Leslie Painter is the director of the Lighthouse for Women and Children.

This month, we acknowledge this crisis in our community Every January, we pause to recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month – a time to confront one of the most devastating injustices in our communities. Human trafficking is not just a global issue; it is happening in our own neighborhood. Traffickers prey on vulnerability, and those struggling with homelessness, addiction, or domestic violence are among the most at risk.

At Rescue Mission Alliance, we believe prevention starts with meeting needs and offering hope. For over 50 years, we have been committed to helping the homeless. Today, our mission has expanded across three counties to protect the vulnerable from exploitation and provide pathways to healing. When we step in with care and resources, we can stop traffickers before they strike.

Human Trafficking thrives in secrecy and desperation. By offering traumainformed, survivor-centered programs, we create safe spaces for survivors and their children to heal and rebuild their lives. Our recovery programs, transitional housing, and supportive services are designed to restore dignity and empower individuals to break free from cycles of abuse and exploitation.

Awareness is the first step toward prevention, and the second step is to partner with an organization like Rescue Mission Alliance to help survivors of Human Trafficking regain their freedom and hope for a future. Together, we can dismantle the systems that allow trafficking to persist.

How you can help:

• Learn the Signs: Educate yourself and others about trafficking indicators.
• Share Resources: Spread the word about Rescue Mission Alliance services and the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.
• Partner With Us: Donate, volunteer, or advocate to strengthen programs that protect and restore lives.
• Be a Voice for Hope: Use your platforms to raise awareness and inspire action. Please give us a call or email for more information and ideas.

With you by our side, we can help stop Human Trafficking. Every gift, every hour volunteered, and every conversation matters. Together, we can ensure that freedom is not a privilege, it’s a right Learn more at vcrescuemission.org/freedom.

Sincerely,
Leslie Painter
Director, Lighthouse for Women and Children