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.
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
Join Brightstar Community's annual fund raising event. BRIGHT NIGHT COCKTAIL RECEPTION
At Brightstar Community, we're on a mission to create a place where survivors of sex trafficking
can reclaim their lives. We've almost raised enough funds for a house to run our program --
and now we need your support to reach our goal.
Join us for music, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, raffles and more!
Click here to register and purchase tickets:
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JANUARY 10, 2020 RRCAHT'S FOURTH ANNUAL PROCLAMATION DAY
*** JANUARY 27, 2020 RRCAHT'S SECOND ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
WE GOT THE GRANT! Greater Rochester Health Foundation awarded RRCAHT a generous grant to support our May 20, 2020 Conference on Human Trafficking and Social Justice. We already have a small conference planning committee but we would love to have YOU join us. Contact Lauren VanCott at lcvancott@gmail.com
Bob Bilheimer and crew in Cox's Bazar, the largest refugee camp in the world.
Worldwide Documentaries' Robert Bilheimer
Receives Award for
Film About Human Trafficking by Gina Horowitz, Staff Writer
Robert Bilheimer, president and director of Worldwide Documentaries, based in Bloomfield, NY, recently learned that he will receive the 2019 Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice. The award is given by the Harmony Foundation, an India-based organization, headed by Dr. Abraham Mathai. The award serves to “acknowledge and recognize the extraordinary work of individuals or organizations who aim to promote peace, harmony and social justice.”
Bilheimer is being honored for his 2011 documentary Not My Life. Rochesterians first had the opportunity to view the film shortly after its release, when it was shown at the Little Theatre, sponsored by Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking. We learned about the film from RRCAHT member Heidi Ostertag, Worldwide Documentaries co-producer and Bob’s wife. For many viewers, it was their first look at the existence of the rampant sex and labor trafficking that afflicts children around the world, including the United States.
The documentary had audiences on college campuses, and on PBS and CNN International. Viewed by millions in India, where trafficking is extensive, it stimulated intense responses that led to a strong one from law enforcement.
When the letter arrived announcing the award, Bob said, "The astonishing story of Not My Life’s impact in India and Southeast Asia is proof positive that it is possible for a film to change the way the world is and make it a better place. We hope and expect this proves to be true with Heart of the Matter as well.”
Bilheimer is now immersed in this next project, Heart of the Matter. It is a docu-series of five shorter films about the global refugee crisis and its inextricable link to the multi-billion dollar human trafficking industry. One segment is about a family escaping gang violence in Honduras. They arrive in McAllen,Texas, where thousands of refugees enter the U.S. Viewers follow family members hoping to find safety here. This segment will be released early in 2020, in time to have an impact on the national discussion surrounding immigration ahead of the November election.
Another segment is set in a giant refugee camp for Rohingya, the Muslim population that was forced out of Myanmar by its Buddhist government and by the military. The camp, with 900,000 inhabitants, attracts the trafficking industry as it preys on the camp’s children, especially girls.The human trafficking industry makes its billions of dollars “on the backs and in the beds of vulnerable children,” the trailer to the film says.
Recipients of the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice include Malala Yousafzai, advocate for education for girls, The Dalai Lama, Doctors Without Borders, and UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency.
Bilheimer will be keynote speaker this November at the award ceremony in Mumbai.
Dr. Celia McIntosh,
RRCAHT Board Chair,
Will Attend a
Continuing Education Academy
Celia McIntosh, DNP, RN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, board chair of RRCAHT, will attend the 2019 Human Trafficking Academy sponsored by the HEAL Trafficking and MGH (Massachusetts General Hospital) Institute of Health Professionals.
A key goal of the two-day academy is to develop the skills of the attendees for teaching health professionals about human trafficking.
Enjoy some photos from 2019 Angels of Mercy's Walk and Run Fundraiser
2019-2020 RRCAHT Board
President: Dr. Celia McIntosh
Treasurer: Marilyn Rosen
Secretary: Janelle Snow
Communications Strategist: Melanie Blow
Ad Hoc Member: Jessica Langer
RRCAHT Meeting Dates --
Please Join Us
RRCAHT Monthly Meetings are held from 4 - 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Temple Sinai, 363 Penfield Road. The next meetings are:
October 10 -- Educational Meeting. Topic: Human Trafficking Basics
November 14
December 12
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
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