Michigan Anti Trafficking Project (MAP)

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-01-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
[ Episode #27 ]
Wed, January 5th, 12:00 pm
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH
Featured Guests:
Karen Hanks, LMSW
Trafficking Victim Assistance,
Bethany Christian Services
Laurel Downie
Anti-Trafficking Hotline Overnight Supervisor, National Human
Trafficking Hotline

For January Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we are dedicating this episode to Awareness and Education! Human Trafficking is a devastating and dark reality of our world today and it is extremely important everyone takes the time to be aware. This will then allow you, our community, to be equipped and empowered to identify it and do something about it. It takes a community knowing about human trafficking to stop it from taking a life, taking one’s freedom, taking one’s opportunity to pursue life, joy, and happiness.
Make sure to tune in and SHARE this January Cup of Hope episode – Learn all you need to know about the signs of sex and labor trafficking and how to make a report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline!

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.
Click here to view past episode recordings!

Volunteer Interest Meeting (virtual)
2022-01-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2022-05-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Looking for ways to get involved in the fight against human trafficking?
MAP and Vista Maria have numerous volunteer-based initiatives that are in need of passionate advocates just like you!
During our virtual Volunteer Interest Meetings, staff from MAP and Vista Maria provide a brief overview of our programs in order to help you find the volunteer opportunity that is right for you. Join us in learning how you can use your unique gifts, talents, and resources to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community!

Can’t make it this month? No worries, these meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month. Click the button to register for any of our scheduled meetings.
We hope you will consider joining us!

Holland Community Group
2022-01-20 19:00 - 20:30 | MI, United States
Holland Community Group
If you live in Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, or Kent County and are looking for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community, join MAP’s Holland Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:

Thursday, January 20th, at 7 p.m.
Interested participants, please RSVP via email (holland@map-mi.org) to receive meeting location details. We will be learning about human trafficking together and discussing what we can do to bring more awareness to our community!
If you’d like to stay connected with MAP’s Holland Community Group, you can also join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Holland”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.
Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

We hope you will consider joining us!

———————————————————————————————————————

MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Virtual - Human Trafficking Awareness (Sigma Pi Zeta Chapter)
2022-01-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Human Trafficking Awareness – Virtual Event
Thursday, January 20th, 2022
7:00 PM (EST)
Please join Sigma Pi Zeta Chapter and Save The Pearls for a Human Trafficking Awareness Panel Discussion, featuring Heather McGannon from MAP!

Lunch N Learn-Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force (St. Joseph)
2022-01-21 12:00 - 13:00 | St. Joseph Papa Vino’s, 1332 Hilltop Rd., St. Joseph, MI, 49085, United States
To kick off the year and promote Human Trafficking Awareness Month the Task Force will be hosting a Lunch N Learn at Papa Vino’s in St. Joseph! We will hear from social worker and educator Rita O’Brien.
Rita is a survivor and educator in the field of sex trafficking. Rita has a passion for Justice to educate the very communities that she was trafficked from. Rita was trafficked in rural communities by her father who was deep in the Masonic Organization. Professionally, she has done security, photography, and was a House Director at a Sorority at U of M. Rita went on to get her Masters in Social work from Western Michigan University with a Trauma focus. Rita is a Board member of Pearls of Great Price Coalition out of Plymouth MI and is also on the board for Kalamazoo Area Anti Trafficking Coalition. Rita continues to speak out to educate others on how to watch for Human Trafficking in their communities.
Cost is $20 and will include lunch, drink and a salad.
Email Heather for more info: heather@map-mi.org

Troy: S.O.A.P. Hotel Outreach
2022-01-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Bridge Community Church, 5700 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI, United States
S.O.A.P. Hotel Outreach
Hosted by MAP’s Troy Community Group
Saturday, January 22nd, 2022
10:00 am – 12:00 pm*
Location:
Bridge Community Church
5700 Rochester Road, Troy, MI 48085
Volunteers needed! No experience is necessary.
Teams of 2-4 people will deliver Missing Children’s Posters and human trafficking awareness materials to local hotels in Troy, Michigan. We will give you the materials and the message, and your team will provide the feet and hands to deliver them to the hotel front desk staff. Success stories show that this can make a real difference for people caught in trafficking!
*Must be 16 or older, youth ages 16 to 18 must ride with an adult.

Registered volunteers, please also complete the following SOAP Outreach “Liability Waiver Form” and/or “Minor Parental Permission Form” before you arrive. These forms are located as links on the Eventbrite registration page as well.

After registering, please contact troy@map-mi.org to receive the online training link. This training must be completed before arrival on Saturday.
Thank you!

Virtual - Zoe Club of Midland (closed meeting)
2022-01-24 12:45 - 13:30 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Zoe Club of Midland (private/virtual meeting)
January 24th, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Human trafficking overview provided by Darlene Anderson
(MAP’s Mid-Michigan Community Group Leader)

Mid-Michigan Community Group
2022-01-24 19:00 - 20:00 | MI, United States
Mid-Michigan Community Group
If you live in the Mid-Michigan area (Midland, Saginaw, Bay City) and are looking
for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community,
join MAP’s Mid-Michigan Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:
Monday, January 24th, 7:00 pm

Meeting ID: 832 9154 1401
Passcode: [REDACTED]
The Mid-Michigan Community Group typically meets on the 4th Monday of every month.
If you’d like to stay connected with the Mid-Michigan Community Group, you can join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Mid-Michigan”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.
Contact midland@map-mi.org for further details or questions.

We hope you will consider joining us!

———————————————————————————————————————

MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Virtual - Training for Gratiot Integrated Health Network
2022-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
“Recognizing Human Trafficking”
January 27th, 2022, 12-1 pm
Private event for Gratiot Integrated Health Network staff
Human trafficking training provided by Rachel Rowe
(Ann Arbor Community Group Leader)

2022 STATEWIDE HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUMMIT [virtual]
2022-01-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, MI, United States
VIRTUAL STATEWIDE
[ HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUMMIT ]
Friday, January 28th, 2022

This virtual statewide event is for advocates and professionals who are active in addressing human trafficking in Michigan through prevention, education, law enforcement, and/or the provision of services to survivors and at-risk populations. The objective of this forum is to increase collaboration and effectiveness across Michigan communities by identifying barriers, building relationships, and strengthening partnerships.
In addition to the panel sessions listed below, summit registrants will also have the opportunity to participate in various breakout sessions for additional time to chat with guest speakers and continue building connections with other advocates.
Brought to you in partnership by: Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP),
SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation, and The Joseph Project

SUMMIT AGENDA
Friday, January 28th, 2022
9:00 -2:00 PM (EST)

Innovative Ways to Address Demand
in the Illicit Massage Industry
Panel Discussion

Moderator: Alisha Meneely SEE Human Trafficking Coalition
Community Outreach Coordinator, Protect MI Child
Daniel Nash Co-founder, Human Trafficking Training Center
Retired Missouri State Trooper
Kathy Chen Program Advisor, Heyrick Research
Aaron Toffoli Public Health Educator & Sexual Violence Prevention
Program Coordinator, Kent County Health Department
We have all driven by one. We have all questioned those massage parlors with blacked-out windows and parking in the back. Until recently, these types of businesses in Grand Rapids have been able to run under the radar, exploit victims of human trafficking and make millions of dollars. After much research and working with the city council and local health department, SEE Human Trafficking Coalition was able to get a variety of ordinances passed and finally hold these illicit businesses accountable. This panel will explain the history of the illicit massage industry and how local municipalities can advocate for change and shut these trafficking organizations down.

Collaborating to Close the Justice Gap
Panel Discussion

Moderator: Amanda Paletz Legal Director, The Joseph Project
Alicia Ley Program Specialist, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
Allie Mercer Human Trafficking Victim Advocate, Common Ground
Deb Ellinger Founder/Executive Director, Elli’s House
Lynne Williams Director of Rehabilitation Services, The Salvation Army
Joyce Todd Legal First Responder, The Joseph Project
Former Oakland County Prosecutor
Survivors often have trafficking-related legal needs but lack meaningful access to attorney services. However, this “justice gap” is closing in Michigan. In this panel presentation, attendees will learn how The Joseph Project harnessed the power of collaboration and volunteerism to create a statewide justice delivery system that works for the exploited.

Shared Hope International: Trafficking Policy Reform
and Next Steps for Michigan
Panel Discussion

Moderator: Angela Aufdemberge President & CEO, Vista Maria
Sarah Bendtsen Diédhiou Director of State Legislative Advocacy, Shared Hope International
Kelly Carter Assistant Attorney General, Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
Katie Papke Clinician, Professor, Survivor Leader
A decade ago, Shared Hope developed a legal framework that challenged states to enact laws that comprehensively address the crime of child sex trafficking. When they launched the first State Report Cards, the majority of states received an “F” grade, reflecting the reality that many states’ laws failed to even recognize the crime of child sex trafficking. Over the years most states improved their grades, and collectively, the country has made exciting progress. However, 10 years has also led to new research and opportunities to listen to survivors, providing waves of information that require us, as a nation, to confront where we are and where we should be going. Join Katie, clinician and survivor leader, Sarah from Shared Hope and Kelly from the Michigan Attorney General’s office as they discuss Shared Hope’s new reporting system, Michigan progress and challenges, and an overview of current bills and initiatives in progress in our state.
________________________________________
[ BREAKOUT ROOMS ]

Summit registrants will have the opportunity to attend various breakout sessions for additional time to chat with guest speakers and continue building connections with other advocates. Registrants are free to come and go as they please during these scheduled times. Click the button below to see the growing list of special guests that will be hosting their own breakout rooms!

______________________________________________
Event Hosts:
Michigan Abolitionist Project
SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation
The Joseph Project

Event Sponsors:
Arrow Arts Psychotherapy
Bethany Christian Services
Crisis Aid International
Safe Haven Ministries
Vista Maria

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-02-09 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
A CUP OF HOPE [ Episode #28 ]
Wed, February 9th, 12:00 pm
Sex Trafficking and the Hidden
Wounds of Trauma
Join us as we take a deeper look into the complexities of sex trafficking with behavioral health counselor, Felicia Berry. She will be sharing about the types of trauma often experienced by survivors of sex trafficking, the hidden bonds that keep them enslaved to the life, and the informed and focused care required to help treat the debilitating PTSD that inevitably affects survivors once they’ve escaped the life.

Featured Guest: Felecia Berry
Behavioral Health Therapist,
Ascension Southeast MI Community Health

Felecia Berry is a Behavioral Health Therapist with Ascension S.E. MI Community Health -Open Arms Division. Open Arms provides supportive services on behalf of Victims of Criminal Acts. Felecia provides therapeutic interventions, resources, and support on behalf of women impacted by Human Trafficking, Intimate Partner Violence, and Sexual Abuse. Felecia’s 23-year career trajectory has focused exclusively on behalf of women, teens, and children impacted by mental, physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological, spiritual, and financial abuse in a host of settings. These settings include. Hospitals, Clinical, Schools, Faith-based, Residential and Community Settings. Felecia was a member of the Ascension S.E. Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force which developed and implemented a hospital protocol to identify victims of Human Trafficking. Felecia has been an adjunct professor in the Wayne State University School of Social Work and a Continuing Education Instructor with Core Learning. Felecia is a member of the HAVEN Advisory Board and provides community service on behalf of cats and kittens at a local pet store.

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.
Click here to view past episode recordings!

Holland Community Group
2022-02-17 19:00 - 20:30 | MI, United States
Holland Community Group
If you live in Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, or Kent County and are looking for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community, join MAP’s Holland Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:

Thursday, February 17th, at 7 p.m.
Interested participants, please RSVP via email (holland@map-mi.org) to receive meeting location details. We will be learning about human trafficking together and discussing what we can do to increase awareness in our community!
If you’d like to stay connected with MAP’s Holland Community Group, you can also join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Holland”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.
Meetings are typically held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

We hope you will consider joining us!

———————————————————————————————————————

MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Royal Oak: Men Who Buy Sex Documentary Premier
2022-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Emagine Royal Oak, 200 North Main Street, Royal Oak, MI, 48067, United States
Join MAP and other advocates at the premiere of this new documentary film “Men Who Buy Sex”.
Through this film, the Wayne County Medical Society Foundation is addressing and revealing the predatory nature and demand side of human trafficking.
We believe that together we can fuel the changes necessary in government policy, our legal system, and change cultural norms to make our world a safer place for the children of today and future generations.
Please join us in this effort by attending this important film screening
and sharing the film and its message.

Mid-Michigan Community Group
2022-02-28 19:00 - 20:00 | MI, United States
Mid-Michigan Community Group
If you live in the Mid-Michigan area (Midland, Saginaw, Bay City) and are looking
for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community,
join MAP’s Mid-Michigan Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:
Monday, February 28th, 7:00 pm
Stay tuned for meeting location and other details!
The Mid-Michigan Community Group typically meets on the 4th Monday of every month.
If you’d like to stay connected with the Mid-Michigan Community Group, you can join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Mid-Michigan”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.

We hope you will consider joining us!
Contact midland@map-mi.org for further details or questions.

———————————————————————————————————————

MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-03-02 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
A CUP OF HOPE
Episodes are postponed and will resume in April.

*For the month of March, we encourage you to check out and attend the following FREE events hosted by Hope Against Trafficking.

Human Trafficking Forum
Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Time: 7:00–8:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: United Wholesale Mortgage, 585 South Blvd. E, Pontiac, MI 48341
We invite you to join Hope Against Trafficking for a candid panel discussion and Q&A about the issue of human trafficking in Michigan and beyond. Learn about what is being done to stop human trafficking and the impact it has on communities. Their panel includes social media experts, victim advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement, medical professionals, and a survivor. This is a FREE event and is open to all community members, parents, and youth ages 12 and up.
Details & Registration

Human Trafficking Awareness and Self Defense Workshop
Date: Friday, March 25, 2022
Time: 6:30 to 8:30pm (doors open at 6:00pm)
Location: UWM Sports Complex, The Fieldhouse, 867 South Blvd. E., Pontiac MI 48341
This 2-hour, interactive workshop is designed to educate you on Human Trafficking Awareness and the lures that can entrap you. You will also learn how to diagnose a situation and learn techniques to protect yourself from potentially dangerous encounters.
During the workshop, you will practice strikes and other techniques to help you gain a better understanding of personal self-defense techniques. You will also learn about situational awareness, targeting and victimology which will help you avoid dangerous encounters.
No previous experience is required. All fitness levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle and a small towel. This is a FREE event for adult women, men, and youth ages 12+ (w/parent or guardian under 18).

Details & Registration

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.
Click here to view past episode recordings!

Troy Community Group
2022-03-08 19:00 - 20:00 | MI, United States
Troy Community Group
If you live in Troy, Michigan, or a neighboring city and are looking for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community, consider joining MAP’s Troy Community Group!
MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. No commitment is required, stop by during their next meeting to be a part of the action!
Community Group Meeting:
Tuesday, March 8th, at 7:00 pm
Attend in Person:
Bridge Community Church
5700 Rochester Road, Troy, MI 48085
Attend Virtually:
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

If you’d like to stay connected with the Troy Community Group, you can email them directly at troy@map-mi.org or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Troy”) to have invites to future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.

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Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

CANCELED! Mid-Michigan Community Group
2022-03-28 19:00 - 20:00 | MI, United States
Mid-Michigan Community Group
If you live in the Mid-Michigan area (Midland, Saginaw, Bay City) and are looking
for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community,
join MAP’s Mid-Michigan Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:
MARCH MEETING CANCELED
We hope you will consider joining us in April for our
next S.O.A.P. hotel outreach!
The Mid-Michigan Community Group typically meets on the 4th Monday of every month.
If you’d like to stay connected with the Mid-Michigan Community Group, you can join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Mid-Michigan”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.

Contact midland@map-mi.org for further details or questions.

———————————————————————————————————————

MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Holland Community Group
2022-03-31 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom Meeting, MI, United States
Holland Community Group
If you live in Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, or Kent County and are looking for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community, consider joining MAP’s Holland Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:

Thursday, March 31st, at 7 p.m.
We will be discussing current events and happenings within the anti-human trafficking movement as well as beginning our planning for a summer awareness event hosted here in Holland.
All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. Come learn how you can help make a difference!

If you’d like to stay connected with MAP’s Holland Community Group, you can also join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Holland”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.
Meetings are typically held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

We hope you will consider joining us!

———————————————————————————————————————

MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Ypsilanti - Human Trafficking Awareness Training
2022-04-02 10:00 - 11:00 | First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, 1110 West Cross St., Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
April 2, 2022 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Human trafficking awareness training for the church – why Christians should care and what we can do to help. Presentation provided by MAP Representative, Cindy Evans.
Hosted by First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti
Location: 1110 West Cross Street, Ypsilanti MI 48197
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Learn more: First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti on Instagram and Facebook

A Cup of Hope: Webinar Series
2022-04-06 12:00 - 13:00 | LIVE on Facebook, MI, United States
A CUP OF HOPE
Livestreamed Webinar Series
APRIL 6th EPISODE POSTPONED
We appreciate your patience as we are working hard behind the scenes to bring you an exceptional lineup of topics and special guests in the coming months! Thank you for your continued support and eagerness to learn. We look forward to meeting virtually with you all again soon! Stay tuned for more info…

This series of live-streamed conversations was created in partnership with Hope Against Trafficking in an effort to bring perspective and build awareness on all things human trafficking.
Click here to view past episode recordings!

Romulus - Soroptimist Human Trafficking Summit
2022-04-09 09:00 - 15:00 | The Peak at Summit Academy, 18601 Middlebelt Road, Romulus, MI, 48174, United States
Stay tuned for more info!

Virtual - International Student Services Association
2022-04-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom Webinar, MI, United States
Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) +
International Student Services Association (ISSA) presents:
Career/Volunteer Opportunities in the Field of Human Trafficking Prevention
April 14th at 7:00 PM (Zoom)

Are you interested in supporting anti-trafficking efforts in a professional capacity? Would you like to hear about work and volunteer opportunities in this sector? Well, we’ve got you covered! ISSA and the Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) invite you to join us virtually for our featured presentation, “Career/Volunteer Opportunities in the Field of Human Trafficking Prevention”. In addition to equipping students with resources to engage in this work, MAP will also provide an overview of human trafficking (packed with real-life scenarios!) in order to help you dispel common myths and understand more fully the ways in which sex and labor trafficking truly happens. Join us to learn how YOU can help create a world where no person is bought, sold, or exploited!

International Student Services Association (ISSA) is an expanding immigrant-led nonprofit 501(c)(3) connected with nine school districts in northeastern Ohio and Illinoisas well as over twenty-six colleges and universities throughout the United States. ISSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a better future for students who are immigrants to the U.S. by providing information, inspiration, and motivation for students to navigate their education and develop their future careers beyond high school. ISSA hosts events every month for students to explore different fields. The main goal for this event is to have students learn about anti-human trafficking efforts as well as the different career, internship, and volunteer opportunities available.

Southwest Michigan Community Events with Leslie F. King-Friday
2022-04-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Lake Michigan College Todd Center Conference Room, 2785 E Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, MI, 49022, United States
Join the Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month, and Victim Rights Month as we welcome nationally-known author, speaker, and sex trafficking survivor Leslie King-Friday.

Leslie King-Friday was trafficked at the age of 15 for over 20 years in Grand Rapids Michigan. On July 4th, 2000 Leslie’s life was changed forever. Through sincerity of her heart and an answer from God, Leslie was given a new lease on life and set to starting her life’s work. In 2005, Leslie utilized her experience, expertise, and inspiring example of a renewed lifestyle to open Sacred Beginnings, a safe haven that offers hope, and healing to trafficking victims. Leslie consults with law enforcement agencies, human service professionals, clergy, and others requesting direction and understanding in working with prostituted individuals. She also speaks at various conferences and academic institutions on the issue of human trafficking. Her awards and recognitions include: 2005 Grand Rapids, Woman of the Year nominee, 2008 YWCA Advocate of the Year, 2011 Rising Hero Award, 2014 “50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan”, 2018 Michigan Liberator Award, 2019 Grand Rapids Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Certificate of Achievement, 2021 African American Leadership Award, 2021 BBB Trust Award. She recently published a book titled “When Angels Fight” that she will also reference during the presentation (more info about the book below).
Leslie will give us a deeper understanding of Human Trafficking and help us think about what it looks like for us as a community to help prevent trafficking from happening and to support survivors. After the evening event, we will have a panel of professionals who will answer questions related to how we are addressing trafficking specifically in our area. We are thankful to have Brook Thomas, Forensic Interviewer at the Children’s Advocacy Center; Allie Kibler-Campbell, Prevention Specialist at the Children’s Advocacy Center; Jane Wainwright, Asst. Prosecuting Attorney at the Prosecutors Office; Carolyn Groen, Victim’s Advocate at the Prosecutor’s Officer; Alyssa Pliml, SANE nurse at Spectrum Health Lakeland; Rachel Struble, therapist at The Cora Lamping Center and D/Lt. Greg Sanders with the Berrien County Police Department.

The long-anticipated biography of Leslie’s story is now available. “When Angels Fight” is a recount of how Leslie became a victim and through her life in prostitution became a survivor. “When Angels Fight” not only recounts Leslie’s story, but it gives readers an opportunity to get involved with local agencies to help fight against human trafficking and educate themselves and others.
You can find “When Angels Fight” online and in stores at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Schuler’s Bookstore.
*Please inquire about purchasing a copy as they may be available after speaking engagements*

You will have 2 opportunities to join for this event on Friday, April 22:
2:00pm (note there will not be a panel following this event)
Southwestern Michigan College
Student Activity Center Theatre
58900 Cherry Grove Rd, Dowagiac, MI 49047

6:30pm
Lake Michigan College
Todd Center Conference Room
2785 E Napier Ave
Benton Harbor, MI 49022

A big thank you to our sponsor Stevensville Honor Credit Union!

Mid-Michigan Community Group -CANCELED
2022-04-25 19:00 - 20:00 | MI, United States
Mid-Michigan Community Group
If you live in the Mid-Michigan area (Midland, Saginaw, Bay City) and are looking
for ways to help prevent and end human trafficking in your community,
join MAP’s Mid-Michigan Community Group!
Monthly Meeting:
APRIL MEETING CANCELED

We apologize for the inconvenience! Due to unforeseen circumstances, our April meeting and SOAP outreach has been canceled. We hope to resume monthly meetings in May 2022. Please connect with Darlene, the Mid-Michigan Community Group Leader, if you have any questions or concerns regarding future meetings and/or outreach.
The Mid-Michigan Community Group typically meets on the 4th Monday of every month.
If you’d like to stay connected with the Mid-Michigan Community Group, you can join their Facebook Group or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Mid-Michigan”) to have invites to any future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.

We hope you will consider joining us!
Contact midland@map-mi.org for further details or questions.

———————————————————————————————————————

MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Lake Orion - How Many Slaves Work for You? (private event)
2022-04-28 07:00 - 19:00 | Lake Orion United Methodist Church, 140 E. Flint, Lake Orion, MI, 48362, United States
April 28, 2022 ZONTA – North Oakland/PontiacLocation: Lake Orion United Methodist Church
How Many Slaves Work for You? (Labor Trafficking Presentation)
Provided by Dawn Ames, Lake Orion/Oxford MAP Community Group Leader

*This event is not open to the public.

Survivors Speak Michigan Advocacy Day 2022 (CSSJ)
2022-04-28 09:00 - 14:00 | Michigan State Capitol Building, 100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI, 48933, United States
Michigan Abolitionist Project is proud to support and participate in the Survivors Speak Michigan Advocacy Day & Healing Vigil 2022 – Hosted and organized by Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ). Visit www.cssj.org to learn more.

Lake Orion - Human Trafficking 101 (private event)
2022-04-30 | Lake Orion United Methodist Church, 140 E. Flint, Lake Orion, MI, 48362, United States
April 30, 2022
United Methodist Women
East Winds District Annual Prayer BreakfastLocation: Lake Orion United Methodist Church
Human Trafficking 101 presented by Dawn Ames,
Lake Orion/Oxford MAP Community Group Leader

*This event is not open to the public.

Troy Community Group - "Men Who Buy Sex, Everybody Pays" Film Screening
2022-05-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Bridge Community Church, 5700 Rochester Rd., Troy, MI, United States
Troy Community Group
If you live in Troy (or a neighboring city in Oakland County) and are looking for ways to get involved in the anti-trafficking movement here in Michigan, consider joining MAP’s Troy Community Group! We are everyday people using our gifts, talents, and resources, to help prevent and end human trafficking in our local community – and beyond!
Community Group Meeting:
Tuesday, May 10, 7:00-8:30 pm

What can we do as a society to help “end the demand” for human trafficking?
On May 10, our group will watch the new documentary “Men Who Buy Sex, Everybody Pays” produced by the Wayne County Medical Society Foundation. (Click here to watch the trailer!) In addition to interviewing survivors, the documentary features local anti-trafficking leaders, including MAP’s Executive Director, Kathy Maitland. The content is sensitive, but it’s crucial to learn about if we want to effectively prevent and end human trafficking. The video is 1 hour long. We will watch it together in person and on Zoom and have a short follow-up discussion afterward. We hope you will consider joining us!

Attend in Person:
Bridge Community Church
5700 Rochester Road, Troy, MI 48085
Or, Join virtually via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82368379850
Meeting ID: 823 6837 9850
Passcode: [REDACTED]

If you would like to view this documentary on your own, click here

If you’d like to stay connected with the Troy Community Group, you can email them directly at troy@map-mi.org or sign-up for their email list (“Community Group: Troy”) to have invites to future meetings and events sent straight to your inbox.

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MAP Community Groups consist of compassionate and motivated citizens who volunteer together to address human trafficking in their community. Community Groups meet regularly for ongoing training, conducting awareness activities, and engaging in service projects within the local community. No commitment is required, stop by during their next meeting to be a part of the action!
Through Community Groups we seek to build a collaborative network that helps people use their gifts, talents, and resources to more effectively address human trafficking and its root causes. Consider joining this important work within the anti-trafficking movement in Michigan!

Utica - Human Trafficking 101 (private event)
2022-05-11 | Utica United Methodist Church, 8650 Canal Road, Sterling Heights, MI, 48314, United States
May 11, 2022 United Methodist Women – Utica United Methodist ChurchHuman Trafficking 101 presented by Dawn Ames,
Lake Orion/Oxford MAP Community Group

*This event is not open to the public.
