The FREE Network is dedicated to ending human trafficking and supporting those affected by this global crime. Our member base is our team which is comprised of organizations and people in our community focused on achieving these goals. We realize that each one of us can make a difference when it comes to addressing this horrific crime and that a key principle in making impactful change is to work together.
“Alone we go faster, together we go further.”
~ African proverb
In my experience and working in this space, I’ve learned to be patient and to take time to understand the complexities of this global crime. I greatly admire all the women and men who are working daily to address these complexities. I am honored to work with all of them, all of you, in my capacity as a servant leader and facilitator of this great collaborative. The FREE Network’s recognition by the Florida Attorney General’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking as a task force in our geographic area is a testament to the passion and dedication of our members.
Over the last couple of months, we have been meeting on a regular basis to outline our strategy which is composed of the following pillars:
1. Building Community Awareness
2. Prevention
3. Legislation
4. Law Enforcement
5. Safe Home Strategies
6. Survivor Services
7. Fundraising/Engaging the Private Sector
These areas of focus were developed in a community meeting facilitated by Hillsborough County in 2014. While we have done much individually and as a community to advance these pillars, we are honing in on these areas for further collaboration especially during these challenging times. I am grateful to Hillsborough County, their commitment to anti-human trafficking efforts in our community, and their assistance in helping us set the stage for continued collaboration.
Our team/members have begun laying out the framework for building community awareness, and I am excited about the passion and ideas that are generated in our sessions. We will continue to work on our strategic vision, given these changing times, by embracing the opportunity to be creative while looking for ways to continue addressing human trafficking within our immediate spheres of influence.
Thank you, to all of you, who give your hearts and minds to this cause everyday. As I reflect on one of our taglines, “Freedom Starts with You”, I realize that my commitment to addressing this global crime is fueled by your dedication and passion.
With admiration and appreciation,
Joanna Gutierrez Winters
President, The FREE Network
Alone we go faster, Together we go further