United Abolitionists: Early 2024 Impact and Achievements

March 04, 2024 | BY TOMAS LARES

What an Incredible Start to 2024!

January was a significant month for us at United Abolitionists, marking National Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month. This was a period of of intense action, advocacy, and awareness-raising. Here’s some of the highlights:

Here’s a look at our impact:

13th Annual National Prayer Call: We kicked off the year with this significant event, co-chaired by Dai Han Sup, uniting leaders in a shared mission against human trafficking.
Press Conference on Housing Standards Safe House Certification: At the Florida Historic Capitol in Tallahassee, we joined forces with Lt. Governor Nunez Secretary Harris, Dr. Marianne Thomas, Dr. Haag, and others to advocate for improved safe housing standards.
Presentation at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management: Teamed up with Dr. Jessica Wickey, discussing strategies to mitigate human trafficking at major events from a North American perspective.
H.O.M.E. Ministry Presentation: Addressed the congregation at Annunciation Catholic Church alongside with attorney’s Adam & Lisa Haba, Jan Edwards, & Kate Borrero.
3rd Annual Red Sand Project Osceola County: Celebrated with the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force, State Attorney Andrew Bain, Sheriff Marcos Lopez, Chief Betty Holland, Chief Douglas Goerke, Osceola County Corrections & Lived Experience Expert Flor Turcio.
16th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Days Conference: Hosted at Valencia College, the conference featured the second edition of “A Systemwide Public Safety and Community Approach” included 17 individual sessions based on the chapters represented in the textbook with the highlights being the ‘Lived Experience Subject Matter’ panel moderated by Dr. Marianne Thomas, Tina Marie, Connie Rose, Linsey Ruth & the Human Trafficking Mock Trial led by Attorney’s Lisa & Adam Haba, the Honorable Judge Wilfredo Martinez, Sarah Goras, witnesses & a jury. Special thanks to Orange County Mayor Jerry Deming for issuing a proclamation.
Creation of New Orange County School Board Human Trafficking Prevention & Awareness Advisory Committee: Congratulations to Jan Edwards for being the spearhead along with Orange County School Board Vice-Chair, Angie Gallo D1 for the creation of the New Orange County School Board Human Trafficking Prevention & Awareness Advisory Committee.
14th Annual Polaris Star Awards Gala: Honored 14 Unsung Heroes in the fight against trafficking and featured ‘It’s A Penalty’ campaign during the Super Bowl.
3rd Annual Red Sand Project Orange County: Hosted by Sheriff John Mina, this event brought together key task force members to raise awareness for the fight.
Media Coverage and Support: Special thanks to Karla Ray for moderating the Media panel session at the conference & as the emcee for the Polaris Awards. We are grateful to Channel 9 WFTV, Meredith McDonough Channel 2 WESH, Fox 35, Univision & many others!

Monthly Impact Report:

Individuals Educated: 1,600+
Hotline Calls: 36
Rescue Backpacks Distributed: 16
Services Provided: 22
Collaborating Partners: 143

2024 Polaris Star Awards Recap

We recently celebrated an extraordinary evening at the 14th Annual Polaris Star Awards Gala, held at the UCF/Rosen College of Hospitality Management. The gala honored 14 Unsung Heroes who have been instrumental in the fight against human trafficking.

In addition, the gala also featured impactful presentations from ‘It’s A Penalty’ and others. This memorable event would not have been possible without the exceptional organization by the student group ‘Knights of the Ream’, overseen by Dr. Jessica Wickey. A heartfelt thank you goes to them for their impeccable planning and execution. For a glimpse into the evening, check out the video below.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

We thank each of you for your continued support and partnership in our mission to eradicate human trafficking. Your involvement is making a measurable difference in lives across Florida and beyond.

As we move forward into the year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to combat human trafficking in all its forms. Your support empowers us to continue this vital work. Here’s how you can further contribute:

🌟 Donate: Your contribution can change lives. Each donation helps us provide essential services and support to victims and survivors of human trafficking. Donate Here.

🌟 Join the Fight: Become a part of our mission. We are always in need of passionate individuals and organizations to join us in this fight. Learn more about how you can get involved. Join Us In the Fight.

Together, we can stop human trafficking!

Freedom 4ALL,