There is a bill sitting in committee HF 455 in the Iowa House of Representative’s State Public Safety Committee.

It was written as a response from one HR, Chuck Isenhart,  who heard about the dangers of human trafficking in Iowa as someone who wanted to find a way to support the efforts of those seeking to help human trafficking victims and be a good steward of Iowas Public funds.

That HR was joined by another, Lindsay James, and we hope it will grow beyond their efforts, that it will be supported by both parties, because human trafficking is a non-partisan travesty that needs to be stopped.  Because anti-human trafficking efforts matter a lot to Kim Reynold‘s our governor here in Iowa, we hope she gets a chance to see the bill and that she will sign it.

This is not to promote either political party; this is to celebrate those who are helping with the fight against human trafficking.

Below is a link to the bill and a list of the committee members that would need to move the bill forward before March 7th.

The bill is numbered HF 455 and is with the Public Safety Committee.

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=HF455&ga=88.

The members of the Committee are:

• Jarad Klein(R, District 78), Chair
• Jon Thorup(R, District 28), Vice Chair
• Timothy Kacena(D, District 14), Ranking Member
• Ako Abdul-Samad(D, District 35)
• Wes Breckenridge(D, District 29)
• Dean Fisher(R, District 72)
• Joel Fry(R, District 27)
• Tom Jeneary(R, District 5)
• David Kerr(R, District 88)
• Bob Kressig(D, District 59)
• Monica Kurth(D, District 89)
• Jeff Kurtz(D, District 83)
• Gary M. Mohr(R, District 94)
• Rick L. Olson(D, District 31)
• Ross C. Paustian(R, District 92)
• Sandy Salmon(R, District 63)
• Kristin Sunde(D, District 42)
• Phyllis Thede(D, District 93)
• Beth Wessel-Kroeschell(D, District 45)
• Matt W. Windschitl(R, District 17)
• Gary Worthan(R, District 11)

If you are inclined, please reach out to these representatives and show you are concerned about this topic.

Here is a link to a video that explains the hotel/motel staff training that is available.

Just want to toot the horn for the work the Tri-State Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Slavery has done to kick off the Hotel/Motel Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign.

Here is a link to the coverage about this project from KWWL TV.

and here is a link to the BVM Sister’s full coverage of the press conference.

There was also coverage in the TH Newspaper. You need a subscription to read it, so no link, sorry.

We also hope to have an article in The Witness that will be published on Friday.

This week four of us from the coalition pan on heading to Des Moines to meet with the governor and congress members as well as participate in the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery, open meeting on 1/17/2019.

We also want to give a shout of of praise for the management and staff of the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark for being the first hotel in the Dubuque area to participate in this vital training to protect hotel staff and guests from the dangers of human trafficking.

Also, we would like to make a shout of thanks for those who help make this training possible both locally and from those who wrote the curriculum we used from the Coalition on Human Trafficking.

And as an FYI –

Kevin Schwendinger will be presenting the “Historical Perspective of Slavery” and its cultural and migration affects as well as ecocide as it relates to labor slavery. He will also cover aspects of Sex Trafficking and some opportunities of how one might help interrupt this illegal industry. Kevin will provide resources to consider to educate oneself. This a FACT based presentation and not graphic in content nor are the short film clips. Please join at Statera: Integrated Health and Wellness Solutions, Lower Level on January 24th at 6:30pm for this free* presentation. Reservations not required.  We highly recommend people attend this session. Kevin’s research is solid and interesting.

So often the work is much harder than it appears on the surface. Spiritually this work is harrowing. Mentally it is arduous. Physically it can be draining. Always it is a privilege to serve God by serving the people in need around us. We do not take this role on lightly. And we cannot do it alone.

To all who have supported Set Free’s ministry through prayer and/or monetarily, thank you. We could not do this work without you.

 

 

This month is going to be extremely busy but for the most worthy of reasons. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. We will be working very closely with the Tri-State Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Slavery, the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery, the Coalition on Human Trafficking, as well as local schools, colleges, service agencies, local hotels, and even the Governor’s office and other elected officials.

Most of our events this month are private but there is are three public events I would like to suggest you consider attending.

Human Trafficking Informational Workshop
Sunday, January 6, 2 PM
@ Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Kevin Schwendinger and Lisa Schmidt will touch on several aspects of human trafficking, including historical perspectives of trafficking, how traffickers function, and who are the victims of trafficking. Additionally, they will discuss local resources and initiatives that are dedicated to combat human trafficking. There will be a question and answer session after the presentation. 18+. Free. 563-589-4225. dubuque.lib.ia.us.

They are members of the Tri-State Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Slavery and we are really excited about their presentation.

 

Information about Human Trafficking

Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 8 PM

Hillcrest Family Services    2005 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, Iowa 52001

Human trafficking impacts our community, and it’s up to us to end it. Join us for this free training by presenter Suzie Wright, Executive Director of Set Free Dubuque, and learn the signs of trafficking and how you can help stop it. This event is open to community members interested in co-creating a better society and is brought to you by the Dubuque chapters of Teens Against Human Trafficking and Achieving Maximum Potential.

 

And tentatively, there may be a presentation for the public in Hazel Green on January 13. More details to come.

Today was a great day and we are so thankful that so many braved the bad weather and came today. Thank you to the Rosheck Building staff, Charlotte’s Coffee House, Cathy Campbell from CNC Karaoke, The staff and volunteers from Waypoint and Riverview Center, and the Police Auxiliary Staff. And thank you to all who came because they wanted to make a stand for those across our world who are not free.

So looking forward to seeing people at the 3rd Annual Walk to Set Free.

Each year the event has been a little different and featured many different organizations. Though the storm clouds may be leaking, we will not be shaken.

This event is rain-or-shine.

If there is rain falling at 10:0AM, we will simply do an in-door walk that will be more interactive that the silent walk we are currently planning.

Happy to report that the manager at Tony Roma’s inside the Grand Harbor Hotel and Waterpark has agreed to donate $15 of any patron’s bill if they mention this fundraiser when they enter the restaurant on November 18, 2018 from 5 AM- 9 PM.

Thank you!