United Abolitionists October - November 2024 Update
United Abolitionists October - November 2024 Update
December 04, 2024 | BY TOMAS LARES
Dear Partners,
On Tuesday, October 29th I had the honor to participate and say a few words at the Memorial service to Celebrate the Life of United Abolitionists Anchor Partner, James R. Witte along with his wife Teresa, his family and friends.
The service began with a tribute to James for his military service to our great nation. There was not a dry eye in the place. There was also much joy as we heard story after story from family and friends sharing the precious moments they spent with James from childhood til recently.
In memory of James we have set up ‘The James Witte Stop the Demand (Human Trafficking) initiative Memorial Fund’ to reflect his heart, passion and commitment in the fight against human trafficking.
Please consider donating a gift in honor of James legacy.
Upcoming Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity.
Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good.
Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Here are some ways people can participate with United Abolitionists on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024:
GIVE:
1. The James Witte Memorial Fund
2. The Orlando International Airport ‘Soft Room’ for Victims of Human Trafficking
EDUCATE:
VOLUNTEER:
SHARE: Send this email to your family & friends!
Accomplishments, Meetings, Presentations, Trainings & Partnerships:
Florida Annual Human Trafficking Summit
I had the honor of presenting with the Florida Department of Children & Families at the Florida Attorney General’s Annual Summit.
Watch my session or the entire presentation here.
BRIGHT Advisory Board Meeting
UA President is the Lead Advisor mapping out the state of Florida to identify all governmental & non-governmental agencies/organizations whose mission is to combat human trafficking in all its forms, engaging them to join the BRIGHT network. Meeting discussed the next steps.
I Am a Freedom Fighter Collaboration
Partnership for a mass awarness campaign on the crime of ‘Sextortion’.
Florida Housing Standard Working Group
Completed our final meeting with the state of Florida, residential programs and other key stakeholders to finalize the new Safe Housing certification.
Raising the Standard Conference Planning Meeting
Met with Kim McAndrews to finalize the details for this upcoming retreat.
University of Central Florida Center for the Study of Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery Planning Mtg.
Met with Dr. Jessica Wickey to plan our Annual Polaris Star Awards ceremony scheduled on January 24, 2025.
Purchase your tickets here.
Homelessness Services Network of Central Florida Think Tank Mtg.
Met with staff from the HSN and Catholic Charities to revise the screening tool for survivors of human trafficking to access the rapid rehousing program.
Orange County Goverment Meeting
Met with Dr. Tracy Salem to review all anti-trafficking efforts and accomplishments by United Abolitionists and it’s President since 2007.
Walk for Freedom A21
Spoke and participated in the annual walk along with other key anti-trafficking stakeholders in Leesburg, FL.
Florida Statewide Council on Human Trafficking
Attended the quarterly meeting Chaired by Attorney General Ashley Moody.
UA Board of Directors Meeting
Met with the Board of Directors to review 2024 and plan 2025 budget and vision.
Institute on Justice & Sport
Attended the annual Gala invited by Dr. Richard Lapchick.
Student Abolitionist Movement (S.A.M.) Conference
UA President spoke and participated in the opening panel discussion on, What does human trafficking look like in Central Florida? The event was held at the First Baptist Church in Orlando, FL
Rotary International Shark Tank
In Partnership with District Rotary 6980 and facilitated by Governor Sonya Hightower LaBosco UA President made the finals along with two other non-profits groups and our District and UA won the competition. More details to come!
UA participated in the 2nd Annual Spooktacular Candy Bash with Commissioner Emily Bonilla
On October 26, 2024, at the Goldenrod Recreation Center in Winter Park, FL.
Winter Park Rotary Mtg.
UA Lead Trainer presented to the weekly Rotary meeting with a time for Q & A.
James Rogers Witte Memorial Service
On Tuesday, October 29th I had the honor to participate and say a few words at the Memorial service to Celebrate the Life of United Abolitionists Anchor Partner, James R. Witte along with his wife Teresa, his family and friends.
Florida Annual Forum on Human Trafficking
UA facilitated the Annual Gathering of all the Human Trafficking Task Forces, Coalitions, Commissions, Universities and other key stakeholders hosted by Valencia College in Orlando, FL. This year included National Keynotes Speakers!
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October – November Impact Report
Supporting Our Fight
Help Us Stock the Orlando Airport Victims’ Office
The Orlando International Airport Human Trafficking Victims ‘Soft Office’ is progressing but we need your help. Please consider purchasing an item or two needed for the office.
Donate in Memory of James Witte
Honor James’ legacy and help continue his fight against human trafficking.
Join the Fight
Become a volunteer or partner with us as we work together to end human trafficking in our generation.
We appreciate your support and Thank You for your vital 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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