July 2023 Newsletter: What We Have Been Up To

FEE’s Runaway/Missing Child Task Force To Help Stop Human Trafficking

Within the past half year or so, we have developed a Runaway/Missing Child Task Force in partnership with United Way.

The purpose of the Runaway/Missing Child Task Force is to create a more coordinated and supportive response to the risks that follow youth who run away from home or care, institute protocols within systems that involve youth (i.e. education) that will better serve teens and youth who either are at risk of running away or who have been actively running away, and assist with local cases in determining solutions to support both runaway youth, their families, and any aftercare services needed.

We firmly believe that runaway prevention is human trafficking prevention. Our goal is to address the risks and vulnerabilities that affect our local teen community members that lead to runaway/missing episodes, unhealthy relationships, dating, sexual exploitation and violence, homelessness, and human trafficking. Using best practices and updated research, strategies will be put into place focusing on reduction and intervention in Racine County.

We are accomplishing these goals using the following objectives:

1. Awareness. Awareness of the issues and complications surrounding runaway youth, how it intersects with human trafficking, and what solutions are available to address it.
2. Transportation Focus. Bus and train stations are recruitment sites, as runaway youth and homeless individuals may frequent these transit hubs. Additionally, survivors are coming into the most significant contact with transit systems during attempts to leave, only to be faced with a lack of access to safe and affordable transportation.
3. Community Events. Community events are where we are able to spread awareness and resources to various community members who may be impacted by these issues.
4. Resources. Resources for teens and youth will be available in various public spaces. By providing them with resources, those who are in need will be able to access the care that will protect them from potential exploitation.
5. Training and partnerships. We continue to train various professionals and community members on topics related to human trafficking while creating partnerships with organizations (i.e. LGBTQ+ centers) to create a more coordinated response to assist youth and families.

Are You Looking To Join our Runaway/Missing Child Task Force?

If you are interested in being part of our efforts to address the issues related to youth running away, send us an email at info@fighttoendexploitation.org and fill out this form!

Our next meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, September 12th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm CST. 

As part of our efforts to address the issues surrounding the factors that increase a youth’s risk of being exploited, our team has been working diligently to create teen resource pamphlets, website pages, posters, and other handouts to disseminate throughout Racine County, Wisconsin.

Our awareness of this need came into our vision as we discussed the various vulnerabilities that face youth (especially youth who runaway from home or are out on the streets) that increase their risk of being trafficked. We know that traffickers will seek to exploit the needs and vulnerabilities of youth so our goal is to increase some of the protective factors surrounding youth. This includes ensuring that youth have access to the services that they might need.

On our website, you will find a whole list of these various resources for youth. They includes resources for crisis support, food services, shelter and housing, education, employment and finance, LGBTQ+ communities, crime victimization, medical services, legal services, mental health, and addiction. As more resources come available or shift in any capacity, we will be sure to update this list as we go.

Thank you to everyone who has assisted us with this project!

Are You Looking to Access the Teen Resource Handouts to Help Us Reach Youth in Racine County?

To access the printable version of the Teen Resource Booklet, click here.

If you are wanting to request a copy of the booklet, postcards, bookmarks, and/or posters feel free to send us an email at info@fighttoendexploitation.org.

Remember, our goal is to reach teens and youth who have vulnerabilities. Many might come into contact with your businesses, organizations, centers, etc. By helping us disseminate these resources into the spaces that you live and/or work, you are helping us with minimizing the risk of teens facing exploitation and/or human trafficking.

Lasheky Hill Reward Fund

Lasheky Hill (pictured below) is a 46 year old female who was last seen leaving her residence on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the 1000 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. in the evening.

Ms. Hill is 5’01,” weights approximately 168 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing white pants (possibly leggings) and carrying a black purse with gold rhinestones. She may also be possibly wearing a long blonde wig.

If you know the whereabouts of Lasheky Hill, please contact Detective Simon at 262-635-7770 or the Racine County Non-emergency line at 262-886-2300 with any information. You can also contact Racine County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-636-9330 or make a tip via the P3 app.

You can also donate to the Lasheky Hill Reward Fund. The details are mentioned below.

Remember our After Dark Voices Against Trafficking Concert? Learn About It’s Impact!

From all of us at Fight to End Exploitation:

THANK YOU !

The After Dark: Voices Against Trafficking concert was a huge success!  We had a large turnout to see the talented bands take the stage.

Because of so many generous people and businesses, we had over $2500 in items donated to the raffle auction and overall, made over $13,000 after expenses.

Thank you again to Route 20, Betsy Ade & the Well-Known Strangers and Bascom Hill for donating their time and talent.

A special thanks sponsors/corporate sponsors: Titus Talent Strategies, Nicholas Industries, United Way of Racine County, RYDE Racine, Racine Police Department, artist Bob Crum, Belle City Veterinary Hospital, Romme Printing Company, Racine Dominicans, and Twenty Twenty Vision Center.

Looking For a Simple Way to Fight Human Trafficking?

If so, check out and consider buying some items on our Amazon Wishlist for our SE WI Regional Resource Network!

The SE WI Regional Resource Network is a collaborative program, hosted by FEE, to close the gap for the need of personal and basic care items for those at risk and/or impacted by exploitation and trafficking.