Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
Second seminar set for this Tuesday
An informational seminar was held and open to the public on Tuesday, March 25 at the Civic Center in El Dorado. The seminar attracted over 40 attendees who were informed attendees on the facts of human trafficking and what signs to look for in children and adult victims.
Sponsored by Soroptimist International El Dorado, Rotary Club of El Dorado, and City of El Dorado, the town hall welcomed two guest speakers to talk to the crowd about human trafficking by the numbers and resources for survivors. Before beginning their presentation, Butler County Sheriff Monty Hughey highlighted the recent human trafficking sting operation they conducted, which is detailed in the article titled, “Seven men arrested after successful multi-agency sting operation,” which is located on A1.
Stephanie Uhlik with the Kansas Department of Children and Families gave us insightful information on how DCF partners with local agencies to combat human trafficking and other crimes. Jennifer White, Founder and Director of ICT S.O.S., gave a presentation on how ICT S.O.S. helps victims and survivors of human trafficking, the signs to look for in children and adults who are potentially being trafficked and what resources are available through the organization.
ICT SOS is a non-profit organization founded in Wichita with a mission to end human trafficking. The team and volunteers utilize prevention and awareness education, advocacy for survivors and acts as a bridge between direct service professionals and community volunteers.
The second seminar has been scheduled for April 1 at the same time and same place. This time there will be a panel of advocates, prosecutors and resource managers available to answer questions over the topic of human trafficking. The panelists include:
-Darrin Devinney, Butler County District Attorney
-Cortnie Killen, Child Advocacy Center Coordinator/Sunlight Children’s Services
-Jeff Murphy, Deputy Chief/El Dorado Police
-Nicole Ensminger, Marriage & Family Therapist/Thrive Therapy & Consulting
-Stephanie Uhlik, Kansas Department of Children and Families
The panelists selected have extensive experience of human trafficking advocacy or work within the crime through their own industries. The meeting will be mainly focused on Q&A with the panel.
Cookies and refreshments will be provided for attendees. This event is free to attend and open to the public. It will begin at 6:30pm with doors opening at 6pm at the Civic Center in El Dorado located at 201 E Central Ave.
