Local nonprofit brings awareness to human trafficking with training event

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Prosperity Employment Outreach hosting a training event to bring awareness to human trafficking | Midland Times

Prosperity Employment Outreach, a nonprofit that helps individuals overcome employment barriers, partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to host a training and resource event on human trafficking on Dec. 10. The event was held at the Homewood Suites by Hilton and included two sessions.

Titled "Preventing Trafficking through Training," the event focused on educating the public about the signs of labor and human trafficking, as well as providing resources for victims. The training highlighted the growing prevalence of trafficking in West Texas and discussed the importance of community involvement in raising awareness and offering support.

The IRC, a global humanitarian organization, provided resources for trafficking victims, refugees, asylees, and vulnerable immigrants.

According to Texas Health and Human Services (THHS), human trafficking occurs in two forms: sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Sex trafficking involves coercing or deceiving individuals into commercial sexual acts, particularly when force, fraud, or coercion is used, or when the victim is under 18. Labor trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for involuntary labor or servitude. THHS reports that Texas has the second-highest number of trafficking cases in the U.S.

Kim delaPena, founder of Prosperity Employment Outreach, spoke about the nonprofit's goals for the event. 

“Our aim is to provide resources for victims affected by trafficking, whether labor or human trafficking, and to raise awareness about this issue, which impacts everyone in our community,” she told Midland Times. “Trafficking doesn't discriminate, it affects both men and women.”

Among the attendees were Hilton General Manager Elizabeth Ford, who trains her staff to recognize signs of trafficking within the hotel industry, and an Ector County ISD police officer, who plans to share the information with the school district to help raise awareness.

For more information, visit ProsperityOutreach.org.