flags” is helping to combat trafficking at the community level. There is movement to identify the homeless youth demo- graphic as a target for intervention, and programs like HUD’s Youth Homeless- ness Demonstration Program are supporting communities that seek to end youth homelessness, specifically. In addition, being alert to hotspot events and locales (such as Super Bowl venues, gang-controlled communities, or public holiday events) have helped first responders hone in on possible trafficking rings. How Can Rescue Missions Help? R escue mission staff members are in a unique position to be able to recognize and intervene for people who are being exploited. Here are a few ways you can help. Collaborate with local authorities. Many groups like Crisis Aid Interna- tional work closely with the FBI or other first responders to identify and rescue victims. Rescue missions can work with other frontline agencies to combat the problem locally. Most major cities have task forces, and working together will help to redefine problems and demographics as they evolve. Training. Rescue missions would benefit from local training on recogniz- ing the signs of a trafficking victim. But they might also be proactive with action plans for rescue or reporting perpetra- tors. What will your volunteers do if they think they come in contact with a victim? What evidence does the local police need from staff? What organiza- tions are equipped to handle long-term rehabilitation? Give victims a sense of value. Law enforcement will be the first to say that the one thing most victims need above all is a stable family environment where children understand their sense of self- worth. Rescue missions quite possibly encounter victims after that family envi- ronment has already collapsed. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late. It could be that the first truly caring adult in a victim’s life is a volunteer at the food bank, or a pastor or counselor at your mission. Knowing how to replace a perpetra- tor’s promise of love or money or safety and starting a victim down the road to restoration with encouraging words or support could be the catalyst that breaks the cycle for at least one precious life. Ĩ 36 WWW.AGRM.ORG MAY/JUNE 2017 It could be that the first truly caring adult in a victim’s life is a volunteer at the food bank, or a pastor or counselor at your mission. Helen lives in Loveland, Colorado, and has been a writer, editor, and online content developer for more than 20 years. She is a part of the Langham Partnership USA communications team, and works as a consultant on communications for nonprofits and ministries with Cedarstone Partners. She can be reached at htgoody@gmail.com.