Local Nonprofits Partner to Launch Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign

Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project and SEE. Human Trafficking Coalition are partnering to launch an awareness campaign to fight human trafficking in West Michigan.

The SEE. BELIEVE. DISRUPT. Campaign aims to provide resources and education to West Michigan about human trafficking, empower neighbors to recognize the issue right here in our own community, and encourages people to take action to create change.

“Our goal is to move members of the community from awareness, to education, to action,” said Nikeidra DeBarge, Coordinator of Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project. “Each person has the power to create change and make a difference right here in West Michigan, and beyond!”

There are several ways to participate in the SEE. BELIEVE. DISRUPT. initiative, including:

• Host a Coalition Conversation:
  • Gather your people and request to have a member of the SEE. Human Trafficking Coalition come in and join you for an informal (but always informative!) discussion about Human Trafficking. We’ll cover what it is, what it isn’t, what to look for, and what you can do.
• Put a SEE. BELIEVE DISRUPT. sign in your yard, sticker in your business’ window, or include a QR Code in your print materials
• Share posts on social media
• Advocate by contacting your representatives:
  • You can support the anti-human trafficking movement by contacting your legislators. Human Trafficking related legislation at the local, state, and national level has the potential to streamline victim identification, increase resources for survivors, and develop trauma-informed policies and protocols. Creating a future free from human trafficking starts at a “systems” level.

“Ending exploitation is a community effort,” said Missy Weisman, Executive Director and Cofounder of SEE. Human Trafficking Coalition. “Together we can increase awareness, build capacity, and disrupt the systems of exploitation found in our own backyard.”

For all the details and how to get involved visit www.seebelievedisrupt.org

ABOUT WEDGWOOD’S MANASSEH PROJECT | Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project is an outreach of Wedgwood Christian Services dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation of young women and men in West Michigan. Through community education and collaboration, and Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project Trauma Recovery Center, we provide support and specialized residential treatment services for victims of sex trafficking. www.manassehproject.org

Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest problems facing children, teens, families, and adults through residential care, counseling services, and community programs. Our goal is to support and help restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those who rely on Wedgwood. www.wedgwood.org

ABOUT SEE. HUMAN TRAFFICKING COALITION | The SEE. Human Trafficking Coalition is continually developing a community of ready responders to be the eyes and ears of human trafficking in Kent County. We call on parents, teachers, teens, hotel clerks, gas station workers, waiters, police officers, prosecutors, nonprofits, medical professionals, and other community members to recognize the signs of sex and labor trafficking and report it. www.seefreedom.org/see-human-trafficking-coalition