Monthly Service Challenge
Each month, a new mission will be posted as motivation for us all to roll up our sleeves and serve our communities. Be sure to keep the Office of the First Lady in the loop by posting on social media using #TennesseeServes for a chance to be recognized as a Service Spotlight. Grab your friends, family, classmates or colleagues and join us as Tennessee Serves!
FEBRUARY
Human trafficking has been reported in all 95 counties in Tennessee – and behind every statistic is a real person who needs support.
This month, join Tennessee Serves as we work to end human trafficking and care for survivors. Real change can happen when neighbors come together and choose action and awareness over silence.
Service Opportunities
Suggested Service Opportunities
**Please note that First Lady Maria Lee and the TN Serves team will not be attending these projects in-person**
· CCAHT Safe House Meal Train, Knoxville, anytime: Sign up to deliver a meal to survivors or provide meals with a gift card for takeout.
· Rest Stop Ministries, Hermitage, anytime: Register to commit to being a part of one of these teams: transportation, hospitality, administration, events, prayer, grounds, and/or program teams.
· A Way Out Ministries, Cordova, anytime: Start with the volunteer webinar to learn how individuals and groups can assist with A Way Out Ministries street outreach, residential program, after-care, and social enterprise efforts.
**Due to the sensitive nature of survivor rescue and restoration, most human trafficking nonprofits require an application process for volunteers**
Everyday Ways to Serve
Use these ideas to end human trafficking and support those impacted by this terrible crime in Tennessee this month:
- Learn the indicators of human trafficking and report suspicious behavior you notice, especially in locations like airports, hotels, rest stops, etc.
- Pack a survivor care bag with personal care and comfort items for rescue organizations like Freedom Aviation Network or Rescue 1 Global
- Familiarize yourself with local and national anti-human trafficking organizations
- Ask for donations to a survivor-focused nonprofit in lieu of birthday gifts
- Shop at anti-trafficking social enterprises like Thistle Farms, Fried Green Tomatoes, or Thistle & Bee to purchase items that support survivor recovery and skill-building
- Donate gift cards or other survivor needs to a human trafficking nonprofit like Ancora TN
Nonprofits Working to End Human Trafficking and Support Survivors:
East
Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking/Grow Free Tennessee
Middle
Ancora TN (formerly End Slavery TN)
Nashville Anti Human Trafficking Coalition
West
RestoreCorps
Statewide/National
TN Counter Trafficking Alliance
Find additional resources below:
National Human Trafficking Hotline
To report a tip or get help: Call: 1-888-373-7888 TTY: 711 Text: 233733
Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline
To report a tip or get help: Call: (855) 558-6484 or Text “BeFree” to 233733
TBI’s Human Trafficking Reports & Resources
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Statistical Reports offer key details and data on human trafficking in Tennessee and Resource guides direct Tennesseans how to identify and report suspected cases of human trafficking.
What Is Human Trafficking?
Ancora TN’s resource offering a comprehensive explanation of human trafficking, how it affects Tennessee, and the risk factors of trafficking.
Tennessee Counter-Trafficking Alliance
Combined forces dedicated to identifying, protecting and supporting Tennessee human trafficking victims in the most effective and efficient way possible.
Someone Like Me:
Ancora TN’s podcast created to amplify the voices of human trafficking survivors, shed light on this complex crime, and highlight how this organization continues to grow one of the most innovative and effective human trafficking restoration programs in the United States.