Beyond the Training: How Human Trafficking Awareness Can Change Lives

Joy, still thinking about the amazing foster families she met earlier that day, walked through her front door, feeling at peace. She had spent the morning at a care and connection event, hosted by Declare No More Foundation (DNM). Joy had been invited to speak words of encouragement over foster families in the Tampa Bay area. After years of fostering in her own home, it felt good to come alongside others on the same journey and offer support.

The event also included an anti-human trafficking awareness component that Joy learned a lot from. She hoped to have an opportunity to use this new knowledge to help someone someday. As Joy continued to reflect on the highlights from the morning, her thoughts screeched to a halt when a notification from a familiar name popped up on her phone. 

It was a message from the mother of the children Joy had once fostered. She quickly opened the message and began to digest the woman’s words. The note explained that this mother finally recognized that she had been in a situation of exploitation back when Joy was caring for her children. She was also working to get her husband prosecuted. Though she had made progress, this woman was still in need of additional support as a survivor of exploitation. 

Joy immediately thought back to DNM’s human trafficking awareness presentation she listened to that morning. She picked up her phone and called Fran, the Anti-Trafficking Manager. The two of them got to work gathering resources to share with this survivor to help her get back on her feet. 

Joy was incredibly grateful that she was equipped with the knowledge, resources, and next steps necessary to help someone struggling in her life. If it hadn’t been for the human trafficking awareness efforts of DNM, Joy wouldn’t have known where to turn.

Increase Awareness

Whether you’ve been in Joy’s position or you simply want to learn more, there are many ways to increase your awareness. DNM offers Awareness Events, Anti-Human Trafficking trainings, and a self-paced course you can complete on your own or with others. 

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is experiencing exploitation, there are options for support:

Didn’t find what you need here? Reach out to our team.