For Immediate Release December 29, 2021 Media Contact: Andy Cole Communication and Marketing Manager acole@tarta.com Office: 419.245.5213 Mobile: 567.249.5980
University of Toledo, TARTA team up to raise human trafficking awareness
The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) is partnering with the University of Toledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute to call attention to a widespread problem, help survivors of human trafficking and highlight their success stories.
TARTA will host a virtual press conference Thursday, January 6, 2022 – the first of several events for Human Trafficking Month. This series of initiatives was made possible by a Federal Transit Administration grant received by TARTA and jointly implemented with the University of Toledo.
Scheduled speakers include:
U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur
Erica Krause with comments from the office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown
Chelsea Golterman with comments from the office of Ohio Senator Teresa Fedor
Dr. Celia Williamson, Executive Director of the University of Toledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute
Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition Co-Chair Amy LaGesse
TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski
“Human trafficking can happen anywhere, but it has a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable members of our society and young people without the protective factors that are present in other areas,“ Dr. Williamson said. “Traffickers look very safe and operate in safe-looking places, it isn’t just strangers in dark alleys. It can happen through years of manipulation. It can happen anywhere.
“We have several programs through the institute that bring awareness to human trafficking and programs that are designed to help victims become survivors and survivors become thrivers. It’s important to remember that everyone has a role in this fight. Everyone has something they can contribute.”
Through several events in the month of the January, TARTA and the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute seek to raise the awareness of human trafficking with TARTA passengers and the general public. In addition to information posted on vehicles as well as TARTA’s website and social media channels, events in this collaboration will include:
Representatives of the Lucas County Human Trafficking Coalition will be at TARTA’s Transit Hub on Thursday, January 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to distribute information and help people know where to reach out if they or someone they know needs help.
A Human Trafficking Awareness Webinar on Wednesday, January 26, from noon to 1 p.m., featuring Dr. Williamson.
A training course for TARTA drivers to help them recognize the signs of human trafficking and understand the next steps.
“Through its transformation in recent years, TARTA has stressed involvement in the community we are lucky enough to serve,” Koprowski said. “Caring about our customers and being a part of that community includes recognizing when a member of that community is in trouble and knowing what we can do help.
“I want to thank Dr. Williamson and her team for not only helping to shine a light on an important issue, but for recognizing those who have suffered through the horror of human trafficking and survived to tell their stories.”
About TARTA TARTA provides a vital link in the Toledo metro area to jobs, education, health care and other destinations. It enables everyone in our community to have access to transportation regardless of their age, race, physical ability or economic background. TARTA is underway with exploring and introducing new initiatives and service options that will enhance convenience and customer experience while moving our region into the future of public transit.
