Church Partnership Program

Table of Contents Hope for the Future 3

Who We Are

4



How We Work

5-6

Training to Rescue

7

Accomplishments

8

Dear Friends, Behind closed doors across our city hides a horrible reality. Men and women, boys and girls, are being bought and sold into modern-day slavery. In the same way that He called Moses to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt, God is calling the Church to join Him in setting the captives free in our world today. This is why we are excited to introduce you to the Florida Abolitionist Church Partnership Program. It is our honor to join with local churches such as yours to raise up a generation of modern-day abolitionists, empowered and equipped to combat modern-day slavery.

Church Partnership

9

What to Expect

11

The Partnership provides a simple and effective way for churches to engage in the biblical imperative to do justice. FA staff members are experienced and passionate about helping others prevent and combat modern-day slavery. We look forward to working with your congregation as you make disciples who engage in the work of justice!

An Invitation

14

With gratitude,



Tomas J. Lares Founder and Executive Director

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8

Hope for the Future Jeni* is a sweet, 15 year old filled with hope for her future. However, you would not expect this if you knew what she has been through. Jeni met a woman who pretended to be her friend in order to gain her trust. After three short weeks, she introduced her to a street gang who abused, drugged, and trafficked her. For two weeks, Jeni was raped repeatedly by multiple commercial sex customers. Every penny went directly to the gang leader who controlled her. Thankfully, law enforcement brought her out of her misery. They successfully arrested one of the traffickers and are currently investigating to bring others in the trafficking ring to justice. Her recovery was the beginning of a long road towards a new life and Florida Abolitionist’s Victim Services Department was there from the start. Immediately, she received a rescue backpack that brought her tears of joy. She also received placement in a residential facility to begin to treat her substance addiction and her psychological condition due to the trauma she endured. Over time, her wounds are healing. While the journey has not been easy and has been met with setbacks, she is growing and doing a lot better. Florida Abolitionist continues to care for Jeni. When we learned that she is a huge basketball fan, we blessed her with a gift that she would love - a basketball autographed by the Orlando Magic! She also expressed the interest in reading the Bible but didn’t have one, so we gave her one thanks to the generous donation of a local church. We hope these small gestures communicate to Jeni that she is valued and loved. Now, we see hope in her eyes and are humbled to have played a small part in her ongoing restoration. * pseudonym used to protect the survivor’s identity

3

Who We Are Our Mission: Florida Abolitionist is an anti-human trafficking 501(c)(3) Florida-based non-profit organization that networks and facilitates preventative and restorative solutions to ending modern-day slavery. We do this through mobilizing and collaborating with those in the community to end this monstrous crime together. Our History: Founded in 2009, FA began in the Orlando area. Ending modern-day slavery requires action, but Founder and Executive Director, Tomas J. Lares, knew something else needed to begin first: a prayer movement. This movement addresses the systems that allow for the existence of human trafficking, as well as everyone involved, both the trafficker and the victim. Since 2009, FA has grafted additional objectives into its mission in order to end slavery more effectively.

VISION: To End Modern-Day Slavery

Restoration

Prevention

Florida Abolitionist’s Victim Services Department serve as the first responders in cases of human trafficking in the Greater Orlando area. By working in collaboration with Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement, we are able to provide immediate care for victims as soon as they are identified.

While we will continue restoring victims of human trafficking, it is our goal to prevent anyone from being victimized to begin with. Youth who know the schemes of traffickers are extremely less likely to fall victim to them. This is why we launched our student department, with the Set Free Event. Through this dynamic school assembly, we are getting to students before the traffickers do.

Our Comprehensive Case Management Program strives to meet clients where they are both physically and emotionally, as well as continue to work with them until they feel they have developed independence and self-sufficiency. Then our Therapeutic Program works to provide deep physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for each and every individual. It is our desire to see these victims become survivors who are empowered to thrive for the rest of their lives. Through Case Management and Therapy, we are helping them see that their lives matter and they are loved by God and others in their community.

Our Prayer movement is the foundation of all of our work, including prevention. In addition, our Hispanic Relations, Communications, and Community Outreach Departments are all vital efforts to prevent trafficking. In addition, our annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day event is a phenomenal opportunity to educate the community about human trafficking in order to prevent it and empower citizens to report suspicious activity. Prevention is absolutely necessary to ending this horrible crime.

54

Collaboration Florida Abolitionist is a proud co-founder of the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force (GOHTTF), a network of governmental & non-governmental agencies working together to provide a seamless continuum of services to potential and identified trafficking victims. The Task Force is compiled of many sub-committees that allow us to work together more effectively based on expertise. We collaborate with the GOHTTF primarily in our victim services program, partnering with governmental and nongovernmental agencies in order to facilitate complete restoration for survivors of human trafficking.

4

Training to Rescue To impoverished teenagers, the opportunity to earn money and gain sales experience is wonderful. However, the leaders of Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol used this as a ploy to lure disadvantaged minors into selling things for them in strange neighborhoods far from home. In February 2014, two leaders of the organization loaded 24 minors from Orlando into a van, drove them to Palm Bay, and forced them to sell magazines and candy door-to-door. If they were thirsty, they were told to ask residents for water; if they had to go to the bathroom, they were told to use the bushes. These children were victims of a labor trafficking scheme. Just two weeks prior, Florida Abolitionist, along with partners in the community, trained Palm Bay Police Department officers in the signs of human trafficking. One of these officers, Chris Jones, saw something suspicious when a van passed, so he pulled it over. What he found was the van where these minors had been forced inside and driven to neighborhoods in Palm Bay. It was filled with with wooden benches and plywood covered the windows and doors to prevent their escape. Thanks to Officer Jones receiving human trafficking training and his quick action, the minors were all recovered and returned to their parents. Not only that but the two traffickers were arrested and charged with human trafficking and child abuse.

7

Accomplishments 2009 • Florida’s 1st Human Trafficking Awareness Day at Lake Eola • Founder & Executive Director, Tomas Lares, and Steering Committee create FA vision, mission & slogan 2010 • FA launches officially on March 1, 2010 • 1st ever Outreach Prayer Room (Miami Super Bowl) is led by FA • Creates facilitation of victim services department within FA 2011 • FA leads 2nd Outreach Prayer Room (Dallas Super Bowl) • FA mobilizes for Preventing Abuse National Conference 2012 • FA initiates National Weekend of Prayer to End Slavery & Trafficking • FA Prayer Text Alert for rescued victims of trafficking begins • FA launches an anti-trafficking prayer shield for Florida 2013 • Co-founds the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force • Abolitionist Operations & Training Center opens • Land of the Free: A Prayer Guide to End Human Trafficking in America is published by FA’s Nick Canuso • Partners with Northland Church to launch the Faith Alliance to End Slavery • Florida Abolitionist Church Partnership Program is created 2014 • FA receives major donation from the Ruth McCormick Tankersley Charitable Trust • 2nd Victim Advocate joins FA staff • ‘Set Free’ merges with FA to launch student department

Church Partnership FA has been working to end slavery since 2009. Since that time, we have educated thousands about modern-day slavery, teaching them what they can do to become abolitionists. In addition to the important work of awareness building, FA has also assisted numerous individuals rescued from human trafficking and continues to do so on a regular basis. In order to increase our effectiveness in the community, we must have strategic partnerships. Your church, a microcosm of convergent backgrounds, experiences, and skills, can make a tremendous impact to end slavery in our community. Our team of experienced staff will work alongside you in a three-step process of Awareness, Assessment, and Action. As your congregation walks through these three steps, your church’s best contribution will be identified and then utilized in the fight against modern-day slavery.

Awareness:

First, we must lay a foundation of God’s heart for justice and the oppressed. Next, we build on this base by teaching about the reality of human trafficking in our community and what we can do to fight it. Awareness is crucial to fighting trafficking and is the pivotal first step.

Assessment:

Second, we take inventory of our church and community. This helps us identify compelling needs in the community and the greatest assets in your church to help meet these needs. Proper assessment leads us to effective action.

Action:

After identifying your church’s greatest contribution, it is time to get to work. Many opportunities will arise and we will focus on the most strategic steps for you. It is so exciting to dream about the ways your church will be used to fight human trafficking in our community!

69

“Florida Abolitionist has given themselves to stop human trafficking in our city. They have an unyielding passion because they know the cause is just. Our church has joined the team because we know that evil is being pushed back by the truth of justice. Our time is now!” ALEX CLATTENBURG Church in the Son “I’m excited about our partnership with Florida Abolitionist. We know that ‘setting captives free’ is part of God’s call but we really didn’t know where to begin. This partnership with FA is helping us to connect with others in our community and find our way in this important ministry.” ANDY McDONALD Florida Hospital Church

What to Expect

We desire to come alongside you to raise up a church of abolitionists. That is why we have created 3 tracks for you to choose from based on where you are in your justice journey.

You Commit To:

Tracks:

Minimum of one monthly prayer gathering to end modern-day slavery Advertise FA events Learn about human trafficking by attending an introductory training Preach an annual sermon on justice Participate in the Florida Abolitionist Church Mobilization Team $1000 minimum annual donation Involvement in FA’s legislative advocacy efforts Participate in at least one FA event Further your knowledge base by attending an Abolitionist training $2,000 minimum annual donation Create a leadership team to learn, explore and take action $3000 minimum annual donation

A

B

C

• • • • • •

• • • • •

• • • • •

• • • •

• • •

• •

FA Provides: One copy of Land of the Free prayer guide One copy of The Just Church Inclusion in monthly prayer updates Opportunities to take part in awareness campaigns and outreaches Introductory human trafficking presentation An opportunity for senior clergy to participate in annual clergy luncheon Critical prayer requests Monthly newsletters Listing in Church Partnership Program Directory Film screening on relevant human trafficking issues One social media post announcing partnership with your church Events to support FA’s legislative advocacy efforts Recommendations for books, websites and videos Complimentary Abolitionist Training for 2 church leaders Video Thank You by FA Executive Director on Social Media FA staff coaching to develop action plan with leadership team FA Executive Director speaking engagement upon invitation

A

B

C

• • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

“Together we can end this monstrous crime!”



Tomas Lares Executive Director Florida Abolitionist

An Invitation Florida Abolitionist is inviting you to join us as we follow God to put an end to the horrible injustice of human trafficking. We would be delighted to partner with your church and come alongside you as you make disciples who follow Jesus and set captives free. We invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with FA to end the monstrous crime of human trafficking together. If the Lord leads you to partner with us in fighting human trafficking in our community or if you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Learn to do right, seek justice. Defend the oppressed.

- Isaiah 1:17a