The survivor engagement program at the University of Maryland SAFE Center provides survivors of human trafficking with meaningful opportunities to connect and grow. Developed in response to client feedback, the program offers group discussions, team-building exercises, and wellness workshops that help participants build stronger interpersonal relationships, enhance communication skills, and prioritize their health. “Our goal […]
The retreat, held at the University of Maryland, College Park, was an exceptional opportunity for girls to hear from experienced leaders about developmental skills that will be extremely useful as they navigate their teenage years into adulthood. The aim of the retreat was to empower girls and help them develop their confidence, provide mentorship and […]
Housing is the greatest unmet need of the sex and labor trafficking survivors that the SAFE Center serves. Most of our clients are unstably housed, including almost 100% of our crisis intervention clients who may have recently exited their trafficker’s physical control. Recognizing these challenges, the SAFE Center convened a survivor-led panel to discuss obstacles to obtain and maintain safe and […]
Our Human Trafficking Awareness Month event, First Step into Employment: Empowering Human Trafficking Survivors through Economic Opportunities, highlighted the vital role of private sector partnerships in providing viable career paths for human trafficking survivors and showcased successful models that not only offer employment opportunities but also enhance the well-being of those seeking to reclaim their […]
Allison Norris, Esq., Legal Immigration Services Director at the SAFE Center, was invited by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to speak at their Children’s Services Convening last month. USCCB Children’s Services, through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), provides services to children who come to the United States alone including shelter, foster care, […]
SAFE Center Director of Equity and Community Partnerships, Jatnna Gomez, was confirmed this July by the Prince George’s County Council to serve a 2-year term on the Commission for Women. The Commission, established by the Council in 1972, was created to improve the quality of life for women and girls by advocating, initiating, and championing […]
Through school visits, youth trainings, and peer leadership programs, Prevention Social Worker Tanejah Jones has led the SAFE Center Behavioral Health team in expanding prevention efforts across the region, promoting safety and mental well-being for students. SAFE Center staff have hosted outreach events at Bowie High School, the International High School at Langley Park, and […]
In a powerful panel discussion led by the SAFE Center, University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center (UMCRMC) & HEAL Trafficking, experts explored the connection between race, trafficking, and health equity. Intersecting identities can affect the care that human trafficking survivors receive, and health care providers can play a key role in supporting patients with lived […]
SAFE Center Legal Services Director Alysha (Ali) Welsh was recently appointed by the U.S. Attorney General to serve as an Immigration Judge. Ali’s extensive experience in immigration law will make her an excellent Immigration Judge. Although we will miss her, we look forward to seeing the positive impact Ali will have in this important new role.
The SAFE Center filed comments urging the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to adapt and deploy existing international trade mechanisms and develop new strategies and tools to combat forced labor on a more systemic basis. Those who exploit and benefit from forced labor create unfair trade conditions, devastate workers, undercut legitimate business, and mislead […]
