Jenny Macahon

But no one comes back to the jails…

by Jenny Macahon | May 9, 2023 | Uncategorized

Absolutely, let’s delve into why individuals in jail are particularly vulnerable to the risk of human trafficking.

Incarcerated individuals are often amongst the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our society. They face a myriad of challenges and barriers that make them easy targets for human traffickers.

Firstly, a large proportion of individuals in jail come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. They may have limited access to resources, employment, or social support systems. Upon release, these individuals often struggle to secure stable housing and gainful employment due to their criminal record. This desperation and lack of resources can make them prime targets for traffickers who exploit their vulnerabilities by offering false promises of employment, housing, or financial security.

Secondly, the stigma of incarceration can lead to social isolation and marginalization. This sense of isolation can drive individuals towards individuals or groups who appear to offer acceptance and a sense of belonging, even if those groups engage in exploitative practices. Traffickers often prey on this human need for connection and acceptance, using it as a tool to manipulate and control their victims.

Thirdly, many incarcerated individuals have experienced a history of trauma, including physical or sexual abuse, drug addiction, or mental health issues. Such experiences can lead to heightened vulnerability and susceptibility to further victimization, including trafficking. Traffickers can exploit these traumas, using them as a means to control and manipulate their victims.

UAHT’s Real Talk program seeks to address these issues by providing incarcerated individuals with the information, resources, and support they need to protect themselves from trafficking. By fostering open conversations about the realities of trafficking and equipping participants with practical tools and resources, Real Talk aims to empower incarcerated individuals, reducing their vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking.

“I remember visiting the jails week after week, often in tears (even now as I recall those moments). My coworker asked me why I was crying, and I told them it was because one woman in the jail called me her ‘light.’ She said I was her light because I kept coming back. ‘No one comes back to the jails,’ she told me.”

Through the support of generous donors like you, UAHT can continue its mission of bringing hope and light to those most at risk of human trafficking. By supporting UAHT, you’re not just donating money—you’re investing in a future where fewer individuals face the risk of being trafficked.

Become a monthly donor and champion these moments of change and empowerment!

Change and Breakthrough in 2023

by Jenny Macahon | Feb 9, 2023 | News Room

My Dear Friend,

It has been my great privilege and joy to serve United Against Human Trafficking since 2015!

During my tenure, it has been an honor to partner with survivor leaders, agencies, and individuals, to push the anti-trafficking movement forward. As I approach my tenth year of service as CEO (and our organization’s 20th Anniversary!) next year, I am mindful of those on whose shoulders we stand. Our agency’s founders, along with many other trailblazers at the local, state, and federal level, are the reason we are in the position we are in today. Their vision and passion have inspired us as a guiding light throughout the years. And to you, our supporters (some of you have been with us since the very beginning!) I want to express my deepest gratitude. From my heart to yours, know that it’s– onward and upward for all things at United Against Human Trafficking.

As a team we have talked a lot this past year about elevating. As you will see from the pages of this report, we have taken our work to the next level in 2023! I am so proud of this work and eager to see how what we’ve accomplished in the past year serves to unite the movement in the years ahead.

One area of elevation I’m excited about is our commitment to continue the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion. What we know is that trafficking survivors are disproportionately from communities of color and other marginalized demographics. We hosted several meetings with anti-trafficking partner agencies and led the firstever area-wide board of directors training addressing issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the anti-trafficking movement. Agency board support is critical to advance trauma informed care in the anti-trafficking movement and meet survivors where they are on their journey. Along with this series of meetings, we also continued to host The Justice Series, an interactive, artistic, collective expression elevating the voices of survivors and Black leaders in the anti-trafficking movement.

Our prevention work is elevated, too! Our stopping sexual exploitation groups (SSE) launched Spanish cohorts alongside our English cohorts, and a record number of men participated. This program is focused on demand reduction, working upstream to educate men on the dangers of human trafficking.

We have also grown in our engagement with policy and advocacy. We traveled to Washington D.C. to have conversations with lawmakers about where the movement is going and how we can craft legislation and fund the work in a more effective manner. This is a great example of a gap in the movement where we are grateful to step in and lead.

Finally, we have elevated in the foundational work of coalition building. We started as a coalition, and “United” isn’t just a name to us. So, this year we grew our coalitions in both Houston and Lake Charles, Louisiana. We also led and hosted the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance Summit, an annual gathering of stakeholders in the anti-trafficking movement focused on the work of law enforcement. It was a dynamic gathering with representatives from across the country.

As our programs elevate, we also recognize the need for our infrastructure to grow, too. With a growing staff and program demands we began a search for our first permanent home. We are so excited that in Q1 of 2024 we will close on a property in the historic East End. In doing so we not only elevate our agency operations, but we take a huge step forward in our organizational growth.

This type of elevation – from our programs to purchasing a building – is only possible because of support from people like you! In the pages of this report, you will have the opportunity to see how your donor dollars help us continue to pursue our vision that all may live free. I want to express gratitude to you as our partners. For our board of directors, I am so thankful – your partnership in the work means the world to me. And to our survivor leaders – thank you for teaching us, inspiring us, and partnering with us in this work. It is an honor to serve alongside you in this great mission to end human trafficking. 2023 was a year worth celebrating, and I invite you to join me as we continue to elevate in 2024 and beyond!

Much love and appreciation.