welcome to join.
Register Now

HHS Innovation Challenge to Prevent Human Trafficking Among Women and Girls
2023-11-09 19:00 - 20:00
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) is seeking innovative ways to address human trafficking prevention among women and girls in the United States through the HHS Innovation Challenge to Prevent Human Trafficking.
Register Now
OWH will be hosting an informational webinar for those who are interested in participating in the competition. The webinar will take place Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 7:00pm ET. Please use the registration below to join and visit Challenge.gov or contact TraffickingChallenge@hhs.gov if you have any questions.

Big Bend Coalition Against Human Trafficking (BBCAHT) Quarterly Meeting
2023-11-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Florida Sheriffs Association, 2617 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL, 32308, United States
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Florida Sheriffs Association, 2617 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

Immigration Issues: Services and Relief for Foreign-born Victims of Human Trafficking
2023-11-17 13:00 - 14:30
During this program, expert presenters will demystify the barriers and clarify misunderstandings surrounding relief and assistance for adult and child foreign-born survivors of human trafficking, specifically around immigration relief options. We will dissect case examples that agencies, advocates, and many other community members may encounter. Presenters will also offer solutions to better equip everyone so we may all do better to empower and support trafficked persons who are sex and labor trafficked and those who are at risk.
Approved by the Florida Bar for 2 Hours of General Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit.
Download Presentation Slides
Presenters:
Vania Aguilar, FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights
Daniela Donoso, Legal Services of North Florida
About the Speakers:
Vania Aguilar, FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights – Ms. Aguilar is a program manager at CAHR, where she oversees the administrative work of the Center. She has been working with the Center since 2001. She conducts trainings on human trafficking for various groups in the community. In addition, she oversees the Center’s case management and service provision for human trafficking victims and victims of other crimes. She has developed curriculum for the Florida Department of Education and Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Education on human trafficking. She was granted BIA Accreditation in 2013 and is assisting clients with their VAWA, DACA, Adjustment of Status, asylum, SIJS, TPS, U and T visa application submissions. She serves as a co-chair for the Big Bend Coalition Against Human Trafficking Social Service Committee. On behalf of the coalition, she has written op-eds, participated on radio show interviews to discuss how Florida is affected by human trafficking, conducted presentations and directed outreach initiatives. In addition, she has served on the board of the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center, a non-profit that assists victims and survivors of human trafficking in the second judicial circuit.
Daniela Donoso, Legal Services of North Florida – Daniela Donoso serves as the Program Wide Immigration Attorney at Legal Services of North Florida, LSNF. Formerly the Equal Justice Works Fellow at LSNF, Donoso designed her fellowship to be a comprehensive immigration advocacy program in North Florida to serve immigrants who are low income and/or crime victims and establish immigration protocols, procedures, and resources for LSNF staff and community partners. Daniela, a past DACA recipient, knows what it is like to have your life shifted by fear and uncertainty because of the broken immigration system. Her personal and professional experience working with marginalized communities has instilled an altruistic spirit that makes her uniquely suited for this Fellowship. Donoso received her law degree from Florida State University College of Law and became a Florida barred attorney in April of 2021. Donoso received her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Florida State University. She spent her undergraduate and graduate time working for the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, gaining mentors and experience in immigration and anti-trafficking advocacy.

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Race for Prevention: Human Trafficking Awareness Virtual Race
2024-01-01 - 2024-01-31
January 1 – 31, 2024
Place: Virtual
Tallahassee, FL US 32301
Description:
The International Rescue Committee’s 2nd Annual Race for Prevention virtual race runs the entire month of January to support National Human Trafficking Prevention month. This race can be as little or as many miles as you would like to track — hopefully as many as possible! This is an inclusive race and can be walked, run, rolled (skates, wheelchair, handcycle, bike, etc.), or swum. 🏃‍♀️👩🏽‍🦽⛷️🚶🏾‍♂️🚴🏻 The options add to the amount of people able to join in the fun as does it being virtual, because you can join from anywhere! Whether you are in a different state or country — all are welcome to participate in our race.
While the main goal of RFP Virtual Race is to spread awareness of the issue regarding Human Trafficking as well as support the IRC’s Anti-Trafficking efforts in the community, you also have the option to raise funds for survivors through our Venmo account. This is OPTIONAL – the race is completely free to participate in. The Venmo account is @IRC-Florida and the QR code can be found here. Please tag the donation as RFP or Race for Prevention.
What is a virtual race? Great question. It is much like a regular race but instead of going to one place for a designated route on a certain day you can do it at your own pace throughout the month – ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. Okay, so maybe not much like a regular race… but better. 😎 Our virtual race is set up as a challenge: How many miles can we as a community accumulate towards Human Trafficking Awareness.
Feel free to document yourself during the race and tag our Instagram page to be featured! @ircflorida
More info: Race for Prevention: Human Trafficking Awareness Virtual Race (runsignup.com)

Responding to Foreign National Minors Who Experience Trafficking
2024-01-03 14:00 - 16:00
Do you work with foreign national youth? Join OTIP for its monthly webinar on resources available to assist foreign national minors in the United States who have experienced human trafficking, including Interim Assistance and Eligibility Letters that provide access to benefits and services. Participants will receive an overview of the Request for Assistance process and learn about the reporting requirements under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Register: Responding to Foreign National Minors Who Experience Trafficking | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov)

When Human Trafficking Comes to Work: What You Need to Know
2024-01-09 19:00 - 20:30
Many people think human trafficking only happens in big cities; but the truth is, it’s happening everywhere, and businesses are the eyes and ears of the community. Business plays a vital role in identifying trafficking acts or victims. Moreover, a business assumes safety, financial, legal, and public image risks if human trafficking is ignored. That is why it is the best interest of every business and workplace to learn how to recognize and respond to both sex and labor trafficking.
This certificate program that will detail how management and staff can respond if they suspect sex or labor trafficking. Topics include: relevant laws; types of human trafficking in Florida; recognizing how human trafficking occurs in a variety of business settings; legal liability; responses and protocols; prioritizing safety for workplace and public; support for survivors; and key resource information.
Attendees will receive a certificate, used by many for professional development credits. This course has been approved by the Florida Bar for 2 hours of CLE Credit and by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
With this knowledge, you will empower and fortify your community, you will protect your bottom line and your workplace, you will stand with survivors, and you will be part of a community working together to prevent and end human trafficking.
Pre-Registration is Required for this FREE Online Event
Register Now

Continued Presence Public Webinar
2024-01-16 15:30 - 16:30
The Dept. of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking is hosting its biannual Continued Presence (CP) Public Webinar on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. These sessions are for NGOs, civil and immigration attorneys, victim advocates, and other service providers working to counter human trafficking. All are encouraged to attend to learn more about CP, the protections it offers victims, and how it supports criminal investigations. Registration is required.
This webinar series will focus on:

What Continued Presence is and who is eligible to make a request.
Who to contact to make a Continued Presence request.
The CCHT Victim-Centered Approach.
Continued Presence applications in support of a civil action.

Register Here

Understanding the Link Between Persons with Disabilities and Human Trafficking
2024-01-19 13:00 - 14:30
During this training, we will discuss how people with disabilities are often targeted for sex and labor trafficking and exploited for financial gain. You will learn more about red flags of trafficking and next steps to take if you believe that someone you know may be trafficked or is being groomed for trafficking or exploitation.
Educating the community to understand what human trafficking looks like on the local, state, and national levels is a vital step to ending human trafficking in the United States. People with disabilities are at risk of experiencing human trafficking. Traffickers deliberately target people with vulnerabilities as a means of manipulation and control. Some risk factors that traffickers try to exploit may include education gaps, societal isolation, and lack of access to services and support. Persons with disabilities often experience widespread societal discrimination that can result in their family, friends, and even the authorities not believing them when they report abuse.
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View Taxi video mentioned
View Financial Exploitation video mentioned
Presenter: Marina Anderson, Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator, Northeast and Northwest Regions, Florida Department of Children and Families
About the Speaker:
Marina Anderson, Florida Department of Children and Families Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator for Northeast and Northwest Regions. Marina joined the Department of Children and Families Office of Child Welfare Human Trafficking Team in May 2015. She began her career with DCF in 2002. For thirteen years she worked as a Child Protective Investigator (CPI) in Duval County. Marina is a certified investigator and trainer in human trafficking, and a subject matter expert in critical injury, domestic violence, physical/sexual abuse and human trafficking. Marina is also an approved Human Trafficking Trainer for the Florida Sheriff’s Association. Marina Anderson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida.

STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.
Suggested donation: $20

Human Trafficking: What Faith Communities Need to Know
2024-01-22 12:00 - 13:30
Many people think human trafficking only happens in big cities; but the truth is, it’s happening everywhere, and businesses are the eyes and ears of the community. Everyone can play a role, especially communities of faith, in identifying trafficking acts or victims.
This training will detail how you can respond if you suspect sex or labor trafficking. Topics include: relevant laws; types of human trafficking in Florida; recognizing how human trafficking occurs in a variety of settings; legal liability; responses and protocols; prioritizing safety and the public; support for survivors; and key resource information.
Attendees will receive a certificate, used by many for professional development credits. This course has been approved by the Florida Bar for 2 hours of CLE Credit and by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
With this knowledge, you will empower and fortify our community, you will protect your workplaces, you will stand with survivors, and you will be part of a community working together to prevent and end human trafficking.
This training is on January 22, 2023, 12:00 pm. First Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall.
108 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301
To attend this training and lunch, please register here.
The deadline for registration is January 18, 2024.
