Jan 22, 2016
CLEVELAND -- The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking are sponsoring the fifth annual human trafficking awareness program at Tower City’s Skylight Concourse from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25. The program highlights the collaboration of multi-disciplinary organizations in addressing the reality of modern-day slavery in northeast Ohio.
The program includes these speakers:
- U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach.
- the FBI Violent Crime Task Force.
- Cleveland Police.
- Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
- RTA.
It also includes the exhibit, Reflections on Human Trafficking through Photography and Poetry, by local photographer Don Ianonne. Youth groups, including Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Youth 360, Lakewood H20 “Help to Others” program, and Social Advocates for Youth of Bellefaire JCB, will address various aspects of trafficking in original presentations.
Social service providers will also distribute information regarding resources for trafficked persons. Organizations partnering for the event include:
- Bellefaire JCB Homeless and Missing Youth Program
- Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
- Renee Jones Empowerment Center
- Salvation Army
- SOAP (Save Our Adolescents From Prostitution)
- West Shore Allies Against Human Trafficking.
Winning entries of the Collaborative’s annual Arts Challenge for local junior and senior high school students will also be on display.
The program, free and open to the public, is held in observance of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month.
In the proclamation regarding the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Prevention month, President Obama identifies the reality of the crime in today’s world. “Millions of men, women, and children around the globe, including here at home, are subject to modern-day slavery: the cruel, inhumane practice of human trafficking.”
He asks “businesses, national and community organizations, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we can play in ending all forms of slavery and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.”
Collaborative to End Human Trafficking
The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking seeks to educate and advocate for the prevention and abolition of human trafficking while connecting services on behalf of trafficked persons. The Collaborative provides educational programs and, since 2007, has educated diverse audiences through more than 1,700 programs. To schedule a program or for further information, call 440-356-2254, send e-mail, or visit their Facebook page.
Learn more about RTA's continuing efforts to fight human trafficking.
Media Contacts
Karen Walsh
440-356-2254
Linda Scardilli Krecic, RTA
216-566-5211
216-390-9605, cell