Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking (BEST)

We are thrilled to announce the addition of two terrific individuals to our board of directors at BEST. Each brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to help BEST prevent human trafficking in public-facing workplaces across the US. Please join us in welcoming?Kerrie Holleman?and?Jenn Dougherty.?Together, we are creating a better world where all people can be free of exploitation. #EndHumanTrafficking?#MakeAnImpact?#BoardOfDirectors

Looking to make a difference in the world? Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking (BEST) is on the hunt for a passionate and driven Director of Development and Communications to join our incredible team! ? If you have a heart for human rights causes and a knack for fundraising and communications, this can be the perfect opportunity for you to shine. You'll have the chance to help lead the charge in combating human trafficking and make a real impact in the lives of human trafficking survivors. ? Come be a part of something truly meaningful and help us create a brighter future for all. Apply now and let's change the world together! https://lnkd.in/gNcYSiuG #EndHumanTrafficking #MakeADifference #JoinOurTeam

Human trafficking is a serious crime, and it often goes unnoticed and unreported at workplaces. BEST launched our new BEST Basics course in September for employees to learn the signs of human trafficking, how to report it safely, and support victims. This 30-minute, video-based training can be used by any business and addresses both sex and labor trafficking. Learn more about our newest training on our blog. https://lnkd.in/gYjtEq5C #EndHumanTrafficking #HumanTraffickingAwareness??

The New York City Police Department recently launched its “Restore Roosevelt Avenue” Operation. Advocates have been joining the raids of brothels under this operation to let people who have been forced into sex work know the options they have to leave. Our friend, Melanie Thompson, is a survivor of sex trafficking, and she now does advocacy and outreach for survivors. Thompson states the importance of not criminalizing people in sex work. The people who purchase sex, as well as the pimps, should be prosecuted rather than victims. Instead, survivors of sex trafficking should be offered help in leaving their situation. #EndHumanTrafficking

Human trafficking victims are often financially manipulated and exploited by their traffickers. That’s why we’re grateful to our corporate sponsor and partner, BECU, who is training their employees with our human trafficking prevention training, BEST Basics. BECU is also implementing effective polices to help recognize human trafficking activity, as well as raising awareness about increasing the reporting of human trafficking by placing our Not Alone signs throughout their facilities. BECU is setting a tremendous example for how financial institutions can make a real difference in preventing human trafficking in our community. #EndHumanTrafficking #FinancialIndustry??

A new live-in shelter called the Hallow by Samaritan House has opened in Virginia Beach and houses up to eight youths under 18. This shelter is unique in its ability to support human trafficking survivors and their specific needs. Although emergency shelters can house survivors, they usually do not have the means to include mental health support services for them. The Hallow is staffed 24/7 and offers counseling services such as art and equine therapies at the facility. The staff hopes to add an outdoor basketball court and gardens in the future. #EndHumanTrafficking #Shelter?

BEST’s Corporate Relations Coordinator, Brianna Cho, was a guest on the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound's Morning Brief to encourage maritime employees in western Washington to attend an upcoming Ports to Freedom training on November 14 from 12pm – 1pm. Labor trafficking victims are often left stranded on ships. Maritime employees have a vital role in identifying human trafficking when vessels are docked and survivors have the opportunity to ask for help. By attending this webinar, maritime workers can hear first-hand stories from survivors and gain skills and insights to combat human trafficking. We are thrilled to have been showcased in the Maritime Morning Brief, and we’re excited to host this upcoming training! #EndHumanTrafficking #MaritimeIndustry?

We are looking forward to our upcoming Ports to Freedom training with the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound on Nov. 14. Human trafficking is a crime that can go unseen and unreported in the isolation at sea. But it is often maritime workers in places like the Puget Sound who can recognize a potential human trafficking situation. This valuable training can help!

This support group in Idaho is unique in that it is led by human trafficking survivors. Two local organizations, the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition (IATC) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Utah had collaborated in creating the group, which they believe will create a safer space for survivors who want the guidance of someone who has already been through their journey. For people who wish to lead the group, they must go through an application process and training before starting. ?#EndHumanTrafficking?

Rethreaded is a nonprofit that employs women that are human trafficking survivors. Partnered with Southwest Airlines, the organization creates things recycled from leathers of aircraft leather, such as jewelry, journals, and handcrafted goods. The profits go to provide more services for human trafficking survivors, providing employment and career development. So far, they have generated $1 million dollars in profits and employed about 100 survivors. #AviationIndustry #EndHumanTrafficking?