Bringing Darkness Into Light
Provided by Unsplash.com
Touted as one the highest crime rates in Alabama, human trafficking is rampant in the Southeast. Alabama is situated on the I-20 highway, a common gateway for traffickers to smuggle victims from Texas to Florida. As January is Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month, we at CCF want to help shed light on what is being done in our home state to ameliorate this enormous issue.
There are many myths that surround trafficking, so education is our first step to understanding root causes and how to work towards real solutions. One huge step forward for Alabama is the recent institution of the Alabama Anti Human Trafficking Alliance. Federal, state and nonprofit agencies for AL received funding to team up over the next three years to share information and resources in hopes of stamping out trafficking for good. Attorney General Steve Marshall reiterated that he is “committed to ending human trafficking in Alabama, and have made it a top priority as Attorney General to do so.”
More information on the Alliance can be found on the WellHouse’s blog article, with encouraging words and pledges from top officers/agents who will be involved in the work ahead. Read it HERE.
Many news outlets throughout Alabama have covered this unsettling topic in years past. We have linked to those articles at the bottom of this post. There are glimmers of light along the way, however, when survivors are able to share their story and remind us that with strength, all healing is possible. Oftentimes, non-profit work surrounds uncomfortable topics or situations that are hard to talk about; but, the more we speak out and ignite conversations to begin the process of change the better-suited our community will be to face challenges with a solution-based mindset. As a non-profit partner to Alabama, the Clayne Crawford Foundation is committed to positive change and we hope that you will join us in our efforts to provide education, relief, and funding anti-human trafficking causes. There are many ways to get involved and show your support for those affected.
Volunteering with organizations such as the WellHouse or the Junior League of Birmingham is a great way to be “boots on the ground” for these causes. In fact, the Junior League is hosting educational events throughout January to promote their safety and crisis programs - links to that info are at the bottom of this blog. Donations of any amount help secure funding or provide groceries and other supplies as well as bolster the work of individuals employed by our non-profit partners. If you’re looking to reach out to survivors in a more tangible fashion, you can donate a Comfort Pillow from our CCF Shop. You would provide a cheerful hug-worthy pillow with a new journal that is ready to fill with thoughts, dreams, and hopes. Let’s work together to provide solace to our community and remind survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation that their voice matters. It’s time to start the hard conversations, bring dark issues to the light, and help survivors of all kinds find a path to a brighter future.
Article share: