Catholic Charities of Lee, Hendry and Glades

Fort Myers--For more than two years, Catholic Charities of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, in partnership with the Lee County Sheriffs' Department and Florida Gulf Coast University, has served victims of human trafficking whether it is through indentured servitude for labor or sexual slavery.

For example, Tia was a young female who was lured away from a poor village in Central America with stories of fame and fortune in the United States. Unfortunately she was enslaved as a maid servant and forced into prostitution and became pregnant. Tia’s nightmare ended when she entered the Human Trafficking Program of Catholic Charities. Tia worked hard with her case manager to achieve many goals for healing and obtaining a healthy lifestyle. She strived to learn to speak English and as a result gained employment. Because of her great efforts, Tia and her young son are now self sufficient and enjoying their independence with pride and dignity.

In the past, very few human trafficking victims were identified. Catholic Charities staff have made great efforts to train faith-based organizations and other community groups to recognize the signs of victims who suffer from human trafficking as these are the types of places people trust and feel secure enough to reach out for help. Human trafficking smugglers often integrate themselves into their own ethnic communities which can make it difficult for victims to come forward.

The number of victims served by the Human Trafficking Program of Catholic Charities continues to grow. Recently, 12 victims and their children were brought to the program all at once. Staff jumped into action and also sought help from the community as these families came to Catholic Charities with little or no belongings.

The Social Justice Committee of Blessed Pope John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers responded to the urgent call and supplied Catholic Charities with diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby powder, and a gift bag for each victim containing personal hygiene items and a $50 Wal-Mart gift card.

Human Trafficking is a growing problem in Southwest Florida and Catholic Charities staff members are willing to speak to community organizations interested in assisting victims. For more information, please call Alex Olivares at Catholic Charities of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties at 239-738-8722.