Human trafficking survivor, activist and best-selling author partners with local organizations for support
NEW ORLEANS– Theresa Flores, nationally known survivor of human trafficking, is partnering with Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO), United Way of Southeast Louisiana Women United, Southern Mississippi University Center for Human Trafficking Research and Training and Louisiana First Foundation/NCPHST on Saturday, Feb. 1 to distribute soap products and posters with information about human trafficking and missing children to local hotels and motels around New Orleans. Each year in Louisiana, thousands of victims of all ages, genders and ethnicities have been identified as human trafficking victims. As New Orleans prepares to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world, these groups have partnered up with the S.O.A.P. (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution) Project to raise awareness to bring an end to human trafficking.
Over 200 volunteers will gather at the JLNO headquarters to be trained on the signs of human trafficking and distribute over 13,000 bars of soap and 14,000 makeup remover wipes labeled with the National Human Trafficking Hotline number. “The demand for sex for sale will be at an all-time high during the Super Bowl,” warns Theresa Flores. “With over 100,000 visitors coming to New Orleans and then another 1.5 million for Mardi Gras, the demand will continue to increase.”
Human trafficking, the second-largest criminal enterprise in the United States, is a grave concern during high-profile events like the Super Bowl. Tragically, traffickers often exploit vulnerable individuals, including runaways and missing children, forcing them into a cycle of exploitation and selling them to visitors in hotels and motels. For the past 15 years, S.O.A.P. has led national outreach efforts at 14 Super Bowls, the Detroit Auto Show, NASCAR races, the Kentucky Derby and major political events. With a proven track record of assisting local authorities and rescuing trafficking victims, S.O.A.P. plays a critical role in combating human trafficking during high-demand events.
To learn more or register as a volunteer, you can use this link here.
About Junior League New Orleans
Junior League of New Orleans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. More information on the organization can be found at www.jlno.org
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