"We think it's important for people to know about (human) trafficking and to know it happens right here in Lancaster County," said Janelle Esbenshade, director of development with North Star Initiative, "with the hope that once they understand ... if they come in contact with (someone who is being trafficked), they will be educated enough to know what to do."

To help make community members aware of the signs of trafficking, North Star Initiative will hold an awareness event, Welcome to the Battle, at Petra Church, 565 Airport Road, New Holland, on Friday, March 19. The event, which will feature a panel discussion, will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets, which are limited, may be purchased up until the day of the event. Proceeds raised from the event will help provide trauma therapy for the survivors at The Harbor.

Panelists who are lined up to take part are Heather Castellino, Pennsylvania deputy attorney general; Derek Thompson, founder of Abolition Men; Brad Ortenzi, retired police officer and eastern USA regional director of Zoe International; and Liz Nolan, education specialist and licensed professional counselor for North Star Initiative. A surprise guest will also join the discussion. The event will include desserts provided by Zig's Bakery and Shady Maple. Attendees will be asked to follow Petra's COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing masks.

According to Esbenshade, the forum is designed to educate by posing questions to the panel about human trafficking, such as, "What is (human) trafficking?" "Who are the victims of this crime?" and "What can you do to get involved?" Esbenshade noted that runaways and homeless people are the main two groups of people who are preyed upon by traffickers. Trafficking that occurs in Lancaster County is often related to the network of highways that converge here. "We are a pass-through state," explained Esbenshade, who noted that roads from New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia come through Lancaster, York, and Harrisburg to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

North Star operates The Harbor, a place where survivors of trafficking can experience physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual care and support in a Christ-centered program. "The Harbor focuses on restoration and re-entry, coordinating the services needed to address physical, mental, legal, educational, and other issues relating to the time spent in the hands of traffickers," said Esbenshade. With a staff of 15, The Harbor provides around-the-clock care seven days a week. "We accept women 18 to 35 years of age," said Esbenshade. Esbenshade said that the program is implemented in a number of phases, beginning with an assessment and orientation. "We go over goals and how we can best help (a woman)," explained Esbenshade. "We tailor the curriculum to each individual." The program includes a focus on trauma and drug and alcohol addiction, along with life skills training. During later phases of the program, the resident will work or attend school.

Readers who would like to attend Welcome to the Battle may visit http://www.northstarinitiative.org and click on "Events."