Mission: To foster awareness of the realities of human trafficking and cultivate collaborative efforts with agencies and individuals who provide healing and hope to those affected by human trafficking.
Vision: A community united in its resolve to end human trafficking.
People Against Trafficking Humans (PATH) Coalition of Kentucky is a non-profit 501(3)(c) organization actively working to combat human trafficking occurring in Kentucky and across the world. PATH’s mission involves five goals:
(1) Develop a strong and diverse board of directors, organizing a leadership development process that sustains PATH’s capacity to govern and lead its mission.
(2) Cultivate the engagement and support required to grow fund development and organizational capacity.
(3) Advance PATH’s mission to build awareness and collaboration through regularly planned communication and marketing messages.
(4) Foster collaboration among service providers and offer professional development opportunities with and for them.
(5) Educate, in collaboration with other providers, for the prevention and support of human trafficking victims.
Led by a Board of Directors, PATH works with academic, community, and faith-based organizations in an effort to raise awareness and meet the needs of the survivor. PATH offers education sessions on Human Trafficking 101, Digital Safety for Youth and Young Adults, and other topics related to understanding the impacts of human trafficking in modern day society. We can also create specific education focuses that fit the needs of your organization. 
The necessary social service needs of trafficked youth and young adults are complex and multifaceted. Researchers and advocates agree that the design and implementation of these services should give attention to making sure they are victim-centered, evidenced based, gender responsive, culturally relevant, comprehensive, and trauma-informed. A successful response to meet the needs of human trafficking victims requires community collaboration (NSVRC, 2012). These services should include:
Trafficking survivors are in need of long-term and short- term housing, emergency shelter, transitional housing support programs, and independent living skills.
Access to health and dental care, mental health counseling, psychiatric care, interpretation, language services, employment and job training.
Legal advocacy and expungement services, parenting support and child care, social support, community support, education options, and financial aid.
Mental health counseling, case management, psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, advocacy services, community support, and social support.
| Louisville, KY
There is no single profile of a trafficking victim or survivor. Regardless of race, national origin, religion, age, gender, education level, or citizenship status, anyone can be a victim of human trafficking.
The Office of Justice Programs’ (OJP) Office for Victims of Crime manages the largest amount of funding across the federal government dedicated to providing services to victims of human trafficking.
Additionally, OJP’s National Institute of Justice is committed to assisting with the detection and prosecution of human traffickers and to supporting the recovery of victims of human trafficking through rigorous research.
Following are some resources related to this topic:
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/human-trafficking-survivors-justice-more-about-healing-and-preventing-future?utm_campaign=ojpnews&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
For Human Trafficking Survivors, Justice Is More About Healing and Preventing Future Trafficking
The Office for Victims of Crime: An Ongoing Commitment to Victims of Human Trafficking
Office for Victims of Crime: Human Trafficking microsite
On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30), see the Human Trafficking Special Feature to access additional information and resources from the OJP program offices and other federal agencies on this topic.
| Louisville, KY
Human trafficking is a global blight, with approximately 25 million people subjected to forced labor or forced sexual exploitation globally in 2016. Most trafficking avoids detection altogether, with one study finding that fewer than half of all suspected traffickers in the United States had been arrested.
Due to the complexity and hidden nature of human trafficking, it often is off the radar of public agencies in a position to address it. The researchers noted that 68% of state and local prosecutors do not consider trafficking a problem in their jurisdictions and that over 70% of local, state, and county law enforcement agencies view human trafficking as rare or nonexistent in their local communities. Nearly half of prosecutors and law enforcement agencies are unaware of specific existing anti-trafficking laws, the report said.
| Louisville, KY
Reliable data to evaluate the extent of sex and labor trafficking of adults and minors in Kentucky are limited. The limited data available suggest that a large majority of identified victims of sex trafficking in Kentucky are young people. The Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services released their fourth report on child victims of human trafficking on November 1st, 2016 in accordance to Kentucky statue requirements.
In 2016, researchers from the University of Louisville administered The Youth Experiences Survey (YES) to 132 homeless youths ages 12-25 in Kentucky and Southern Indiana to explore factors associated with sex trafficking and homelessness. Fifty-four (40.9 percent) of the homeless youth and young adult respondents (n=132) reported they had been sex trafficked.
Despite the prevalence of human trafficking in Kentucky, the resources and services needed to meet the specific needs of survivors of trafficking is limited. Although notable gains have been made in the past few years, there is consensus that serving the multiple needs of child victims and adults victims requires more attention. Human Trafficking Task Forces have been established in Louisville Metro, Lexington, Shelbyville, Bullitt County, Bardstown, London, and Frankfort with the intent to better coordinate and expand service delivery for human trafficking victims and define the role and responsibility of partners.
| Louisville, KY
Commonalities in published research findings reveal that risk factors that increase a youth’s chances of becoming a victim of sex or labor trafficking include: experiencing homelessness, runaway or throwaway status, involvement in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, limited education, history of previous sexual, psychological, or physical abuse, lack of income and/or paid work opportunities, substance abuse, history of substance abuse and domestic violence in their family of origin, and mental health challenges or learning disabilities.
It is known that traffickers prey on youth who are vulnerable and do not have adequate family or social support; traits that are highly prevalent among young people experiencing homelessness and youth involved in or who have exited the foster care and the juvenile justice systems (Clawson et al., 2009). The youth who are targeted by traffickers are overwhelmingly members of particularly vulnerable communities who likely have contact with multiple social service agencies. Researchers agree that these social service agencies are often not adequately equipped to address their multiple needs and are failing to identify these youth as potential victims of human trafficking. Youth who are homeless and engage in “survival sex” are vulnerable to traffickers involved in the commercial sex industry.
| Louisville, KY
The treatment needs for trafficked youth and young adults is extensive. When a victim manages to escape their trafficker and exit their trafficking situation, researchers agree they will require a wide range of social services and support. A comprehensive array of services, including shelter and safe housing are essential.
The three most critical barriers/challenges to providing services to trafficking victims are a lack of adequate resources, problems identifying trafficking victims, and a lack of adequate training specific to the needs of trafficking victims (Human Trafficking Services Needs Assessment, 2010).
| Louisville, KY
Polaris is a leader in the global fight to eradicate modern slavery. Named after the North Star that guided slaves to freedom in the U.S., Polaris systemically disrupts the human trafficking networks that rob human beings of their lives and their freedom. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a national anti-trafficking hotline serving victims and survivors of human trafficking and the anti-trafficking community in the United States.
The toll-free hotline is available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year in more than 200 languages. CALL 1-888-373-7888 OR TEXT 233733 The National Hotline can also be accessed by emailing help@humantraffickinghotline.org, submitting a tip through the online tip reporting form, and visiting the web portal at www.humantraffickinghotline.org.
The National Hotline serves all individuals who reach out for our services regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other factor protected by local, state, or federal law.
Regina V Carrico is a paramedic for St Matthews Fire and Rescue. They became involved with the area of sexual violence after seeing a need to provide a trauma-informed and empathetic perspective during continuing education presentations around this subject matter. They got involved with PATH as a community contributor and joined the board in 2020. They enjoy playing ultimate frisbee (go Derby City Thunder!), baking, reading and enjoying time at home with their spouse, dog, 2 cats, a snake, and skink.
Dianna Anderson has been a board member with PATH since 2020. She has 7 years’ experience working in the Human Trafficking field. Her specialty is training and public awareness. Dianna’s passion is educating others and making a positive change for the Louisville community. Dianna is also a Navy veteran and spent time working as a Sexual Assault Advocate in her Division. Dianna’s hobbies are fishing, reading, and spending time with her two small kids.
Sister Charlene Moser is a Dominican Sister of Peace who currently serves as Founded Ministries Liaison for the ecology, retreat, and senior housing, ministries of the Congregation. This work includes serving on Boards of Directors and Advisory Councils as well as committees for each ministry; fulfilling delegated tasks, and generally supporting the Mission of each ministry. Prior to 2009, Sr. Charlene served in elected leadership of her founding Congregation of St. Catharine in her home state of Kentucky. She also has ministered for 28 years in various Catholic schools in Louisville and Springfield, Kentucky; Hastings and Omaha, Nebraska; and Memphis, Tennessee; and for 8 years as Assistant Treasurer for the Congregation. Her teaching areas were junior and senior high school math and science, while her work in development included recruitment, alumnae affairs, and producing events. Sr. Charlene earned her MS Ed in Secondary Education from Indiana University, Bloomington; and her BA in Mathematics from University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Brianna Roberts has a Master of Business Administration – Entrepreneurship from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Fine Arts – Industrial Design from the University of Michigan. She has worked in digital product development for over 15 years and recently taught at the Hite Art Institute at the University of Louisville. Her desire to help vulnerable populations brought her to CASA of the River Region where she serves on the Events Committee and the Rotary Club of Louisville, as a leadership fellow. If you recognize her mohawk, you have probably seen Brianna at monthly CreativeMornings events where she has been an organizer for the past five years.
Theresa has served on the PATH board since September 2015 until June 2021. She earned a doctorate in social work from UL Kent School, two master degrees (social work Kent School and religious education Fordham University), and a BA degree from Brescia University Owensboro, KY. Her research and teaching interest include human trafficking and generational family violence. In addition, she has presented on human trafficking at international, state, and local conferences. She is engaged with community awareness on the crime of human trafficking since 2006.
Kaye Castlen is from Owensboro, KY. Kaye and her husband, Joe, have 5 children and are expecting their 10th grandchild in February. Kaye is a retired educator and spent most of her 41-year career working in K-12 education. Kay shares that she has always had a passion for the less fortunate and marginalized children/people of the world. She has been involved in her community and church serving on boards from Catholic Charites, Spouse Abuse shelters, camping programs for the mentally disabled, and also serving on the Diocesian Sexual Abuse Review Board.
Kristie Adams has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in psychology/sociology and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Kristie has worked with families and children for over 20 years. In her role as Vice President, Programs & Services with Family Scholar House, Kristie provides supervision to staff, compiles program data and completes grant reports, designs, and implements new programs, coordinates, and provides professional development opportunities, and provides technical assistance to Family Scholar House, US Affiliates. She has been with Family Scholar House since 2008.
Kristie has a passion for working with and for children to have a safe and healthy childhood so that they can grow confidently into their dreams. Kristie has led a research study on Children Exposed to Domestic Violence in conjunction with the Kent School of Social Work. She has received training and/or certification in Music Together, Mindfulness, Conscious Discipline, MotherRead, Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health Aid, Human Trafficking, Financial Empowerment, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Assault. She provides training on Children Exposed to Batterers and Trauma-Informed Care to teachers, victim’s advocates, school social workers, community agencies, attorneys, daycares, and churches regionally and nationally. Currently, Kristie enhances programs and supports the community through serving on advisory boards/committees for Ready for K, Face It, Healthy Babies, Compassionate School Louisville, Louisville Asset Building Coalition, and Council for Agency Executives.
Mariela Ramirez was born in La Plata, Argentina and studied Public Health at the University of La Plata. She then lived in Chile and graduated from the United Nations with a degree in Population. In 1984, she moved to the United States with her husband and two children. In Louisville, she started working with the Sisters of Loretto for peace and justice, becoming a co-member in 2008. She was on the board of the Thomas Merton Foundation, Sister Cities International, as well as other non-profit organizations. Her work in different countries in Latin America pushed her to learn more and she went back to school and earned her BA in Latin America and Latino Studies from the University of Louisville. Her major interest is in education as a way to promote positive changes.
Roxana Holland is a proud alumnus of the University of Louisville where she received her Master of Science in Social Work in May of 2013 and of Murray State University where she received her Bachelor of Art in Psychology. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Social Work and the Director of Field Education at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since receiving her MSSW, she has gone on to clinically specialize in treating individuals who are living with Substance Use Disorders. It was during this time that she had the opportunity of engaged individuals who had personal experiences with human trafficking.
Jamieca Jones is a Program Coordinator at the University of Louisville Women’s Center and is currently working on a Master of Science of Social Work and a Master of Arts in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of Louisville. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies also at the University of Louisville. She serves on several boards and committees in the community working on ending human trafficking. Through her work at the Women’s Center, she facilitates an annual Human Trafficking Awareness Conference with Women 4 Women.
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Sr. Jacqueline is a Sister of Charity of Nazareth; she is a native of Boston, Massachusetts who since entering community in 1999 has ministered in Mississippi and Kentucky. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked in the field of HIV/AIDS and people with addiction since before entering the religious community and continues to do so. She has a passion and desire to serve and help vulnerable populations, which bought her to say yes to first being a Contributor member and them joining the PATH Board of Directors. Because of her work in other fields human trafficking has come up as a common theme and it is her hope that she can make a difference.
Sr. Jacqueline has her Master of Science of Social Work from the University of Louisville and her Bachelor of Science of Social Work also from the University of Louisville. She has her certificate of Women in Gender Studies from Jefferson Community and Technical College. She has been on other boards, volunteers for Medical Reserve Corp that put her in situation and opportunity to help at the St John Day Center for homeless men and ministry within her community. Sister has a love for the Grateful Dead and loves to share her Italian cooking with anyone who is willing to eat it.
Patricia was born in Mexico City. She received her medical degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) School of Medicine in Mexico. She was trained as a Pediatrician at the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City, where she also trained as a Pediatric Allergist. After moving to the United States she has spent time as a stay home mom, volunteering at schools, her church (has been a religious education teacher for 17 years), and other community organizations (different positions and different jobs).
Dr. Bautista-Cervera holds a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion from the University of Louisville. In 2019 she started working with La Casita Center, an organization in Kentucky that enhances the wellbeing of Louisville’s Latinx community through education, empowerment, advocacy and wellness. Her focus during 2020-2021 has been the COVID-19 pandemic. Accompanying the immigrant population makes her more aware of the vulnerability of this population to trafficking. She is convinced that through the support of people at risk and education of society, trafficking could be eliminated.
Patricia enjoys spending time with her children and her husband and their two pets.
Sr Julie was a Founding Member of the Louisville group of religious women taking a public stance against human trafficking. She worked diligently in the process of forming the non-profit PATH to a 501c3 and served on the Board from September 2015 to June 2021.
Julie has a BS in Education from Spalding University, an MA in Psychology from Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C., and an MA in Religious Studies from Mundelein College, now Loyola University in Chicago. She was in elementary education in schools in Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Maryland for 10 years and then pastoral work in Massachusetts and Alabama. Julie is a professed SCN for 60 years and has served as Vocation Director and Vice-President of her Congregation. Julie was the first Executive Director of House of Ruth, has worked with immigrants at Americana, Casa Latina, La Casita, and Doors to Hope. She was recently on the board of AIDS Interfaith Ministries and has been involved in numerous justice issues for many years. For a number of years, Julie has served on the SCN Western Province Justice Committee.
Ramie Martin-Galijatovic, CSW, graduated from the University of Louisville with a Master of Science in Social Work in 2001 and began her social work career as a school-based mental health clinician and Family Resource Coordinator. Since 2008, Ramie has managed large research studies funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Bureau of Justice, and National Institutes of Health and Human Development with roles in program management, program implementation, and evaluation. Additionally, she has been an adjunct faculty member at U of L, Kent School of Social Work and Spalding University teaching research and practice in both the BSW/MSW programs. During her free time, you will find Ramie in a kayak or camping by a lake with her husband, son, and German shepherd, Klaus.
Kim Becker ….
Kayla Thomas is Site Director with Free2Hope where she advocates on behalf of women victimized by human trafficking and sexual crimes. Kayla is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in social work online at Florida State University. She received her Bachelors in Social Work and Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville. With a strong interest in communication and value for human life, Kayla translates her skills as a non-paid agent for the Jefferson County Search Dog Association. Kayla is passionate about serving a mission that encourages each person to see their own strength, resourcefulness, and resilience in overcoming human trafficking and other adversity.
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You can make a difference. Spread knowledge in your community. Support survivors. We can help. Join us in our efforts to combat modern day slavery in Kentucky.
Sign UpOn April 30, 2013, a few Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN) began public prayer service gathered at Jefferson Square Park in Louisville, KY for a prayer service for victims of human trafficking because of the SCN Corporate Stance against Human Trafficking. In January 2014, a survivor of human trafficking shared an op-ed in the Courier Journal entitled, “Kentucky can do more to help trafficking victims recover.” Some members of the current group met the survivor on March 21, 2014, in Bardstown, Kentucky, where Holly Austin Smith shared her story of being forced into a sex trafficking ring at age of 14. On April 29, 2014, some of the current members gathered again for a prayer service for victims of human trafficking at Jefferson Square Park in Louisville, KY.
2013 – 2014
A few Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCN) began public prayer service during Derby Week 2013 because of the SCN Corporate Stance against Human Trafficking. The public prayer service was repeated in 2014 and following that event, members of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, and Dominican Sisters of Peace and their associates began meeting on a permanent basis on May 23, 2014 at Brescia Hall on the Ursuline Campus Lexington Road, Louisville KY. The Founding Members of this May 2014 meeting are: Theresa Butler, OSUA; Sr. Julie Driscoll, SCN; Rosetta Fackler; Marqueax Gray; Betty Anne Hamilton, SCNA; Sr Jo Ann Jansing, OSU; Sr. Paula Kleine-Kracht, OSU; Sr. Judy Morris, OP; Amy Nace-Degonda; JoAnn Paulin, SCNA; Sr. Joetta Venneman, PBVM; and Sr. Rita Ann Wigginton, OSU.
• That fall the group agreed on two goals: 1) Education and outreach regarding human trafficking which started immediately: 2) The long-term goal of establishing a home/shelter for survivors of human trafficking. Not long after, the group expanded membership with the participation of a survivor of human trafficking, a professor at the University of Louisville who teaches a class on the issue as well as a passion for eliminating exploitation of humans, and two members of Catholic Charities working with statewide task forces. Several other community individuals are connected by email and have made contributions to our efforts.
• Experience with the public prayer services taught us that much education can happen through media outlets as these were covered by the Courier-Journal, The Record and a number of TV Stations and other venues too numerous to name. Members also wrote editorials in newspapers, letters to the editor and were interviewed on a variety of TV programs.
• A Lenten film series in four parts of Louisville was very successful. At these sessions, Theresa Hayden shared the 15-month study of Human Trafficking in Louisville on Backpage.com advertisements. This research confirmed our suspicion that these incidents spiked during the Derby but surprised the researcher by showing they go even higher during March Madness.
2015 -2016
• In the spring of 2015, the group spent a couple of meetings brainstorming a name and settled on PATH Coalition of Kentucky.
• Members have also worked on a putting up a billboard during Derby week, educating businesses about human trafficking, demonstrated and advocated against places known for human trafficking.
• In the spring of 2015, the group decided to apply for non-profit status. Sr. Julie Driscoll, SCN asked an attorney friend who allowed his paralegal to work with Sr. Joetta Venneman, PBVM, and Sr. Julie Driscoll on a pro bono basis. The application was mailed on Sept. 16, 2015 and we were shocked and delighted to receive non-profit status on Oct. 8, 2015.
• The attorney who provided his paralegal to guide us in the IRS application is a partner with Borders and Borders in Louisville.
• The Founding Board of Directors were Theresa Hayden, President; Marqueax Gray, Vice-President, and JoAnn Paulin, Secretary / Treasurer. Board Members are at Large were Theresa Butler, OSUA; Sr. Julie Driscoll, SCN; Sr. Judy Morris, OP; Amy Nace-Degonda; Sr. Joetta Venneman, PBVM; and Sr. Rita Ann Wigginton, OSU. Contributing Members were Rosetta Fackler; Betty Anne Hamilton, SCNA; and Julie Horen-Easterly.
• PATH joined membership with the Center for Non-Profit Excellence (CNPE). This organization provides guidance for developing a board and many other aspects of non-profit organizations. Julie Driscoll and Joetta Venneman took on the task of recruiting interested board members. Since joining CNPE, PATH members have alternated attending monthly Community Coffees and participating in trainings that advance knowledge for operating a non-profit.
• Provided education and outreach trainings beyond our usual scope of networking. In particular at these locations, Highland Baptist Church, 2nd Presbyterian Church Pathways Group, and Bellarmine University.
• Participated in a Panel Discussion at the North American Ursuline Conference in Louisville KY, July 9th, 2016.
• Hired a part-time program coordinator to assist with the day-to-day tasks of continuing growth.
• Traveled to safe houses in Chicago, Nashville, Birmingham, and New Orleans for the purpose of learning from successful programs serving trafficking victims.
• Worked with an attorney realtor in searching for the appropriate property.
• Communicated with the Mount St. Joseph Ursuline Sisters on potential use of property in Daviess County, Kentucky. Geographical spread is expanding.
• Educated members about essential services to provide in the safe house.
2017 -2018
• Began working toward development of a “digital and online safety training” concentrating on keeping safe on apps, smartphones, and other areas online where youth are active. This curriculum has a specialty focus beyond HT 101 that PATH can market to potential groups serving youth or youth and their parents. Piloted public presentation to Presentation High School Feb 28, 2018.
• Invited speakers to PATH monthly board meetings to continue our education: Amy Leenerts with Free2Hope, Vanessa with Polaris Project.
• Engaged with marketing and web design consultants for PATH to improve marketing and printing materials. As a result, web site published and website domain name in use until 2022, 1000 brochures printed, emails assigned to PATH members.
• PATH members represented at the Jan 18th Celebration Collaboration at Catholic Charities
• PATH members represented at the Feb 22nd HT Awareness Conference on UL campus.
• Year-End marketing letter brought in approximately $5000.
• Implemented a policy for nominating, screening, and interviewing potential PATH Board members. An official application filed by potential Board Members will be forwarded to the Nomination Committee. The Policy details a 5-step process. After review by the PATH Board, there was a suggestion for one revision in the language and process in Step 3. (The PATH Board members making the referral will meet with the person “face-to-face” at least once before officially submitting recommendations.)
• Developed a Problem Statement on Human Trafficking to be used with future work.
• Edited PATH By-Laws to update definitions and language related to voting.
• Policy Manual developed
• Added board members from the community to compensate for attrition of Founding Members.
• Committed with UL Kent School and Department of Criminal Justice as a practicum site for field students.
• Developed a Business Plan to be used for fund raising
• Met with Steve Rose (realtor) to discuss potential of purchasing abandoned funeral home property on Oak St near St Therese Church Louisville. Sent a Letter of Intent to company owners Dec 22, 2017. Response was non-acceptance because they have a cash offer on the property.
• Initiated relationships with community partners essential to housing and zoning: The Homeless Coalition in Louisville, New Directions Housing Incorporation, Rotary members, and potential investors.
2019 – 2021
• Developed 3-Phase Strategic Plan. Eliminated the goal to open long-term housing for survivors
• Adapted to Covid Pandemic with Zoom meetings
• Achieved partial goals in Phase One of Strategic Plan
Messages are received by email and can be responded to by phone or email, whichever you provide. This is a non-emergency message submission. If you are in an emergency situation and need help call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1 (888) 373-7888 OR send Text message to “BeFree” (233733)
