United Abolitionists June 2024 Update
United Abolitionists June 2024 Update
July 01, 2024 | BY TOMAS LARES
Greetings Abolitionists,
June was a remarkable month for us at United Abolitionists. We have made significant strides in our mission to combat human trafficking through new partnerships, impactful meetings, and community outreach.
Key Accomplishments, Meetings, Presentations, Trainings & Partnerships:
Partnership with Nuevo Sendero
Discussed collaboration opportunities with Executive Director Diana Mejia and Board Chair Olga Aymat.
UCF/PBS Interview
Tomas was featured towards the end of the segment with the human trafficking discussion. Click the image below to watch the discussion, (starting at 17:26).
Met with Pastor Sweetie Stewart from ‘It’s Yes! Performing Arts Institute to renew our partnership.
Lake-Sumter Counties Victim Services Working Group
Planned a Lunch & Learn event to connect community organizations.
Additionally, we planned and supported the upcoming A21 Walk for Freedom in Leesburg on October 19th and beginning to plan the Lake County Red Sand project event for January 2025.
Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit Diversion Program
This month we had 18 survivors of human trafficking attend and go through the course. This set a record of survivors who participated thus far. We are grateful to State Attorney Andrew Bain for his unwavering support!
University of South Florida’s TIP Lab BRIGHT Project
They are moving forward with the support of Attorney General Ashley Moody, the Florida Department of Children & Families, many other supportive stakeholders and me as a lead consultant.
Met with Mandarin Interpreter
The interpreter has agreed to be trained as an advocate for individuals victimized by human trafficking who speak Mandarin.
Met with Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks
With updates on the United Against Human Trafficking Lake County Project, Lake-Sumter HTTF and upcoming projects/events.
Attended Palm Beach Coalition & Human Trafficking Task Force Meeting
Miami Beach Human Trafficking Coalition Meeting
To discuss a strategic plan for training first responders on the hotline and general crisis response protocols.
Orlando Rotary Club Presentation on Human Trafficking
It was an honor to speak at as one of the largest rotaries in Central Florida.
UA – Vig Kickoff
Planning discussion for the United Abolitionists – Stop Human Trafficking Learning Management System.
Met with Shane Tripp & Brice Bossardet
To plan and discuss United Abolitionists First Annual Stop Human Trafficking Golf event on January 27, 2025.
The Florida Human Trafficking Legislative Working Group
Met in Lakeland, FL at One More Child to discuss proposed anti-human trafficking legislation for the 2025 session.
Men Against Human Trafficking Planning Meeting
Discussion with Florida’s Panhandle MoMENtum organization to create a strategic joint plan for tackling the demand for human trafficking in Florida.
Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force Quarterly Meeting
Attended by UA’s External Affairs Coordinator, Brenda Cloud.
University of Central Florida/Rosen Planning Meeting with Dr. Jessica Wickey
To plan the Annual Polaris Awards ceremony on January 24, 2025.
Safe House Project National Meeting
To discuss the strengths & limitations pertaining to the National Human Trafficking hotline.
Met with Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods
Introducing him to Sara Mahoney & Toni Azinger from Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund. This fund will be available to all 67 Sheriff’s in Florida to access for human trafficking operations, stings and other related activities.
Enjoy a Meal at Red Robin
Mention United Abolitionists or this fundraiser, and 20% of your food sales will be donated to support our cause.
On-Going
Upcoming epic Civil & Criminal Case on Human Trafficking – Due to the sensitivity and scale of this case minimal information can be shared with the public at this time.
Strategic Conference Call with Carrie Grace Lopez (Fort Worth, TX) and her national partners to discuss next steps in creating the ‘Raising the Standard’ conference to equip those individuals/stakeholders in the anti-trafficking movement to serve, work and collaborate with high standards and from a place of self-care and healing.
Created blueprint for the design and decoration of the New Orlando International Airport Human Trafficking Victims ‘Soft Office’ – Opening date to be determined.
June Impact Report
How You Can Help United Abolitionists:
Donate: Support our initiatives to provide essential services and aid to survivors.
Volunteer: Join our mission and take active steps in your community.
Thank you for your continued partnership to stop human trafficking in our generation!
Freedom 4ALL,
Tomas J. Lares
Founder/President, United Abolitionists, Inc.
Co-founder/Chairman, Tri-County Alliance On Human Trafficking
Co-Chairman, Lake-Sumter Human Trafficking Task Force
Founding Member, University of Central Florida Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
Development Team, BRIGHT Project University of South Florida TIP Lab
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