Tag Archives: Manasseh Project

Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project to offer FREE educational screening, conversation with human trafficking survivor on Jan. 22

Watch the trailer for the educational documentary “Nameless,” courtesy of Wedgwood Christian Services and Sacred Beginnings


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Wedgwood Christian Services’ (WCS) Manasseh Project is inviting the public to join them for a free screening of the educational documentary titled Nameless on Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

Following the screening will be conversation with trafficking survivor Leslie King, Founder and President of Sacred Beginnings, and Marie Brown, House Supervisor at the WCS Manasseh Project residential home, on the realities of human trafficking.

A huge disconnect

“Wedgwood started our Manasseh Project early in the 2010s and has continued to make sure that our community is bringing awareness around the issue of sex trafficking,” said Kori Thompson, WCS Advancement and Development Community Officer.

Thompson went on to say that the Manasseh Project was founded due to severe misconceptions regarding human trafficking.

(Courtesy, WCS)

“What we saw was this huge disconnect of people in our community not understanding that this was happening here – especially to young children – and yet having a residential home of victims of human trafficking,” said Thompson. “Over 10 years later, we are still finding that misconception.

“This is very real. This is real in our community, these are things that young people face. How can we, as a community, protect our children, protect these women, who are really victims in these scenarios.”

The “Film & Freedom: A Documentary & Discussion on Human Trafficking” event is a way to provide the community with resources and educate individuals on trafficking warning signs.

The screening of Nameless, an educational documentary, will reveal harsh realities surrounding human trafficking and how it begins.

“It’s really a survivor’s perspective,” said Thompson. “How they would be brought into that lifestyle, what happens, and some of the statistics around sex trafficking.”

A wealth of experience

Speakers Leslie King and Marie Brown will be bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to the screening and discussion.

A survivor of human trafficking, King founded the nonprofit organization Sacred Beginnings in 2005 to provide residential housing to victims of human trafficking and resources for support and recovery to those exiting the trafficking lifestyle.

(Courtesy photo)

“[King] does an incredible job through her program,” said Thompson. “She has been an amazing activist in the community for a very long time.”

The partnership between Sacred Beginnings and WCS has given King the ability to offer a therapeutic element by providing a WCS therapist who works closely with King’s recovery program.

The Manasseh Project provides community and professional education, collaboration advocacy and treatment to individuals who have experienced sexual and commercial exploitation. Brown has served as house supervisor at the Manasseh Project residential home for over 20 years and oversees all residential home programming.

Perception and knowledge

Millions are victims of trafficking, and many of those victims are children (Courtesy, WCS)

“Film & Freedom” will be held at Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids.

The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the documentary screening beginning at 6 p.m. Interviews and discussion will begin at 7:15 p.m. with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions beginning at 8:15 p.m.

Free ticket and event registration can be found here.

Thompson said she hopes “Film & Freedom” attendees walk away with two things: a change in perspective and an awareness of the importance of educating oneself about human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

“I hope it changes their perspective of what would bring someone into this situation and how we, as a society, can best help them,” said Thompson. “I think we hold a lot of assumptions and preconceived ideas and, quite frankly, judgment. Judging someone in this situation is not going to be the best way to help them.

“By changing your perspective on what this looks like, you can hopefully change the narrative and offer healing to victims. Because that’s what they are – victims and survivors.”

In regard to education, Thompson believes that “when you know better, you can educate others.”

“Ultimately, when we can educate our community on these vital signs of what is happening in our community, they can call it out,” said Thompson. “Then we are all advocates working together for the goal of stopping human sex trafficking.”

A unique twist

Building face-to-face connections can help individuals know where to go if they need help (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

The “Film & Freedom” event is unique in that WCS will be bringing in several community organizations in addition to Sacred Beginnings.

Safe Haven Ministries and Silent Observer will be featured at the event. Local boutique, Crowned Free, will also be in attendance with items available for purchase. A percentage of the Crowned Free profit is given back to support victims of human trafficking.

“All of these [organizations/resources] are a way to not only educate our community, but also show our community that these are the resources we have available,” said Thompson. “If something happens, these are the people on the front lines doing the work.

“We want to make sure we’re having that face-to-face connection with these other amazing organizations as well because it truly takes everyone to do this type of work.”

Learn more!

Learn more about the Manasseh Project here.

More information about Leslie King, her journey, and Sacred Beginnings can be found here.

Preying on the vulnerable: How to protect yourself and loved ones against human trafficking

Prevent human trafficking through education and understanding (Courtesy, WCS)

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Human trafficking is a crime of exploitation that preys on the vulnerable.

This form of crime and abuse claims victims without discrimination. Traffickers will look for vulnerabilities in those of any age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, immigration status, cultural background, religion, socio-economic class, and education level.

Millions are victims of trafficking, and many of those victims are children (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

With approximately 27.6 million victims worldwide at any given time, human traffickers profit at the expense of the victims by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex.

And the number of human trafficking incidents is rising.

“There’s definitely been an increase in the amount of [trafficking] incidents that have happened over the past several years,” said Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, WCS. “The big thing that’s coming into play is technology.

“A lot of individuals are experiencing their first grooming incidents online.”

However, many times predators are much closer to home than people realize – and they are targeting children.

Trafficking is highly relational

Traffickers create relationships with their victims first.

“They become friends with them online, or it may even be a loved one or family member – but they have some sort of connection with that client,” said Jackson.

The predator must first know the victim’s needs in order to offer a solution and make the perpetrator appear safe. Often the most susceptible and vulnerable are children.

One of Wedgwood’s Residential Homes (Courtesy, WCS)

“We typically see individuals getting into trafficking between ages 12 and 16,” said Jackson.

Nearly half of child trafficking cases worldwide involve family members, with family involvement in child exploitation almost four times higher than in cases of adult trafficking.

Because of this, children may not recognize themselves as victims.

Even if they do, fear can prevent children from seeking help. Those fears can come from fear of law enforcement, fear of returning to an abusive home, of being deported, or of harm befalling their loved ones. Victims may also feel a sense of guilt or shame that causes them to remain silent.

It is also important to understand that, though many traffickers are male, women can also be perpetrators. Some traffickers work in groups consisting of both men and women.

The common denominator

Lyrics to a song residents wrote together in music therapy (Courtesy, WCS)

Whether a child or an adult, vulnerability remains the common factor.

As the therapist for Wedgwood’s residential home that serves human trafficking victims ages 12-17, Jackson is no stranger to seeing that vulnerability firsthand.

“I’ve been in this position for four years, and every story is so unique,” said Jackson. “But the one thing always in common is that vulnerability.

“Every single one of my clients, when they talk about why they got into human trafficking, [say] they felt unloved, they felt vulnerable enough to allow anyone to give them that love and attention.”

A dysfunctional home life is one of the main catalysts for involvement in human trafficking.

“Maybe they’re running away from home, or they’re displaying images or messages online suggesting that they’re not happy at home,” said Jackson. “They’re looking to try to fill that void of the relationship they don’t have with their parents with anyone out there willing to give it to them.”

How can we stop the cycle?

Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) is dedicated to preventing human trafficking by bringing awareness to the community and urging people to educate themselves on the dangers and signs of human trafficking.

Prevention of human trafficking, Jackson believes, begins in the home.

“It first starts with having, and modeling, positive relationships in the home,” said Jackson. “A lot of times when we see youth seek out that negative attention, it’s because they’re looking to fill that void they’re not getting in the home.”

WCS residents participating in a “Let Go, Let God” activity (Courtesy, WCS)

Creating a safe space at home for children to give voice to their feelings is crucial.

Having open conversations with children about warning signs they should look for online is also essential.

Jackson urges parents to be aware of current street language, their children’s social media use, and who their children talk to.

Red flags to watch for can include changes in a youth’s personal hygiene, the amount of cash they have on them, and evidence of sexual activity.

Educate, educate, educate

Continual education regarding human trafficking is encouraged.

“This is a topic that continues to grow, and there’s more information on it all the time,” Jackson said.


Tip sheets provided by WCS can help with that education and understanding:

Things to Look For

Prevention Through Empowerment

Dos & Don’ts

Resources for victims

Wedgwood’s Cook Claus Program, also known as Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project Trauma Recovery Center, is a local residential treatment program for victims of sex trafficking.

The program provides a safe environment where victims can begin to heal and gain hope for their future.

A WCS resident’s graduation, summer 2023 (Courtesy, WCS)

Access the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Local organization reveals myths and truths about human trafficking, works to empower victims and educate community

Wedgwood Christian Services works to empower sex trafficking victims and educate the community (Courtesy, pxhere.com)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Human traffickers prey on vulnerability – bringing them closer to home than most people realize.

Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) is dedicated to preventing human trafficking by bringing awareness to the community and urging people to educate themselves on the dangers and signs of human trafficking.

Part of that education is recognizing the myths and truths surrounding human trafficking.

Not like the movies

Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, Wedgwood Christian Services (Courtesy, WCS)

“One of the biggest myths that I see is that all human trafficking involves crossing of state lines,” said Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, WCS. “A lot of times human trafficking is local, the community trafficking them within the city the individual lives in.”

Trafficking is not like movies often portray, with an individual smuggled or kidnapped by a stranger.

“A lot of times, an individual is groomed into willingly going into a relationship, but then they are manipulated to stay with physical tactics later on,” said Jackson.

Traffickers create relationships with their victims first.

“They become friends with them online, or it may even be a loved one or family member – but they have some sort of connection with that client.”

Jackson went on to say that the predator has to know about the victim’s needs in order to offer a solution, making the perpetrator appear safe. The predator then isolates the victim, causing the victim to feel that only the perpetrator can meet their needs.

“That’s how they get those clients to stay for so long,” Jackson said.

The bottom line?

“A perpetrator is looking for someone who’s vulnerable,” said Jackson.

As the therapist for Wedgwood’s residential home that serves human trafficking victims ages 12-17, Jackson is no stranger to seeing that vulnerability firsthand.

Predators look for vulnerabilities to exploit (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

“I’ve been in this position for four years, and every story is so unique,” said Jackson. “But the one thing always in common is that vulnerability.

“Every single one of my clients, when they talk about why they got into human trafficking, [say] they felt unloved, they felt vulnerable enough to allow anyone to give them that love and attention.”

Many times, that vulnerability is found in younger children.

“Frequently their first experience with someone grooming them or attempting to get them into the life of human trafficking, it’s very young,” said Jackson. “We typically see individuals getting into trafficking between ages 12 and 16.”

A perpetrator is looking to provide them with something they can’t provide themselves. An older individual who has maintained employment, housing, or a stable relationship doesn’t have enough vulnerabilities for the trafficker to easily sustain.

A dysfunctional home life is one of the main catalysts for involvement in human trafficking.

“Maybe they’re running away from home, or they’re displaying images or messages online suggesting that they’re not happy at home,” said Jackson. “They’re looking to try to fill that void of the relationship they don’t have with their parents with anyone out there willing to give it to them.

Predators look for ways they can provide what victims feel they lack (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

“[Predators] look for an individual who has some of those adverse childhood experiences, those traumas, and those vulnerabilities to feed off of.”

Once that relationship is built, the predator begins to abuse their power by making that client do sexual favors for them. That client often feels like they have to stay with them because their needs have been met by that perpetrator for so long, they don’t know how they will have shelter or food if they leave.

Fear of that perpetrator going after the victim’s parents, or doubt that their parents will believe them, can also cause the victim to stay.

Human trafficking on the rise

“There’s definitely been an increase in the amount of [trafficking] incidents that have happened over the past several years,” said Jackson. “The big thing that’s coming into play is technology.

“A lot of individuals are experiencing their first grooming incidents online. Displaying vulnerabilities on social media, having someone reach out to them, asking them to build that relationship…that may turn into human trafficking later.”

Not all chains trapping a victim are physical (Courtesy photo)

Jackson went on to say that a growing awareness of human trafficking has also caused an increase in incidents.

The knowledge that there is such a thing as receiving money, clothing, or shelter in exchange for services has caused victims to willingly enter trafficking situations while on the run from their family.

Psychological chains

Though many victims are physically locked down and unable to leave their situation, many times the chains are psychological.

“That is a myth in itself, that sometimes these victims physically are unable to leave, like they are chained up or behind locked doors,” said Jackson. “With a lot of my clients, they are forced to be in hotel rooms where they could walk out, but they’re fearful of what might happen [if they leave].

“Although the door isn’t physically locked, they have emotional chains on them.”

Trafficking stereotype

Though many people think traffickers are male, Jackson said that it is important to realize that women can also be perpetrators. Some traffickers work in groups consisting of both men and women.

“A lot of times we actually see women being the trafficker because they know that another woman would build trust with [the victim] easier than a male would,” said Jackson.

Stopping the cycle

Open conversations and a safe home environment are important (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Prevention of human trafficking, Jackson believes, begins in the home.

“It first starts with having, and modeling, positive relationships in the home,” said Jackson. “A lot of times when we see youth seek out that negative attention, it’s because they’re looking to fill that void they’re not getting in the home.”

Creating a safe space at home for children to give voice to their feelings is crucial.

Having open conversations with children about warning signs they should look for online is also essential.

“A lot of times when clients come to us, they have a lack of education growing up,” said Jackson. “So when they get trafficked, they don’t necessarily know what they are getting into.

“They really thought they were getting into a safe relationship, but no one ever taught them what to look for, what is healthy and unhealthy, and those dos and don’ts when talking to someone online or in the community.”

Jackson urges parents to be aware of current street language, their children’s social media use, and who their children talk to.

Educate yourself and others to help prevent this crime (Courtesy photo)

Red flags to watch for can include changes in a youth’s personal hygiene, the amount of cash they have on them, and evidence of sexual activity.

Continual education regarding human trafficking is encouraged.

“This is a topic that continues to grow, and there’s more information on it all the time,” Jackson said.

Resources for victims

Wedgwood’s Cook Claus Program, also known as Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project Trauma Recovery Center, is a local residential treatment program for victims of sex trafficking.

The program provides a safe environment where victims can begin to heal and gain hope for their future.

Access the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.