Earlier this year, the North Cobb Rotary hosted “The Truth About Sex Trafficking” in partnership with Rescuing Hope (rescuinghope.com) and through grant funds from Rotarian Action Group Against Slavery that is a collaboration between RC of Marietta, RC of Smyrna, RC of Alpharetta and RC of North Cobb.

Rescuing Hope Founder Susan Norris moderated a panel of law enforcement and community experts in discussion of sex trafficking in our community and across our state.  Panelists included Kaitlyn Salinas from the GA Attorney General Human Trafficking Division,  Ana Murphy Supervisor of Cobb Schools Social Workers, Julie Bossie Director of ER Nursing Wellstar/Douglas Hospital, Acworth PD Chief and Rotarian Jesse Evans, Detective Daniel Wood of Kennesaw PD, Lieutenant David Collins of Marietta PD, FBI SA Josh Norris,  and Roswell Rotarian and Co-Founder of RAGAS David McCleary.

The room of 150 or so attendees heard a frank description of internet grooming of young people, the signs of someone caught in trafficking, active trafficking cases in our community and the state as well as ways to join in awareness training for the community.  Ample evidence was presented to indicate that trafficking of people, particularly young teens, is a threat throughout Georgia.

Rescuing Hope provides training for schools, EMS and first responders, Law Enforcement and other organizations that might be on the front line.  Awareness programs are also available to churches, business associations and ROTARY CLUBS.

Grant funds are available to cover any expenses incurred by the Rescuing Hope team when speaking to District 6900 Rotary Clubs.  Please, join the fight and contact crystal@rescuinghope.com to schedule or Hicks Malonson from RCNC for grant questions hicks.malonson@harrynorman.com