Desert Charities News - Oct-Nov-Dec 2024

BARBARA SINATRA CHILDREN’S CENTER TAKES ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY The Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center (BSCC) has a longstanding commitment to supporting children and adolescents in the Coachella Valley. Founded in 1986 by Barbara and Frank Sinatra, the center is located on the Eisenhower Medical Center campus in Rancho Mirage. EXPANDING EFFORTS TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING In 2021, BSCC expanded its established partnershipwith the Sheriff’s Department to include collaboration with the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT). This partnership enhances a collaborative model to combat human trafficking through proactive outreach, education, awareness, while maintaining a trauma-sensitive and victim-centered approach from investigations to direct services. As part of these efforts, the Coalition to End Human Trafficking was established, encompassing all of Riverside County. The Coalition includes a diverse group of stakeholders working together to combat both sex and labor trafficking throughout the county. This project serves children, adolescents, and adult survivors of human trafficking. TRAINING AND OUTREACH RCAHT’s outreach team offers training on human trafficking and other relevant topics. Tailored training and outreach activities are available for youth, community members and groups, and professional agencies. To request training, please visit our website. UPCOMING EVENT 1ST ANNUAL RIVERSIDE COUNTY ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUMMIT Our 1st Annual Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Summit at the Agua Caliente Resort & Casino in Rancho Mirage will be on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The conference aims to achieve increased awareness and education surrounding human trafficking in Riverside County. The summit will feature national expert speakers on human trafficking, including local leaders. This event is free for Riverside County professionals in law enforcement, social services, advocacy, education, and other related fields. Written by Denise Rodriguez Bowman MSW Director of Forensic Services & Victim Advocacy, Forensic Interviewer, Trainer, Consultant, Expert Denise co-leads to Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force & Coalition to End Human Trafficking To become a sponsor, volunteer, or register for the summit, please visit our website at https://humantraffickingcoalition.org/