ALEXANDRIA — Someplace Safe was recently awarded funding to offer supportive services to community members who are experiencing labor trafficking throughout the agency’s 9-county service area.
Someplace Safe labor trafficking services include crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, assisting with housing and emergency resources, connecting with legal and immigration services, and general support.
“Labor trafficking is an issue that impacts people everywhere, including in our own backyard,” Anne LaFrinier-Ritchie, Safe Harbor regional navigator, said in a press release. “Labor trafficking can happen in any industry, including massage parlors, traveling sales crews, factories, farms, landscaping, restaurant work, hotels, resorts, etc. Because labor trafficking often includes threats and physical harm, people experiencing labor trafficking are often afraid to come forward.
“We don’t know how many people are being impacted by labor trafficking in Minnesota, but we do know that by training first responders, health care providers, law enforcement, and other providers, more victims are identified,” she said.
LaFrinier-Ritchie continued, “As we provide education on what labor trafficking looks like and how we can help survivors of this crime, we expect to see more individuals coming forward to seek services, safety, and support. Someplace Safe is grateful to have additional funding to provide specialized support to those experiencing labor trafficking.”
For more information on labor trafficking and Someplace Safe’s efforts to support individuals who may be experiencing this, contact LaFrinier-Ritchie at anne.lr@someplacesafe.info.
Additionally, Someplace Safe was recently awarded a grant from Otto Bremer Trust. The funds will be used to maintain crime victim advocacy services provided to crime survivors throughout the agency’s 9-county service area.
These services include crisis intervention, legal advocacy, emergency housing and resources, safety planning and referrals. Services are provided to nearly 4,000 area individuals annually at 11 community advocacy offices.
“Crime can have devastating impacts for survivors, families and communities”, Ashley Zach, director of development and communications, said in a press release. “State and federal funding can fluctuate, so it is important Someplace Safe seek out and maintain adequate support from generous allies and supporters.”
Zach added, “Maintaining victim-centered support and safety services are paramount to survivor recovery in the aftermath of crime.”
For more information, contact Zach at ashley.z@someplacesafe.info.
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