Local Trafficking in Persons Heroes to be Honored by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Cincinnati, OH (June 20, 2014) – The Salvation Army today announced that Erin Meyer, Program Manager for its Anti-Human Trafficking initiative, will be honored by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC). The Center will recognize Ms. Meyer and other local Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Heroes at an event on Monday, June 23rd. The TIP Heroes honors those whose work ‘provides services for survivors of trafficking, raises awareness and educates the public about the direct and indirect causes of human trafficking…’
The local TIP Heroes will be honored at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center at a reception starting at 6:00 pm on Monday, June 23rd. In addition to honoring the local TIP Heroes, the Center will host the international TIP heroes, who were selected by the U.S. Department of State’s TIP Office and acknowledged by the U.S. Secretary of State in Washington, D.C. The “Celebrating Global Freedom Heroes” reception and panel discussion is free and open to the public. To RSVP for the event, please contact the NURFC at strategicinitiatives@nurfc.org.
“I’m deeply touched to be honored by the Freedom Center as a local TIP hero,” stated Erin Meyer, Program Manager for The Salvation Army’s Anti-Human Trafficking program. “I am passionate about the work of combatting the evil of human trafficking, and grateful that it’s being recognized. More than anything, though, I’m hopeful that this honor will be a means to build awareness for our work and provide the opportunity to touch more lives and educate those in the community.”
In Greater Cincinnati, The Salvation Army launched an Anti-Human Trafficking program in 2012. Since its inception, the program has provided comprehensive services to more than 100 individuals. Forms of assistance have included 24-hour support leaving the trafficking situation, safe housing, medical and legal assistance, and ongoing support to help survivors become stable in the community.
“We’re committed to removing the blight of human trafficking and sex trafficking from our society,” stated Major Larry Ashcraft, Divisional Commander at The Salvation Army. “We recognize the inherent dignity of each person, and want to assist those who are the survivors of such horrific acts.”
Beyond efforts to provide direct assistance to trafficking survivors, local efforts have included training opportunities. Through these efforts more than 4,000 individuals, including those in law enforcement, have been provided training to build awareness and engage community support to combat human trafficking in the local community.
The Salvation Army operates a local Human Trafficking Hotline. Those in need of assistance or wanting to report a possible incidence of human trafficking can call 513-800-1863. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For those interested in learning more about The Salvation Army’s Anti-Human Trafficking program, or to volunteer, please call 513-762-5600 to be connected to Erin Meyer, program coordinator.
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