VAST and KidsPeace receive funding to raise awareness and support survivors in the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown, PA, January 25, 2018 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) Women United has awarded $25,000 to VAST and KidsPeace for programming that will raise awareness about human trafficking in the Lehigh Valley and support teenage survivors.
“Human trafficking has a deep and lasting impact on survivors. The emotional scars can last a lifetime,” said Women United President Marilee Falco. “Women United must add its voice to the growing, local movement to end human trafficking in the Lehigh Valley. With these funds, survivors of human trafficking can have hope for a safe, productive and healthy life.”
By selecting this cause as one of its 2018 signature projects, Women United will provide $10,000 to support the KidsPeace Enhanced Clinical Trauma and Life Skills program, which was developed specifically for female adolescent survivors of trafficking and trauma. The goal of the program is to provide clinical care and life skills education to 80 adolescent females with histories of trauma within one year. The average age of admission into the program is 13-14 years old.
“The victims of human trafficking suffer sexual, emotional and physical abuse,” reports Dominick DiSalvo, KidsPeace Senior Director of Clinical Services for PA Residential. “They need holistic mental health treatment that recognizes them as victims, imparts new self-value and skills, and provides an opportunity to use those skills in meaningful ways. The KidsPeace Enhanced Clinical Trauma and Life Skills program fosters resilience and empowers girls to move beyond a life of trauma and trafficking.”
Women United will also award $15,000 to VAST (The Valley Against Sex Trafficking) to create a community-wide awareness campaign that will increase understanding about local human trafficking that occurs in the Lehigh Valley.
“Based on national studies, we can deduce that anywhere from 100 to 300 men and women in the Lehigh Valley are exploited by human trafficking each year. We cannot be a Valley that turns a blind eye to this issue. Being aware is the first step towards being empowered to do something. With increased understanding, we can identify and restore survivors of human trafficking and build bridges of hope,” added Christiana Dominguez, MSW, Executive Director of VAST.
Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community. We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. www.UnitedWayGLV.org
About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United makes a difference in the lives of women and children in the Lehigh Valley with philanthropy, advocacy and volunteer efforts. Women United is part of a global network of more than 70,000 women in 165 communities across six countries, all dedicated to improving lives and creating stronger communities. Click here for more information.
About VAST
Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, VAST empowers survivors and encourages the community to take action in the anti-trafficking movement. More information is available at www.vast.ngo.
About KidsPeace
For more than 135 years, KidsPeace has been building on its expertise to give hope, help and healing to children, families and communities throughout the United States. Through its comprehensive range of residential treatment programs; accredited educational services; unique psychiatric hospital and foster care and community-based programs, KidsPeace is dedicated to helping people connect, transform and overcome their challenges to ensure a stable future, transition to adulthood and gain independence. Since its doors opened in 1882, more than 200,000 children have participated in one of the multitude of programs KidsPeace offers. For additional resources or more information on how to get involved, become a foster parent or make a donation, please visit www.kidspeace.org. Follow us at www.facebook.com/kidspeace.org or on Twitter @KidsPeace.
Information and images provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
Director, Communications and Media Relations
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Celebrating 100 years of service to the Lehigh Valley.
1110 American Parkway NE Suite F-120 Allentown, PA 18109
www.unitedwayglv.org
