VAST - Valley Against Sex Trafficking

We’re grateful for your ongoing support of VAST and our mission. Due to recent leadership changes, staffing, and realigning with our mission and vision the Board of Directors has made the decision to pause the drop-in center and 24/7 helpline effective September 22nd, 2023. Additionally, we have cancelled this year's Voices fundraiser event. During this stage of transformation, we will focus on reevaluating our mission and vision moving forward.

VAST will continue to offer training on human trafficking and trauma-informed care during this period of transition. We can still be contacted at [email protected] and (484) 560-6836.

Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and community partners for all of the support during this time.

In seeking services for survivors, we encourage community partners to utilize the following resources:
National Trafficking Hotline Number (888) 373-7888 or text: befree
Crime Victims Council 24 hour hotline (610) 437-6611 (crime and s*xual assault)
Bloom for Women (484) 268-8581 (residential program, adult female survivors)
Thrive (610) 691-1200 (Valley Youth House residential program, female survivors age 14-21)
Ripple Community Center (484) 240-1231
Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley 24 hour hotline (610) 437-3369 (domestic abuse)
911 police emergencies

We will continue to keep you updated through our newsletter, on our progress as we move forward. We know that as a Board, the stewardship of VAST is our primary purpose. We will continue to look at our impact and make decisions that are in alignment with our mission.

Sincerely,
Deb Stellato, on behalf of the VAST Board of Directors

This Feature Friday we would like to, once again, feature our incredible friends at Joyful Giving!! They consistently collect and provide hygiene kits to many in the community, we have been honored to receive probably thousands of these over the years!!! Thank you so so much Joyful Giving you are incredible and we are grateful for and to you!!!!

Our friends at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center are hosting a special Pride night at Dorney Park, October 13th!! Get your tickets!!

This Feature Friday we would like to share about a wonderful opportunity our community had to learn about Essential Oils and all of their benefits. Thank you to Colleen for sharing your passion with us!! We appreciate you!!

Idea #3 for how YOU can combat human trafficking!! Volunteer, and support anti-trafficking efforts here and around the world!

There is always something you can do for organizations, they need people like you to continue their work; volunteer, fundraise, support!
Here are some suggested organizations, but if you look around yourself you will find that the list of organizations is endless! You can find even more in your own country, state, city, just google it!

VAST: https://vast.ngo
Bloom for Women: https://bloomforwomen.org
SAGE: https://thesurvivorsalliance.org

Seattle Ops: https://www.seattleops.org
Restore NYC: https://restorenyc.org
Truckers Against Trafficking: https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org

Shear Love International: https://www.shearloveinternational.org
A21: https://www.a21.org
Love 146: https://love146.org
Sew Free: https://www.sewfree.org

Regardless of WHO you are and WHERE you are, YOU CAN DO SOMETHING!!!

Our "Back to School" Newsletter is out today!! Click the link to read it, and feel free to subscribe so you don't miss out on future versions!!!
https://mailchi.mp/thevast/augustseptember-newsletter-6647724

Happy Labor Day!! Today while celebrating the great advancements our country has taken in making the work environment better for so many, please keep in mind that this is not the case in most other countries! Take time to educate yourself, and raise awareness about labor trafficking, so some real change can begin!