Our Mission: The Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (RRCAHT) is dedicated to eliminating human trafficking in our communities through education, advocacy, and networking with individuals and organizations.
Working against human trafficking in the Rochester region.
September 20 & 21 -- 15th International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference at the University of Toledo (Ohio) https://www.traffickingconference.com
Left: Basic Care Pack products Right: Irondequoit H.S. filled two cars with boxes of hygiene products.
CARE PACKS
Local Groups Help Rochester Trafficking Survivors Information provided by Judy Weinstein and MelanieBlow
Temple Sinai's Event:
Every two years Temple Sinai holds a Women's Seder in observance of Passover. A seder recounts the story of the delivery of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. The Women's Seder is not limited to women, but tells the story from a woman's perspective.
This year, to make the story contemporary, the connection was made to human trafficking, which has been referred to as "modern day slavery." RRCAHT member Melanie Blow gave a moving presentation on human trafficking. Ahead of the seder, the women's group at the temple asked attendees to contribute items that are included in Care Packs.
The response was amazing -- among the items were toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, toothbrush/toothpaste kits, shampoos, bars of soap, pantiliners, tampons, and maxi pads, totaling over 1,000 items.
Sinai members assembled these items into Care Pack at their April Mitzvah Day Event, a day on which Temple members participate in service projects for the community. The children who joined this project made note cards that were included in each pack. Altogether, members completed about 50 Care Packs. They were distributed to organizations such as Center for Youth, Pretrial Services, Paper Bag Ladies, and Worker Justice Center of New York, all of which work with survivors of human trafficking. Remaining items were donated to RRCAHT.
Six Other Groups Helped Too:
Around Rochester, other groups have been collecting CARE PACK items, too:
Students in the Medicine and Dentistry departments at the University of Rochester Medical Center donated 120+ supplies.
Student Association for Interfaith Cooperation collected items and assembled them at their spring interfaith banquet at the University of Rochester.
Irondequoit Girl Up Club recently collected 1,000 + supplies.
Rockell's Fitness Center collected supplies.
Wegmans Pittsford donated supplies that a group of employees assembled into Care Packs.
Rochester Regional Health Neuroradiology and Neurology Department donated over 150 items.
How You Can Help:
These are the essentials we put in Care Packs for both adults and children:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, travel size shampoo and conditioner, hand lotion, antibacterial wipes, protein snack (e.g. granola bars or tuna kit), and bottled water or juice.
Additional items that can be included are:
Hairbrush, lip balm, tampons, pantiliners, new underwear (for men, women and children), elastic waist pajamas (child large and all adult sizes), socks, hats, gloves, sweat pants, tee shirts, sweat pants, small roll-up blanket, quarters in a small plastic bag for phone calls. Also welcome are a stuffed animal, journal or coloring books, pens, pencils, and crayons.
Add a handwritten note of encouragement, such as “This Care Pack was lovingly packed for you because you are a treasure and you are valuable.”
Visit our link: www.rrcaht.org On the side menu, click What You Can Do and then click Care Packs. Here you will learn where to deliver supplies or completed packs.
Center for Youth's Safe Harbour Program Provides
Services to Potential Victims of Sexual Exploitation by Valerie Douglas, Director of Counseling and Runaway/Homeless Youth Services
The commercial sexual exploitation of children is a global problem and one that impacts children in our own communities. The Center for Youth’s Safe Harbour Program works with partners across Monroe County to promote awareness of youth trafficking and identify and provide comprehensive services to potential victims of commercial sexual exploitation. Through this effort, in 2017 over 270 youth were referred for further assessment and services.
The Safe Harbour program is named after the pivotal 2008 New York State legislation – Safe Harbour for Exploited Children Act – that ended the prosecution of minors under prostitution charges and instead identified minors as victims of commercial sexual exploitation by adults. In 2012-13, Monroe County was selected as one of the first five counties across the state to receive funds to support the Safe Harbour program. As an experienced homeless and runaway youth provider, The Center for Youth has served as the county’s Safe Harbour lead agency in collaboration with the Monroe County Department of Human Services, the Office of Children and Family Services, County District Attorney and Sheriff’s offices, Rochester and other local police departments, school districts and youth services organizations.
Our Safe Harbour team provides case coordination and advocacy for commercially sexually exploited (CSE) youth. We help youth access medical care, mental health counseling, financial assistance, emergency shelter and other basic living and safety needs. We also help youth with crisis intervention, problem-solving, action planning, and skill building. The goal is to address immediate life and safety issues and reduce the risk of continued sexual exploitation and abuse.
Safe Harbour advocates also provide outreach and training to agencies and community partners across Monroe County to:
1.) increase identification of CSE youth;
2.) provide case coordination to connect youth with needed services quickly;
3.) and assist in improving the quality of agency programs through trauma-informed services.
For referrals and contact information: http://centerforyouth.net/program/safe-harbour/
Award Ceremony at RIT Vignelli Center. Pictured are Judy Weinstein, Celia McIntosh,
Anne Ghory-Goodman, Roger Remington and Bruce Ian Meader
RIT Vignelli Center Receives
2018 Certificate of Appreciation
by Celia McIntosh,
RRCAHT Steering Committee Chair
In response to the Rochester Institute of Technology community design involvement and in appreciation of their generous and continued support of the mission of Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking (RRCAHT), RIT Vignelli Center for Design was presented the first RRCAHT Certificate of Appreciation.
Through Anne Ghory-Goodman, RRCAHT steering committee member and senior program specialist at the Center, the Vignelli Center has been supporting the RRCAHT with important graphic design services. Anne and Professor Bruce Ian Meader, with the support of Roger Remington, Director of the Vignelli Center for Design, have been volunteering their design expertise to meet the communication needs of our organization.
The members of the Vignelli Center have embraced RRCAHT’s mission to eliminate human trafficking in our communities through education, advocacy, networking with individuals and organizations, and promoting a coordinated response to the needs of victims.
2018-2019 Steering Committee Elected
The nominating committee of RRCAHT is pleased to present you with the steering committee members for the 2018-2019 term:
Chair: Celia McIntosh
Vice Chair: Vacant
Treasurer: Judy Weinstein
Secretary: Janelle Snow
Communications Strategist: Melanie Blow
Ad Hoc Members:
Joe Bidell
Hannah Murphy
Lisa Packer
Janelle Snow
We warmly welcome new steering committee members Joe Bidell, Lisa Packer, and Janelle Snow. We extend sincere thanks to Peg Billyard and Anne-Ghory Goodman, who are leaving the Steering Committee.
Celia McIntosh (center) and Interfaith Banquet participants pose with care pack donations.
Spring Interfaith Banquet at University of Rochester
Addresses Modern Enslavement and Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a human issue relevant across all areas of faith. In response, the Student Association for Interfaith Cooperation (SAIC) took on the topic of Modern Enslavement and Human Trafficking.
On April 14th, Dr. Celia McIntosh, Chair of RRCAHT, made a presentation and lead a discussion about human trafficking at the University's Spring Interfaith Banquet. The SAIC group also assembled 150 Care Packs, which they6 donated to RRCAHT. They also enjoyed West African dance, courtesy of Ma'Frisah's Dance Team.
6th Annual… 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk Great Race ~ Great Cause!Help STOP Human Trafficking! Saturday, August 25, 2018
Meridian Centre Park, 2025 S. Winton Rd, Rochester, NY 14618
For registration information, call 585 730 4556
or email angelsofmercy@aol.com
RRCAHT July Meeting Date --
Please Join Us
RRCAHT Monthly Meetings are held from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Temple Sinai, 363 Penfield Road. The next meeting is July 12th.
After the meeting you are invited to stay for a half-hour presentation on an aspect of trafficking given by a coalition member or guest.
Visit the Coalition's comprehensive website at www.rrcaht.org.
If you have an event that you would like to have considered for inclusion in the calendar on our website please send a note to us at rrcaht1@gmail.com
