For information on participating in FREE Network Zoom calls, please contact info.freenetwork.us@gmail.com

Please join us for our Monthly Monday Mentorship series: Cultivating Joy: Joy isn't as far as you think.

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/fec842f1-ef6a-4e34-8ae4-f3a5ebd42d33@741bf7de-e2e5-46df-8d67-82607df9deaa

You're invited to join this free Legislative Update session hosted by the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force which will share important up-to-date information about legislation at the state and federal level relating to human trafficking. Link to register:

Take part in this free event as we raise awareness about human trafficking. Join the movement by filling sidewalk cracks with red sand and documenting your sidewalk transformation on social media using #RedSandProject.

Network & Resources 9:00-10:00

Event Start Time 10:00-12:00

Come join Declare No More and Safe Families at Radiant Church - Hillsborough for an eye-opening event dedicated to raising awareness about the issue of human trafficking. Learn about the signs to look out for, how to protect yourself and your loved ones, and ways you can help combat this modern-day slavery. Together, we can make a difference!

Tiffany will be sharing an overview of Survivor Ventures’ Tampa Chapter and the innovative services that they’ve launched to support survivors of human trafficking. This includes the Survivors to Entrepreneurs program, which offers crisis shelter, housing stability, wage-supported employment, and business incorporation for those pursuing entrepreneurship. Tiffany will also introduce The Garden Within, a Tampa-only social enterprise that provides trauma-informed employment and a unique space for survivor healing and business incubation.

For information on participating in FREE Network Zoom calls, please contact info.freenetwork.us@gmail.com

Come join Declare No More and Safe Families at North Pointe Church for an eye-opening event dedicated to raising awareness about the issue of human trafficking. Learn about the signs to look out for, how to protect yourself and your loved ones, and ways you can help combat this modern-day slavery. Together, we can make a difference!

Together, we can break chains.

Guest Speakers: April Arnold and Chief Ann Starling-Dade City Police Department

For more info contact: Barbara McCormick: bmccormick1@verizion.net

Meetings will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 8:30am-10:00am

January 21st

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

February 18th

PSO/Florida's Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (F1RST) Bldg.

10368 Charles Bo Harrison Way Land O' Lakes Florida 34737- Building J

March 18th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

April 15th

Utilities Bldg. Crystal Springs Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

May 20th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

June 17th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

July 15th

PSO/Florida's Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (F1RST) Bldg.

10368 Charles Bo Harrison Way Land O' Lakes Florida 34737- Building J

August 19th

Utilities Bldg. Crystal Springs Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

September 16th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

October 21st

PSO/Florida's Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (F1RST) Bldg.

10368 Charles Bo Harrison Way Land O' Lakes Florida 34737- Building J

November 18th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

December 16th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

The week of Valentine's Day, women's ministries for human trafficking give roses and speak to the heart of women in the streets, clubs, and brothels. Others are brought to women in addiction recovery, who are homeless, or at-risk single moms. They will deliver these roses with a note of unconditional love. As the gift is exchanged, so are prayers and information on how to get help. These moments can become the seed of a relationship that blossoms into a restored life. Come join Declare No More Foundation at their annual Give A Rose event to make a positive, lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable women. You can sponsor roses or volunteer to help us prepare roses with a message of hope for ministry partners to distribute on Valentine’s Day.

For information on participating in FREE Network Zoom calls, please contact info.freenetwork.us@gmail.com

This event is BRIGHT's Monthly Monday Mentorship Series for February: Navigating the Expungement Process for Human Trafficking Survivors in Florida with guest presenter Soriyah Khan, M.A. BRIGHT Research Services Administrator. This presentation will be held via Teams from noon to 1pm. Click the link to register.

Join us as we recognize National Human Trafficking Awareness Month with this free interactive event. It will include local expert speakers, survivor testimony, art installation, and community resoucres.

United Abolitionists is honored to support the First Annual Lake County Red Sand Project, presented by Empowerment Access Foundation and the Clermont Police Department. This free community event recognizes National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and brings residents together to learn, reflect, and stand against exploitation.

The Red Sand Project is a symbolic, hands-on activity where participants fill sidewalk cracks with red sand to represent victims who fall through the cracks of our systems. The event also features:

• Local expert speakers

• Survivor testimony

• Art installation

• Community resources and partners

This gathering creates space for education, healing, advocacy, and action as we work together to protect vulnerable individuals and raise awareness across Lake County.

Join us as we stand united for those who cannot stand for themselves.

For more information: https://empowermentaccess.org/ and https://stophumantrafficking.com/

The mission of I Rise is to break the cycle of poverty that survivors of human trafficking and other forms of violence/exploitation find themselves in upon exiting that violent situation. We work to help survivors attain financial stability and independence and get back into the workforce in a career that provides them a sense of dignity and worth, a livable wage, and upward mobility.

Come hear about the ways I Rise achieves this and learn how to connect with those programs and resources.

For information on participating in FREE Network Zoom calls, please contact info.freenetwork.us@gmail.com

Interactive Art Installation, Speakers, Local Resources

Sponsored by United Abolitionists and the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force.

January 10th—7th Annual Red Sand Project-Osceola 201 E Dakin Ave Kissimmee

January 24th-7th Annual Red Sand Project-Orange & Seminole

10:00am @ 2500 W Colonial Dr Orlando

1:00pm @ 105 W 2nd St. Sanford

United Abolitionists and the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force invite you to the 7th Annual Red Sand Project in Osceola County.

The Red Sand Project is a nationwide movement using interactive art to bring awareness to human trafficking and exploitation. By filling sidewalk cracks with red sand, we bring visibility to those who have been overlooked, vulnerable, or left behind.

This event is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone. Local resources and speakers will be present to help educate and empower the community.

Together we can prevent victims from falling through the cracks.

Honoring Courage, Impact, and Innovation

Join United Abolitionists and UCF’s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery for an inspiring evening recognizing champions in the fight against modern-day slavery.

The Polaris Star Award Gala is an annual event that brings together individuals, organizations, businesses, and activists who are dedicated to combating human trafficking. This prestigious award ceremony, hosted by United Abolitionists, Inc., and UCF’s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, honors and recognizes the outstanding efforts and initiatives made in the fight against modern-day slavery and exploitation.

This year’s ceremony will be hosted at the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management located at 9907 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The awards will be held in the Darden Auditorium and the reception in the beautiful Rosen College Courtyard and the Disney Dining Room.

Parking, food, and beverages are included in the ticket, including a Bourbon tasting during the reception.

For more information and to purchase your tickets: https://hospitality.ucf.edu/htms/polaris-star-awards/

Rosen College: Darden Auditorium, Room 101 & Virtual

United Abolitionists is honored to co-organize this important international panel alongside the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and UCF’s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery.

This conversation explores how major sporting, entertainment, and tourism events can strengthen anti-trafficking efforts through coordinated education, policy, funding, technology, and community response.

Panel themes include:

• Data and research

• Law enforcement approaches

• Survivor-informed insights

• AI and technological innovation

• Funding and advocacy

• Sports and human rights

Panelists:

• Dr. Alan Fyall – Moderator

• Alan Wilkett – Law enforcement

• Dr. Jessica Wickey – Education

• Olivia Littleton – Lived experience

• Jodi Domangue – Advocacy and support

• Sarah Mahoney – Funding

• Noel Thomas – AI and technology

• Claudia Villa-Hughes – Sports and human rights

This event elevates global perspectives and strengthens collaborative strategies to address human trafficking at scale.

Attendance is free and open to both in-person and virtual participants.

For more information: https://stophumantrafficking.com/etn/major-events-human-trafficking-panel-2026/

For SAFE Alliance Members.

Join us for the first quarterly SAFE Alliance Lunch + Learn of 2026, designed to support organizational leadership and help our movement operate at its highest potential for the good of those we serve. 

This quarter we have the pleasure of learning from Daniel Mitchell, Assistant Vice President, Entrepreneurship, of the Pasco County Economic Development Council. Daniel will be engaging us in thought about organizational ecosystems - who are your stakeholders and how are you communicating with and serving each group to drive forward your mission? 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

About Daniel:
With over twenty years of experience in entrepreneurship development and as an entrepreneur myself, I currently serve as the Assistant Vice President of Entrepreneurship at Pasco Economic Development Council. In this role, I focus on fostering entrepreneurial success and supporting innovative ventures, leveraging my expertise in finance, investments, and entrepreneurship to enable impactful initiatives for the organization.

My mission is to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their goals by developing tailored strategies that align with their unique needs. As a Certified Financial Planner™ and Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP), I am dedicated to creating sustainable growth opportunities that benefit both individuals and the broader community.

For more information about attending this virtual event, please contact kristen@safeintampabay.com

Join United Abolitionists and UCF’s Center for Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery for this powerful full-day conference focused on education, advocacy, and action. Learn from experts about the role of technology in Human trafficking and solutions for justice and digital safety.

For more information and to register: https://stophumantrafficking.com/etn/18th-annual-human-trafficking-awareness-conference/

UCF's site:: https://hospitality.ucf.edu/htms/

United Abolitionist site: https://stophumantrafficking.com/

Conference Agenda

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration + Light Refreshments

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Opening Session

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Session 1

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Session 2

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | Lunch

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM | Session 3

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Session 4

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM | Closing Session + Call to Action

Digital Certificates Provided

Each January in recognition of #HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth V3 turns our attention toward our LAB Initiative and collaboration with @buddybrewcoffee - Freedom is beautiful and for 6 years, V3 has been bringing what we have to participate in the fight against human trafficking and to care for survivors. 

This year, we are excited to continue that work, leading with beauty, by collaborating with artists @mauriciero and the @colectivosupervivo to release the first annual 'Freedom is Beautiful' art commission. 

Join us at the Lead with Beauty luncheon as we unveil the 2026 Freedom is Beautiful print and meet artist Mauricio Vega. We will have 100 limited edition Freedom is Beautiful prints available for sale, and 100% of the proceeds from those sales will support our LAB Initiative to End Human Trafficking. 

We can’t wait to unveil this piece, recap our 2025 art unveiling, and share some exciting updates as we make the turn into a new year. 

to REGISTER: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1965478655568?aff=oddtdtcreator

#vuvivo #lifeandbeauty #leadingwithbeauty #HTPM #freedomisbeautiful

Learn about the realities of human trafficking and how you can help stop it! And become a sponsor for this event and help survivors. Sex trafficking thrives in silence, but not when brave voices speak out. Hear directly from lived experience experts and leaders on the frontlines who are fighting back against exploitation every day. Their insight, experience, and action will equip you to be part of the solution.

TED: Human Trafficking survivors need immediate, convenient and secure transportation to safe houses, rescue organizations or medical treatment. In nearly all cases human trafficking survivors do not have any identification, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to board a commercial flight.

Working with affiliate rescue organizations, Invisible Angels can facilitate transport where survivors need to go on an immediate timeline. Invisible Angels operates between smaller airports allowing greater flexibility with time frames, destinations, and security.

Tomas, with United Abolitionists will share about the launching of the Soft Room at Orlando International. In a groundbreaking effort to combat human trafficking, United Abolitionists (UA), led by founder and president Tomas Lares, has unveiled the world’s first-ever “soft room” located inside a major airport—right at the heart of Orlando International Airport (MCO).

This soft room offers a secure, trauma-informed environment where victims of trafficking can feel safe, supported, and not criminalized. Unlike the standard process of sending victims to police stations or federal holding, the soft room is person-centered and victim-focused, ensuring dignity and care from the moment of rescue.

“Most victims identified at airports are scared, disoriented, and unsure whom to trust. This room offers a safe space where they can meet trained advocates and begin their journey to healing,” says Lares.

For information on participating in FREE Network Zoom calls, please contact info.freenetwork.us@gmail.com

This free community event brings together leaders in law enforcement, victim advocacy, and health care to share tools for identifying, responding to, and preventing human trafficking.

Questions? Contact Karley Wright 513-312-3086

Please click the link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-untold-journey-human-trafficking-awareness-symposium-tickets-1977292637506?aff=oddtdtcreator.

An unforgettable night of truth, hope, and powerful voices!

You’re invited to a special screening event featuring the premiere of the Breaking That Cycle of Human Trafficking episode on the big screen, followed by a LIVE PANEL with Dotti Groover-Skipper, Founder and CEO of Heardance Foundation and with Break That Cycle host Bill Chini, a domestic violence and human trafficking survivor.

The event is presented by Mary and Martha House and Heartdance Foundation, Inc.

Sponsored by THE REGENT and COMPLETE Weddings and Events.

RSVP here: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/001p0r

This is a free event.

Serving food and light refreshments.

January 21st

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

February 18th

PSO/Florida's Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (F1RST) Bldg.

10368 Charles Bo Harrison Way Land O' Lakes Florida 34737- Building J

March 18th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

April 15th

Utilities Bldg. Crystal Springs Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

May 20th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

June 17th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

July 15th

PSO/Florida's Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (F1RST) Bldg.

10368 Charles Bo Harrison Way Land O' Lakes Florida 34737- Building J

August 19th

Utilities Bldg. Crystal Springs Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

September 16th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

October 21st

PSO/Florida's Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (F1RST) Bldg.

10368 Charles Bo Harrison Way Land O' Lakes Florida 34737- Building J

November 18th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

December 16th

Utilities Bldg. Cotee or Anclote Conference Room

19420 Central Boulevard Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637

Source:: https://www.pascocountyfl.gov/services/human_services/human_trafficking.php

Operation Home for the Holidays was a multi-regional operation involving several federal, state and local agencies that led to the rescue of 122 missing or endangered children from Florida and nine other states. Join us as on December 10th as we welcome Kim Figurero, from More Too Life, and Laura Hamilton and Laura Henderson from Bridging Freedom who were directly involved in the effort. 

According to WTVT: "The children rescued ranged in age from 23 months to 17 years old. Law enforcement officials say many had experienced various levels of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or exposure to other criminal activity."  Click HERE for the news clip. 

For information on participating in FREE Network Zoom calls, please contact info.freenetwork.us@gmail.com