Press Releases

$10,000 grant will be supported by a mentorship program and training of Rotarians on how to identify victims

(LOUISVILLE, Ky.–) The Rotary Club of Louisville has awarded Family & Children’s Place (FCP) a grant that will help the organization fight human trafficking and support some of the youngest victims of this national epidemic.  The $10,000 grant will be further supported by Rotarians who will be trained on how to identify possible trafficking victims and a mentorship program focused on helping teens avoid high risk situations that could lead to a dangerous lifestyle.

“When it comes to human trafficking, we know that youth and teens can be easy targets for predators seeking to exploit children for their own gain,” said Pam Darnall, president and CEO of Family & Children’s Place.  “While we are extremely grateful for the financial support The Rotary Club of Louisville is providing, just as important are the volunteers who will be able to identify potential victims and possibly help them escape a living nightmare that no person should have to endure.”

According to Human Rights First—an independent national advocacy organization focused on human rights issues—in 2017, 25 percent of all victims of human trafficking were under the age of 18.  Additionally, 71 percent of victims are women and girls.  Locally, Rescue and Restore Kentucky estimates that of the victims of human trafficking identified since 2008, 60 percent have been children or youth under the age of 18.

“We know that there is an underworld of criminals and predators who view large international sporting events like the Derby as an opportunity to victimize children,” said Darnall. “As the number of families we serve continues to grow, having the resources we need in place to counter these criminal efforts is an annual challenge we face.”

Barry Barker, president of Rotary Club of Louisville, says that the grant Rotary of Louisville has made to FCP reflects the organization’s commitment to tackle some of the community’s toughest challenges.

“The Rotary Club of Louisville has a rich history of investing in efforts where we can not only provide financial support but also engage our members in issues that would benefit from an increase in community awareness,” said Barker.

“Preventing human trafficking is a top, current focus of our members, and we are pleased to partner with FCP, especially to help more youth escape from those who seek to exploit them.”

Family & Children’s Place works to protect Kentuckiana children, families and communities from abuse, neglect and exploitation and, through research-based, trauma-informed services, help them heal. The organization has supported families for more than 135 years and today serves approximately 5,000 children and families annually. For more information about Family and Children’s Place, visit www.famchildplace.org or call 502-893-3900.