A two-session, online event to address the exploitation of LGBTQ+ individuals through advocacy and allyship.
In recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, People Against Trafficking Humans (PATH) Coalition of Kentucky presents a Virtual Queer Summit: Addressing Exploitation Through Advocacy and Allyship. This event kicks off on January 11th, 2021, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. A day to bring awareness to the exploitation of people for labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sexual activity by the actions of force, fraud, or coercion.
Format of Event:
The summit will consist of two pre-recorded sessions available for the registered audience.
This is a free event and is offered to all people in our community.
Session one will include a comprehensive educational presentation titled “Exploitation and Trafficking in the LGBTQIA Community”. Presented by K.D. Roche, a Human Trafficking Field Expert, Keynote Speaker and Author who has presented nationally on human trafficking and complex trauma. Learn more about K.D. at www.kdroche.com.
Session one will be 60 minutes in duration.
Session two will present a panel discussion, consisting of a group of advocates, experts, and allies who will answer questions submitted by members of the audience. This panel will ignite a conversation. A focus on specific topic areas relevant to understanding the increased risks for exploitation and trafficking for LGBTQ+ identified members of our community will guide this conversation. PATH will offer multiple ways to submit questions for the panel after you complete session one.
Session two will be 90 minutes in duration.
The objective of this two-part series is for the audience watching the educational presentation from K.D. Roche and the panel discussion to leave with new insights and knowledge; better equipped to take actions to support queer folks of all ages, with an elevated focus on youth.
When and Where: Virtual connection via PATH website www.pathcoalitionofky.org
*Registrants will be provided with an access code and receive communication via e-mail and/or through Eventbrite prior to the opening day of summit.
Session One: View the 60-minute session anytime on Monday, January 11, 2021, from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
Session Two: View the 90-Minute session anytime on Friday, January 15th, 2021, from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM.
Like us on Facebook and follow our webpage for additional information about PATH Coalition of Kentucky, and to receive updated information about access to this event.
Register with the form below or on Eventbrite.
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.
We have transitioned to a legal entity and now plan to move forward with a strategic planning process. On April 30, 2019 PATH held the 7th Annual Anti-Trafficking Prayer Service & Public Awareness Rally in Downtown Louisville. PATH has also produced numerous public education and media presentations, a public billboard opposing human trafficking, presentations at multiple local and national conferences, traveled to 6 safe houses serving trafficked victims, developed 2 education modules for the community, hired a part-time program coordinator, and created marketing materials -- including this website.
Download ReportThe 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.
PATH Coalition of Kentucky has joined Survivors Corner opening shared office space at 900 South Shelby Street. It takes many to combat human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and human rights violations in our state. We march on with our mission and objectives; joining with the many advocates and leaders in our community fighting to free victims and offer opportunities to empower them as survivors.
Please join us and sign up for our mailing list!
Nov 2017 | Louisville, KY
Human trafficking, also referred to as modern day slavery, is the illegal trade in humans for the purpose of exploitation and profit. The torment and anguish felt by victims of this crime causes physical, emotional, and mental degradation to the victims’ livelihoods in exchange for the social, economic, political, and/or sexual benefits of others (Godoy et al., 2015). Current estimates inform us that approximately 40.3 million children, women, and men are victims of human trafficking across the world annually (International Labor Office & Walk Free Foundation, 2017).
Human trafficking, also referred to as modern day slavery, is the illegal trade in humans for the purpose of exploitation and profit. The torment and anguish felt by victims of this crime causes physical, emotional, and mental degradation to the victims’ livelihoods in exchange for the social, economic, political, and/or sexual benefits of others (Godoy et al., 2015). Current estimates inform us that approximately 40.3 million children, women, and men are victims of human trafficking across the world annually (International Labor Office & Walk Free Foundation, 2017). The 2017 “Global Estimates of Modern Slavery Report” categorizes the different forms of human trafficking including, forced labour exploitation, forced sexual exploitation, forced marriage, and state imposed forced labour. The Trafficking in Person’s Report (2016) defines human trafficking as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or sex services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery”. Human trafficking has been identified as the fastest growing and most lucrative organized crime in the 21st century and it occurs in virtually every country and region in the world. The estimated global market value of trafficking in persons is worth an estimated $32-$150 billion dollars. Global human trafficking statistics are still difficult to quantify due to the hidden nature of the crime and the great lengths traffickers take to keep victims isolated and under their control so that the crime is not discovered or documented.
Dec 2017 | Louisville, KY
In the U.S., human trafficking is the exploitation of another individual for labor and/or commercial sex though the use of fraud, force, or coercion and it happens in all regions of the U.S. including rural, urban and suburban settings; taking place in a wide range of both licit and illicit industries (U.S. Department of State, 2015). Trafficking victims can be foreign nationals and they can also be native U.S. minor or adult citizens trafficked within U.S. borders. A 2014 study by the Urban Institute, aimed at ascertaining the scope of sex trafficking in eight major U.S. cities estimated
In the U.S., human trafficking is the exploitation of another individual for labor and/or commercial sex though the use of fraud, force, or coercion and it happens in all regions of the U.S. including rural, urban and suburban settings; taking place in a wide range of both licit and illicit industries (U.S. Department of State, 2015). Trafficking victims can be foreign nationals and they can also be native U.S. minor or adult citizens trafficked within U.S. borders. A 2014 study by the Urban Institute, aimed at ascertaining the scope of sex trafficking in eight major U.S. cities estimated that the underground commercial sex economy ranged from $39.9 million to $290 million in each city in 2007. In the U.S., labor trafficking is most prevalent in domestic work, agriculture, the hospitality industry, and the construction industry (Urban Institute, 2014). Although numerous studies and reports have examined human trafficking in the United States, reliable empirical research about the phenomenon is still limited (Dank et al., 2015).
The ability of researchers and federal/state agencies to quantify the numbers of human trafficking victims in the United States is problematic due to the hidden nature of the crime and the multiple challenges involved in identifying victims. Estimates of people who are trafficked into the United States each year vary, yet have been repeatedly reported to be in the range of 14,500-17,500 people; while the reported estimated numbers published of people trafficked within the United States varies between 100,000-300,000 people annually. In 2016, the U.S. Human Trafficking Hotline, operated by Polaris reported 7,572 confirmed human trafficking cases and when the type of exploitation was categorized, 5,551 (73 percent) involved sex trafficking, 1,057 (14 percent) involved labor trafficking, 268 (4 percent) involved sex and labor, and 696 (9 percent) were not specified. The hotline fielded a total of 26,727 calls in 2016, and since its inception in 2007, it has recorded 128,686 calls involving 31,659 confirmed cases. Polaris reports that from a sample of 8,542 survivors they came in contact with in 2016, available demographics in certain categories revealed that 5,297 were adults and 2,297 were minors; 7,128 were female, 1,115 were males and 51 were gender minorities; and 2,190 were U.S. citizens and 1,726 were foreign nationals.
Research indicates that the majority of sex and labor trafficking in the U.S. impacting the 18-25 age cohort are not reported or identified as crimes against the persons being trafficked. The use of the internet to conduct illicit business transactions, such as solicitation for labor or sexual services, further obscures victims from the public eye (Ross-Sheriff & Orme, 2015). The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reviewed sex-trafficking cases reported to the Human Trafficking Reporting System between January 2008 and June 2010 and found that 85 percent of confirmed victims of sex trafficking were under age 25 and that 54 percent of these victims were minors.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reports that of the more than 18,500 endangered runaways reported to their organization in 2016, one in six were likely victims of child sex trafficking and of those victims approximately 86 percent were in the care of social services when they went missing. In a 2015 report, The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) estimated that approximately 293,000 American youth and young adults are at-risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking. Less is known about the labor trafficking impacting this age group, yet emerging research has identified that it occurs in agriculture, domestic work, health and beauty, restaurants/small businesses, gang-involved drug sales and gun carrying, traveling sales crews (e.g., magazine sales), and peddling/begging rings (Gibbs et al. 2014; NHTRC 2015).
The exploitation of young adults is not limited to a particular gender, racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group. Available data and research informs us that in the U.S., the commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls has been the most recorded type of human trafficking (Godoy et al., 2015). Current research is also highlighting the higher number of young male victims of domestic sex trafficking than previously noted, as it clear that boys are being featured in more than half of all child pornography distributed and viewed in the U.S. (Jones, 2010). Research evidence published in the past decade has also suggested that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth can be up to five times more likely than heterosexual youth to be victims of sex trafficking (Cecchet & Thoburn, 2014).
A recent groundbreaking study examining the largest-ever combined sample of homeless youth in the United States and Canada, revealed that nearly one-fifth were victims of human trafficking (Covenant House, 2017). The study, conducted by University of Pennsylvania and Loyola University New Orleans interviewed youth ages 17-25 and results indicate that 15% of the total sample population of 911 young people had been trafficked for sex (21.4 percent young women and 10 percent young men). Other key findings include 26.9 percent of LGBTQ youth reported they were trafficked for sex; 81 percent of labor trafficking cases reported were instances of forced drug dealing; 56 percent of the transgender youth interviewed were involved in the commercial sex industry; and 95 percent of youth that were victims of sex trafficking had experienced child maltreatment with 49 percent reporting a history of child sexual abuse (Covenant House, 2017). The results of this research study illuminate the scope and contours of the risks homeless youth in the 18-25 age cohort face, making them susceptible to traffickers and becoming victims.
Jan 2018 | 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.
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. Since the inception of human trafficking reporting in Kentucky in 2013, there have been 365 reported incidents involving 447 alleged victims, with the majority of reports originating from the Louisville area (KCHFS, 2016). The data for 2016 was nearly 50% higher than 2015 with an identified 208 victims, with approximately 80 percent identified as girls and 20 percent as boys.
Case demographics provided by the Kentucky Rescue & Restore Coalition indicate that 178 adult human trafficking victims have been identified and served in Kentucky. Despite the increased activity in identifying and reporting confirmed human trafficking cases in Kentucky, most of the trafficking occurrences in the 18-25 age cohort are estimated to be under reported.
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.
Feb 2018 | 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.
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.
Mar 2018 | 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…
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).
Apr 2018 | 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.
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.
As a coalition, PATH is dedicated to forming relationships and collaborations with other organizations and groups working to reduce the number of individuals who are trapped in human trafficking. Collaborations formed with academic institutions, faith based organizations, and a variety of grassroots organizations in Louisville led by survivors of human trafficking have strengthened PATH’s passion and resolve in taking action to support survivors.
Theresa has 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. Since 2005, she has been a full time professor at the University of Louisville, Criminal Justice and part time lecturer at the Kent School of Social Work. 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. Her spare time is spent enjoying her 4 adult children, their spouses, and 7 grandchildren.
Chris has an MA in Media Communication, a post-baccalaureate certificate in secondary education (Indiana Wesleyan) and a BS in Human Resource Leadership (Sullivan University). She began working at the Louisville Metro Office For Women (an advocacy and policy office for women’s issues) in 2005. Much of her work is related to violence against women, safe child visitation for families affected by intimate partner violence, and collaborating with criminal justice and community organizations to improve system responses. Current projects include compiling, analyzing and sharing information related to vulnerable populations and developing opportunities for young women to connect to career mentors.
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 56 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.
Sister Rita Ann Wigginton is a member of the Order of St. Ursula from Louisville, KY. She has been a sister for 51 years and has taught in two Catholic grade schools in Louisville and has worked with deaf people for over 40 years. She has worked as a pastoral minister in four arch/dioceses and is currently the Director of the Ministry Formation Program for Deaf Adults which is based in Chicago. She has been the vocation director for her community and has served on leadership with her community as well. She has been a member of her community’s Social Concerns Committee for a number of years and is currently co-chair of this committee. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Bellarmine University, Master of Arts degree in Deaf Education from Gallaudet University, Certificate of Advanced Studies in the areas of Religious Education from Boston College, a Masters in Theological Studies from St. Meinrad School of Theology, a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Lourdes College, and is a Certified Interpreter for the Deaf.
Carrie A. Bohnert, MPA, CHSE, has a twenty-year history of managing education programs in Louisville. She currently serves as Director of the Standardized Patient Program at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where she instructs health care students in fostering the doctor-patient relationship. Ms. Bohnert is a past vice president of the Association of Standardized Patient Educators and co-author of the Association’s standards of best practice. She has given over thirty peer-reviewed presentations and published several articles on her work in this field. With her research partner, Dr. Olivia Mittel, she has published, presented, and received grant funding for her work teaching medical and nursing students to recognize human trafficking in patients.
Prior to her work at U of L, Ms. Bohnert administered programs at the Kentucky Science Center, Louisville Public Media, and the Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts. She is also the proud leader of a Girl Scout troop for both typical and special needs girls.
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 MSEd 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. Currently at Humana, she is bringing a user-centered approach to the creation of new data analytics tools. 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.
April Murphy Ph.D., CSW is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at Western Kentucky University (WKU). She is also an Associate for the Center for Child Welfare Education and Research (CCWEAR), which is housed in the College of Health and Human Services at WKU. April earned her Ph.D. from the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville in 2012, her MSW from Florida State University in 2007, and her B.S. in Economics from the University of Louisville in 2003. Her teaching interests include social welfare policy, research and statistics, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Most of her research is in the area of child welfare, although she also has several other publications in the areas of leadership, human rights, and social work education.
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.
Dianna Anderson has been a board member with PATH for approximately 2 months. She has about 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. By day Dianna is a Probation and Parole Officer for the state of Kentucky and in her spare time, she works with PATH and others in the community to combat Human Trafficking. 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.
Regina V Carrico is a paramedic for St Matthews Fire & 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 June of 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.
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Sign UpOn April 30, 2013, many of the members in the current group gathered at Jefferson Square Park in Louisville, KY for a prayer service for victims of 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 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.
It was after this second prayer service for victims of human trafficking in May 2014, when some of the members in the current group suggested those interested might gather for more of a long-term project around the issue of human trafficking…
On April 30, 2013, many of the members in the current group gathered at Jefferson Square Park in Louisville, KY for a prayer service for victims of 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 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.
It was after this second prayer service for victims of human trafficking in May 2014, when some of the members in the current group suggested those interested might gather for more of a long-term project around the issue of human trafficking. Thus, on May 28, 2014, the first gathering of those interested took place on the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville campus. In 2014, the group met on May 28, June 18, August 27, September 17, October 22, and November 17. During the fall meetings, the group decided on two priorities. These included education and outreach around the issue of human trafficking and a long-term home/shelter with job training and social skills for survivors.
Other events during the remainder of 2014 included: a survivor writing another editorial entitled, “resources lacking to stop sex trafficking;” the sharing of training videos that KY Rescue and Restore put together and of which the survivor participated in; the education of members in the group by Soha Saiyed (law); meeting with Archbishop Kurtz to create awareness and request collaboration in education on human trafficking; the education of members in the group by Rus Funk (Mens Work Inc.); the education of members in the group by Theresa Hayden (Human Trafficking education possibilities).
In January 2015, members of the group began brainstorming sites for increasing awareness around the issue of human trafficking. It was thought that a Lenten film series might be possible. Theresa Hayden was a speaker at the University of Louisville on February 4 on the issue of human trafficking. Chris Burnside (Rock Cares Foundation) came to the February gathering sharing the ministry of his foundation and Lenten film series was finalized. This series would be within faith congregations in different parts of Louisville with a discussion after the film.
The possibility of a billboard during Derby was also brought up. In March, the group planned to submit several editorials around the time of March Madness and the annual anti-trafficking prayer service was in the planning stages.
In March, the billboard became a reality and was to be located from April 6 to May 6 at the corner of 6th and Muhammad Ali in Louisville, KY. The U.S. Sisters against human trafficking gave permission for their design of a billboard to be used. The billboard space was generously donated and the putting up of the billboard was donated. Theresa Hayden also released to the public her 15-month study on the rise in illegal sex trafficking in cities hosting the NCAA March Madness Tournament. April found the group struggling with how to be called or named. The question was also raised about nonprofit status as a group. It was at this gathering that the group decided on the name, People Against Trafficking Humans (PATH) Coalition of Kentucky. Members of the group also decided to begin the process for seeking an application for nonprofit status. Theresa Hayden updated the group on the 2015 NCAA Basketball Tournament and the ads on backpage.com. Judy Morris, Julie Driscoll, Rosetta Fackler, and Theresa Butler participated in a demonstration on April 20, against human trafficking at the Economy Inn. Julie Driscoll attended The Shadow of the Downs event in preparation for the awareness around the KY Derby on April 25. The annual prayer service for victims of human trafficking was at Jefferson Square Park on April 28. Julie Driscoll also invited individuals receiving The Record to join in action against human trafficking through a commentary piece. This appeared in the April 30 copy of The Record.
In May, WLKY continued education on the issue of human trafficking of which Theresa Hayden was interviewed regarding her research into escort services on backpage.com. Julie Driscoll shared an article entitled, Deliverance by Art Jahnke at the May meeting. In June, members of the group provided updates on the process of nonprofit status, the potential for Circle of Healing Retreat by Ginny Schaeffer, and began strategizing for raising awareness on human trafficking during special events with the eventual plan to raise awareness to year-round. Theresa Hayden has shared updates from 2015 Oaks and Derby escort services on backpage.com.
August found PATH members finalizing their paperwork and materials for submission to become a nonprofit organization. Path members also were present with a survivor when she appeared in court. Two members from our group shared at a Human Trafficking Summit on the 20th of October at Frasier Museum in Louisville. One shared her findings regarding backpage.com and another was on a panel. PATH had a display board and half-table at this event. Theresa participated in the National Sexual Exploitation Conference and shared highlights and materials of this at the October meeting. PATH Coalition of Kentucky gained nonprofit status (501(c)3) on 10.8.2015.
Angela Renfro (Kristy Love Foundation) and Dianna Anderson (Louisville Task Force) spoke at PATH November meeting as part of the ongoing education for members. In addition, members were asked to bring items (toiletries, linens, household items, dishwashing soap, etc.) that could be donated from PATH to Angela Renfro and her home for survivors.
In January 2016, PATH members shared a list of safe houses within the United States among the members. It was at this time that PATH Coalition of Kentucky became the official name of the nonprofit. In February, PATH members were made aware of state legislation (House Bill 229) that would strengthen investigations and prosecution of human trafficking and encouraged to contact legislators. Members of PATH also attended an evening event on Human Trafficking in Louisville by Dianna Anderson. In March, members began brainstorming how to visit some of the safe houses in the United States. In April, PATH joined the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNPE) and various members participated in their monthly community coffee for opportunities to network and get PATH into the public. The annual prayer service was held on May 3.
In July, PATH Coalition of Kentucky participated on a panel at the North American Ursuline Convocation at the Galt House (July 7-10). Members put together a job description for a program director for PATH and posted it by mid-July with the intended start date of September 1. A logo began to be designed in July for PATH and agreed upon in October. A member of PATH offered a three-session presentation on human trafficking at Second Presbyterian Church in Louisville in September. A program director for PATH was hired in late September with beginning date of October. A domain name was discussed and adopted as PATHcoalitionofkentucky.org
PATH secured insurance prior to the October 2016 meeting for the board/organization. On October 12, PATH hosted an education event at Bellarmine University following a reception for potential board members. A member of PATH attended the Center for Nonprofit Excellence Conference held in October. In early November, members visited Ann’s House in Chicago. During the fall the potential for collaboration was explored with Kentucky One and a variety of other groups to examine the needs of survivors and attend to these. This collaborative ceased when Kentucky One decided to transition a portion of their in May. A display sign was created by Sign-arama toward the end of 2016 for use at public events. In December, several members attended the United Nations Human Trafficking Conference (December 6-7).
January 2017 began with members of PATH continuing to visit safe houses for survivors in Tennessee, Louisiana and Alabama. Ed Cortes of CNPE came to speak with us about planning options for strategic planning at our February meeting. In March, members attending the Central Kentucky Human Trafficking Summit in Georgetown, KY. PATH presented at the Third Thursday Fellowship of Reconciliation and Interfaith Paths to Peace luncheon on April 20. The annual Derby prayer vigil facilitated and hosted by PATH was held on May 2. It was at the April meeting that the board agreed to serve the 18-24 year-old population in their survivor home. In addition a letter was sent to Attorney General Andy Beshear informing him of the work of PATH and an invitation to join our annual prayer vigil (He did attend and spoke a few words).
In May, both the nomination selection and education committees were established. A draft of a potential process for selecting board members was shared. In June, two more safe homes were visited. One of these was in Massachusetts and the other in New York. On June 22, PATH collaborated with United Nations’ Kentucky Division to host an education event on Refugees and human trafficking. July found PATH approving of involvement in the Kroger Community Rewards program.
In September, Amy Leenerts of Free2Hope spoke to PATH on the materials she uses for education. The nomination committee submitted a process for election of board members and PATH members approved. In November, Vanessa Chauhan from Polaris spoke to us about the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Potential properties continue to be explored by members of PATH during the fall. In January 2018, social work students from Kent School will join PATH programming. A general purpose PATH brochure was approved and the last of the edits are being sent for inclusion and the final product. Several PATH members participated in the United Nations Human Trafficking Conference on December 6. The printed version of PATH brochure was brought to the December meeting. This will be sent to individuals during this holiday season. A digital contract for teens has been drafted and an educational module is being finalized.
Presently, PATH Coalition of Kentucky meets monthly for 1.5 hours. In the future PATH Coalition of Kentucky plans to continue raising awareness through education of PATH members and the surrounding community. PATH Coalition of Kentucky plans to continue outreach to like-minded groups around the issue of human trafficking. Our long-term goal is that of a home/shelter with job training and social skills for survivors of human trafficking. When PATH Coalition of Kentucky obtains this long-term goal, it is the hope of PATH Coalition of Kentucky that the home be rooted in trauma-informed care.
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)