January is recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the issue and encouraging community involvement in prevention efforts. In Baxter, Minnesota, local organizations are mobilizing to educate the public and support survivors of human trafficking.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, strong connections within families, communities, and workplaces serve as protective factors against trafficking. “Traffickers may target individuals who feel alone or unsupported,” the department states. When individuals have supportive relationships, they are more likely to receive help when they encounter troubling situations.
At the forefront of local efforts is Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), leading initiatives through the statewide program known as Safe Harbor. This program is dedicated to assisting youth and young adults who have experienced trafficking, providing essential services such as outreach, case management, shelter, and daily living needs. LSS collaborates with various community organizations to expand support and prevention initiatives across several counties, including Aitkin, Todd, Crow Wing, Morrison, Stearns, Sherburne, Benton, Wright, Pine, Mille Lacs, and Kanabec.
On January 21, 2024, LSS is partnering with Jack Pine Brewing Company in Baxter for a fundraising event aimed at raising awareness and financial support for Safe Harbor services. The event will take place from 16:00 to 20:00, and for every pint sold, the brewery will donate $1 to support youth affected by trafficking across Central Minnesota.
Additionally, LSS encourages public participation in the Walk to End Silence, scheduled for January 22, 2024, from 07:00 to 09:30 at the Mall of America in Bloomington. This event, organized by Hennepin County’s No Wrong Door program, aims to enhance community awareness regarding human trafficking and promote involvement in prevention efforts.
“These events are a great way for parents, teachers, neighbors, members of the faith community, health professionals, law enforcement, and others to learn more about how to identify warning signs among youth and ways to reach out,” said Heather Jones, regional navigator of the LSS Safe Harbor program in Central Minnesota.
For more information about Safe Harbor services or the upcoming events, interested individuals can contact LSS Safe Harbor at 866-824-3770. The initiative seeks not only to support survivors but also to foster a community that actively participates in preventing human trafficking.
