My name is Therese DelGenio, and I am a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The existence of human trafficking in my once uninformed mind was a terrible tragedy that existed in third-world countries. I was stunned to learn that Cincinnati is a hotbed for labor and sex trafficking because of the north/south, east/west highways used to transport victims.
Since the local problem was so enormous, Sister Joan Krimm and I worked with eight other religious orders to educated others through presentations and to provide hotel/motel staff with an awareness of “red flags” and resources for assistance when they suspected trafficking occurring in their facilities.
A blessing that came out of this endeavor was meeting and becoming friends with Harold, Dancy, and their two remarkable sons. They taught me the power of courage, faith, hope, and resilience which they pass on to others who are entrapped.
There is so much that can be done through financial as well as professional resources for victims: legal, medical, dental, spiritual, psychological. Working together we can do our part to provide basic needs for food, clothing and shelter, and furniture. Every effort, no matter how small, is huge in affirming the goodness and dignity of every victim. Please reach out.