The Free to Dream Festival raised more than $18,000 on Friday, August 26 at the Freedom Center Church in Fenton to help survivors of human trafficking.
The Prism Project, a 501(c)3, organized the event. Their goal is to educate the public about human trafficking and support survivors. The $18,305 raised will help them open a safe house for survivors called the Mission Ranch Safe House. More than 200 people attended the event.
Sylvia Blythe, executive director of the Prism Project, said the event went “really well”.
“It was beautiful weather, great entertainment and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves,” he said.
At last year’s Free to Dream Festival, they announced that they were in the process of acquiring the Mission Ranch Safe House. Since then, they have renovated the facility and now have six single bedrooms and three bathrooms, and also have security cameras, fire alarms and a fire extinguisher system to make the home safe and comfortable for to the survivors
“Now we are at the finish line. Our State of Michigan CCI license is in the final stages of paperwork with all favorable reports to be submitted. Our consultant anticipates that we should have our license in mid to late September. Once licensed, we have everything ready to open and start helping girls heal and find their mission in life,” she said.
The family-friendly event featured activities and food options for all ages, including Kona Ice, D&W Street Eatery, Two brothers Mac Shack, the Apple Cart, and popcorn made by Hurley Children’s Miracle Network, Uncle Ray’s Ice Cream, FitBox and baskets prepared by Tyrone. Hills Golf Club that were auctioned off. They also had an escape tank and bounce houses. Emmanuel Youth Band, Lillie Young and Academy del la Danse provided the music and dance
In an earlier Times story, Blythe said the most common misconception she hears about sex trafficking is how often it occurs. People often think human trafficking works like “Taken” when in fact random kidnappings account for only about 3 percent of trafficking cases, Blythe said, and 97 percent of victims know their trafficker .
“Hollywood is so far from the reality we have at hand. A couple of other misconceptions are that it only happens to girls or it happens in other countries. But the truth is, America is a destination country. It’s in say, America is where the money and demand for this heinous crime is extremely prevalent. It’s absolutely here. It’s absolutely in our state, counties and cities,” he said.
The public “desperately” needs to be aware of how children spend their time online, Blythe said. The young man spends time on Instagram, Snapchat, Roblox, Fortnite and other chat rooms where traffickers often prey on vulnerable people.
“Having knowledge about human trafficking, both parents and children, removes a great vulnerability and replaces it with empowerment. We truly believe that education is prevention,” he said.
