The FREE Network is excited about collaborating with the University of South Florida on many levels. We are committed to working with the faculty, staff and student body at USF on our mutual goals of ending human trafficking and supporting the victims and survivors in our community. Our collaboration continues to expand. Last month, 24 organizations were present at the Greater Tampa Bay Anti-Human Trafficking Working Group meeting. At this meeting, Triumph Over Trafficking (TOT), a student led organization at USF, and the FREE Network signed a Memorandum of Agreement to collaborate over the next school year.

Increasing public awareness at USF and supporting the organizations in our community working in the anti-human trafficking movement are the key focus areas of this collaboration. TOT will conduct a movie screening on campus scheduled for November 7th, a book club will start this semester focusing on educating students on human trafficking, and a symposium scheduled for October 10th will also take place at the USF campus. TOT plans on holding a drive to collect supplies for local safe homes as well. The FREE Network is also working with USF College of Public Health and Lutheran Services of Florida to conduct a workshop on Labor Trafficking on Friday, September 7th, from 12:30-5pm at USF.

Together with USF's Department of Computer Science and Engineering, we are also exploring the creation of a mobile app that will allow those who want to get involved, have better access. The app will also allow the anti-human trafficking community to better communicate with each other in an effort to leverage resources, combat this crime and support victims and survivors in our community.

Stay tuned for more updates on the FREE Network’s collaboration efforts with the many organizations in our community and visit, like and follow us here:

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