Online guide features resources to assist trafficking survivors in the Big Bend
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Robin Hassler Thompson, JD, MA
Executive Director
Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC)
850-597-2080
robin@surviveandthriveadvocacy.org
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., (Sept. 16, 2019) — Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) has published a new edition of the “Human Trafficking Services and Referral Directory,” a guide to the resources available to assist trafficking survivors to freedom and a better place in life.
The directory, originally published in 2017 and updated in August, is designed to inform human service agencies, law enforcement, community groups, the faith community and anyone who is a potential point of contact for sex and labor trafficking survivors. It is available online at surviveandthriveadvocacy.org.
“Human trafficking is so complex that no single organization can meet all survivor needs,” said Robin Hassler Thompson, STAC executive director. “Survivors often need housing, mental health services, treatment for addiction, education, job placement, health care, legal aid and more. The directory will help everyone in our region connect survivors to the unique mix of resources that will be most beneficial to them.”
Agencies and organizations who would like to be listed in the directory can still submit an entry by completing the form at surviveandthriveadvocacy.org/directory/. The directory will remain on the STAC website and be updated as new entries are submitted.
“This directory is one of the most important resources STAC provides to the community,” Hassler Thompson said. “We are so grateful for everyone who helps us keep it relevant and updated. If your agency isn’t listed, please go online and submit your information. It takes all of us working together to help survivors and to prevent human trafficking.”
STAC, a member of the National Human Trafficking Hotline, provides direct services to sex and labor trafficking survivors of all ages in the Big Bend, conducts training on how to recognize, report and prevent human trafficking and serves as a resource hub through collaboration and partnership with other agencies.
Several organizations were instrumental in creating and updating the directory. Club 25, composed of women who have been recognized through the Tallahassee Democrat’s 25 Women You Need to Know awards, provided the original funding for the directory. The Big Bend Coalition Against Human Trafficking provided guidance and support. Staff and interns at the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights at Florida State University created and updated the directory.
“We are very happy to collaborate with a reliable organization such as STAC, which addresses and meets the needs of ALL trafficking victims and survivors,” said Vania Aguilar who oversees case management for victims of crimes at the FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights.
If you suspect sex or labor trafficking, call 911 in an emergency, the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733. Call STAC directly at 850-597-2080.
About Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center
Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center assists human trafficking survivors and empowers communities with the tools to recognize, report and prevent trafficking. As a member of the National Human Trafficking Hotline, STAC is the only organization in the Big Bend assisting sex and labor trafficking survivors of all ages. We provide direct support to survivors and serve as a resource hub. We are dedicated to collaboration and partnership with other organizations to connect survivors to the resources they need to experience freedom and fulfillment. Our training programs for professionals and for the public at large provide information on how traffickers operate and teach individuals what to do if they suspect trafficking. Our consumer education programs offer insight into where our food and other products come from and promote farms, restaurants and retailers that are dedicated to supply chains that do not include trafficked labor. With community support, we are building a network of people and organizations who stand with survivors and work together to prevent human trafficking. For more information, visit surviveandthriveadvocacy.org.