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.
On May 30th, the Zonta Club of Riverside had the privilege of hosting Stacey from the i-5 Freedom Network for an impactful presentation on human trafficking and the Hotel for Heroes initiative. Stacey’s talk was both eye-opening and deeply moving, shedding light on the hidden realities of trafficking that often occur in plain sight, including within the hospitality industry.
She shared how the i-5 Freedom Network works tirelessly to disrupt the cycle of exploitation through education, advocacy, and community partnerships. One of the most inspiring parts of her presentation was the Hotel for Heroes program, which trains hotel staff to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond safely and effectively. Stacey emphasized that these everyday heroes—housekeepers, front desk clerks, and maintenance workers—can be the first line of defense in saving lives.
Her message resonated strongly with our members, reminding us that awareness is the first step toward action. By equipping communities with knowledge and tools, we can create safer spaces and protect the vulnerable. The evening left us motivated to support i-5 Freedom Network’s mission and to continue Zonta’s commitment to advocating for women and girls everywhere.
Debbie Waltzer, President of the Zonta Club of Riverside, led an inspiring event on May 30th to introduce the club’s latest initiative — the Soap Project. With her signature warmth and passion, Debbie welcomed community members, advocates, and local leaders, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to awareness and action.
The Soap Project is a powerful anti-human trafficking campaign that uses an everyday item — bars of soap — as a discreet tool for outreach. Each bar is labeled with a hotline number and a message offering help to potential victims. Debbie spoke about the urgent need for creative, grassroots solutions to combat trafficking, emphasizing that even small acts can save lives.
Her address highlighted Zonta’s mission to empower women and girls worldwide, connecting the Soap Project to the club’s broader advocacy work. Attendees were invited to participate by helping distribute soap to hotels and motels.
The event closed with a call to action, as Debbie reminded everyone that change begins with awareness and compassion and we must be Zontians in Action. The launch not only introduced a vital project but also reinforced the Zonta Club of Riverside’s role as a beacon of hope and advocacy in the community.
