The Truth About Trafficking: Jesus Said Love Podcast
The Truth About Trafficking What does sex trafficking actually look like? Who are the buyers? What can I do to fight it? In this episode of Jesus Said Love’s podcast, Unbound Now Waco’s Jessica Sykora and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office Detective Joseph Scaramucci discuss these questions and more. *Listener discretion advised: Discussion of elements of […]
When your mom doesn’t want you anymore…
Many children are made more vulnerable to exploitation or trafficking as a result of feelings of inadequacy or rejection from their families. Unbound’s Youth Prevention Program provides a unique opportunity to connect with children in a way that helps them feel safe to share their feelings and seek assistance.
As the Director of Youth Prevention, one of my favorite things to do is facilitate a 5-week series to empower students with an in-depth understanding of human trafficking. I am a licensed facilitator for both Love146’s Not a #Number curriculum and the iEmpathize Empower Youth Program. Spending 5 weeks with the students gives me a chance to get to know them, build trust, and create space for them to share their vulnerabilities and learn how to overcome them.
I am continually amazed at how students will open up and share their deepest fears and pains.
When a Child’s Heart is Compelled to Make Grown-up Choices
The two classes I had just taught at the high school went great. The students were engaged and asked many relevant questions. As a facilitator, I felt our Keeping Students Safe curriculum on Human Trafficking was being well received by the students, and they were understanding the core concepts regarding students who had been trafficked.
But the 3rd period class taught me a lesson I will never forget…
What Happens When the Lights Go Dark
We miss being face-to-face with students! Unbound Fort Worth Youth Prevention Director, Sonya Brooks, is taking this time to share what it’s like to speak value into youth and empower them to stay safe from trafficking and exploitation.
During the presentation, I looked around the room and noticed a few girls biting their nails and looking extremely uncomfortable. The teens were learning about risk factors that might make youth more vulnerable to being trafficked.
The teens viewed a video of how easily one can be manipulated and tricked into an unhealthy relationship, thinking this will be their “happily ever after.” The reality is that these relationships can become filled with fear, rape, abuse, degradation, and pain.
After seeing the video, the room was silent.
Chelsea: Survivor Advocacy at Unbound Waco
Chelsea is the lead case manager at Unbound Waco, providing comprehensive case management services to all types of human trafficking victims and survivors. We asked Chelsea some questions to better understand her role.
What does your role look like at Unbound Waco?
“My role involves journeying with human trafficking survivors through their processes toward healing and restoration. My first priority is ensuring their safety and meeting any immediate needs–food, clothing, shelter, etc. My second priority is building a client-worker relationship centered on trust. I build trust by listening to their stories, taking them to eat at their favorite restaurant, and remembering their birthdays. I build trust by discovering their strengths and dreams. It takes time to build trust, but it’s an important foundation for effective advocacy and case management.”
The Faces of Unbound Now: Julia
At Unbound, we believe that every person has a unique part to play in bringing an end to human trafficking. That’s why we encourage everyone (regardless of your career, age, or background) to get involved. Volunteers, survivors, and partners are truly the faces of Unbound; we wouldn’t be who we are without you! Below is […]