Imagine a young girl, barely 14, who once dreamed of becoming a teacher. She loved drawing, laughed easily, and believed the world was safe. Then, in a single moment, her trust was stolen, and she was pulled into a darkness she never chose.
And… that same girl, years later, standing on a stage, free, smiling again, because someone cared enough to act.
That “someone” could be you.
And why does this Matter?
Human trafficking is an EVERWHERE problem. It’s here, in our cities, our neighborhoods, sometimes hidden in plain sight. According to the International Labor Organization, over 1 million children worldwide are trapped in commercial sexual exploitation. These are not statistics…they are sons, daughters, classmates, and friends.
When we help even one child escape, we are not just saving a life…we are restoring a future.
And what YOU do? Join us on May 30th to learn more about Human Trafficking and what to do! RSVP at RiversideZonta@gmail.com.
This month we have Stacey Enmeier from https://www.i5freedomnetwork.org/ speaking on Human Trafficking…..equipping communities and survivors with the tools to disrupt the cycle of human trafficking through advocacy, prevention, and support. She will enlighten us about human trafficking at hotels and what to look for which ties in our current service project.
…And help with our Monthly Hands-On Service Project…The SOAP Project https://www.soapproject.org
SOAP stands for “Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution” and is a volunteer driven organization founded by advocate, author, and survivor, Theresa Flores.
On her worst night after being auctioned off to nearly two dozen men in a dingy, dirty, inner city Detroit motel, Theresa recalled the only item that could have discreetly linked her to help – a bar of soap. With that realization in mind, The SOAP Project was founded to help reach out to other victims.
Join the Zonta Club of Riverside at the SSgt Salvador J. Lara Casa Blanca Library from 2-4pm.
Arrive between 1:30-1:45 for a seat and a snack!.
