Town Hall Meeting on Human Trafficking in the Slate Belt on September 12 | The Valley Ledger

August 23, 2024, LEHIGH VALLEY, PA – Bloom for womenan organization dedicated to providing sanctuary and a continuum of care to heal, empower, and employ female victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in the Lehigh Valley, in partnership with numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, will host a town hall focused on human trafficking in the Slate Belt region of Pennsylvania on September 12, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Look Out Fire Company in Pen Argyl, Pa.

“The Slate Belt Regional Police Department, in collaboration with our local, state and federal partners, recognizes that human trafficking is an issue of grave concern to communities across the Commonwealth and nationally,” said Jonathan Hoadley, Chief of Department. “The Slate Belt Regional Police Department supports information sharing with the community to provide both recognition of human trafficking and sharing of available resources for victims of these crimes.”

Mayor Stephen Male of Pen Argyl will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event, and speakers will include Chief Hoadley; Patrick Jochum, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations; and Carol Andersen, CEO of Bloom for Women. Representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement agencies will also be in attendance. The purpose of this Town Hall Meeting is to raise awareness and help educate the community about human trafficking in the Slate Belt region. Speakers will discuss what human trafficking is, how to recognize the signs of human trafficking in our community, what is being done and can be done to combat this terrible injustice, and provide valuable resources.

There is no charge to attend this event. For questions, please contact [email protected] or 610-866-5755.

About Bloom for Women

Bloom for Women, Inc. Bloom, Inc. is a faith-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide refuge and a continuum of care to heal, empower, and employ women survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. As part of its mission, Bloom offers emergency care, a two-year residential program, services for pregnant survivors, and an independent living program in the Lehigh Valley area of ​​Pennsylvania. Bloom follows the model and is a sister community of the remarkably successful Thistle Farms Nashville program. Additionally, Bloom Creative Studio, based in Bangor, Pa., is a social enterprise that uses art as a healing tool and provides employment opportunities to survivors. Bloom also operates an upscale women’s resale boutique, My Sister’s Closet, based in Bethlehem, Pa., which provides employment opportunities for survivors, community service, and financial support for the organization.

Information provided to TVL by:
–ts Brand enhancement
https://www.tsbrandelevation.com/