United Way of Story County and the New Docu-Series “The Hero Effect” Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking
A new inspirational docu-series, The Hero Effect, is airing on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on Saturday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m. CST with an episode highlighting a United Way-supported organization that advocates for youth and victims of human trafficking.
The third episode of The Hero Effect, appearing this January, will showcase More Too Life, an organization that advocates for all youth and the victims of human trafficking, rape, incest, prostitution and farm/domestic servitude. More Too Life was founded by Dr. Brook Bello, a survivor of human trafficking, whose efforts include restorative justice, demand prevention, street outreach, and human rights issues.
“This episode of The Hero Effect highlights the harsh reality of human trafficking that many people fall victim to,” said Jean Kresse, president and CEO of United Way of Story County (UWSC). “It’s reassuring to know that Story County has resources actively engaged in helping these victims.”
Each episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to visit www.HeroEffect.com and connect with their local United Way or other community-based organizations to create positive change.
Resources available for victims of human trafficking in Story County include:
Teens Against Human Trafficking- YSS’s Teens Against Human Trafficking (TAHT) program provides high school students the training, tools and information they need to raise awareness within their communities.
TAHT provides effective peer-to-peer education, creating role models for spreading the word. Students can create teams within their schools, host awareness and fundraising events, and/or host activities to engage others on this dangerous issue facing today’s teens. For more information, call (515) 233-3141 or visit http://www.yss.ames.ia.us/.
Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support (ACCESS)- provides free and confidential services to victims of human trafficking of all ages. Services include 24 hour crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency housing, advocacy in legal or medical systems, and ongoing support. ACCESS works to identify trafficking in the community through an online monitoring program as well as networking with community partners. Volunteers can be included in any of the trafficking response or identification programs following intensive training. For more information, contact 515-292-0500 or visit www.assaultcarecenter.org. For immediate assistance contact the crisis line at 515-292-5378.
The Hero Effect is an uplifting docu-series that tells the stories of ordinary individuals who are making extraordinary differences in their communities. Each episode is shot on location in different communities across the country, celebrating everyday heroes that facilitate beneficial, life-changing impact on the people around them.
Carolyn Jons of Story County will be featured in an episode scheduled to air on Saturday, March 11, 2017. Jons was nominated by UWSC for the series and was chosen by United Way Worldwide to be featured for her work in building literacy in Story County. Jons is a co-founder of Raising Readers in Story County and a member of their board of directors. She is also a member of Ames Reads and has long been instrumental in advancing school readiness, grade-level reading, and school attendance in our community.
The Hero Effect airs monthly on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CST and is co-hosted by former Super Bowl Champion Donald Driver and actress/advocate Emily Wilson.
UWSC is a strategic leader in building countywide partnerships to identify needs and to develop, support and evaluate effective human services, especially in the areas of education, income and health for our diverse community.