Pathways Project Coalition helping fight trafficking in the Ozarks

Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks continues to make progress in raising awareness and providing educational resources to help fight human trafficking in Taney and Stone counties. At the monthly meeting held May 21, Veloris Juneman shared several encouraging developments from the past few weeks:

·       Grants being written to help fund awareness posters and Go Bags to be given to rescued victims;

·       Presentations being made to law enforcement, with more awareness training being planned;

·       Coalition leadership continuing to attend training and mentorship with other coalitions and nonprofits;

·       Conversations started with Reeds Spring and Branson schools;

·       Continuing to develop partnerships with other area nonprofits for sharing of resources and information.

A representative from Options Pregnancy Clinic said they have been able to include valuable information for students as part of their Sexual Health Education unit. Since many youth are unaware of the danger, the health educator shares tips about protecting themselves from coercion, including online, and how to recognize possible problems among their peers.

Coalition leaders are available to speak to student groups, church groups, etc., or to make connections with other resource organizations, to continue the mission of increased awareness and prevention education. Volunteers are also needed to staff information tables at several upcoming events in June. Learn more, or get involved, by visiting the Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks page on Facebook.

The next Coalition meeting will be held at 12 noon, Tuesday, June 18, at the new Stone County Health Department building in Reeds Spring; a Zoom link will also be made available.