My Dear Friend,

2021 was a year of momentous change and profound victory—for UAHT, for the anti-trafficking movement, and for survivors. The journey from January to December brought many challenges, but our clear vision and the tireless efforts of the Board, staff, clients, and friends like you ensured we made great strides towards fulfilling our mission.

But we still have much work to do in the anti-human trafficking movement, especially surrounding the urgent need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

UAHT has been an advocate for the principles of DEI for years, and the tragic events of 2020 served to highlight the discussion. We strive to be an example for the entire anti-trafficking movement of what DEI in action truly means.

In 2021, together with our dear partners, we continued amplifying marginalized voices through initiatives such as the Justice Series: a blend of performance art and panel discussion that explores how human trafficking disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities. We plan to continue this important venture for years to come.

While we fight exploitation, we must keep DEI at the heart of all we do. As a licensed social worker, I was trained—and try to live every day—in recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.

That’s also why UAHT exemplifies the importance of this value in all that we do. It informs our local presence and, most importantly, the way we collaborate with survivors of human trafficking.

2021 was UAHT’s first full calendar year of delivering case management services to individuals who have been trafficked.

We’ve learned so much over the years, but we’ve learned the most from those we serve: Human trafficking survivors. Overcomers. Thrivers. They teach us every day what perseverance looks like. We understand deeply that we aren’t experts, and we aren’t the ones deciding what’s best for them.

They decide. They lead. We follow. Survivors of human trafficking and UAHT walk the pathway of recovery together.

We can’t discuss 2021 without mentioning The Pathway Referral Network. The Pathway is the ultimate expression of our commitment to unity and collaboration. It helps UAHT and our regional partners connect with each other and with survivors on a single, secure online plat–form.

I am so thankful for all the incredible service agencies who have joined us to elevate the care pro-vided to our community. The data collected from The Pathway will help shine a light on local human trafficking as never before.

I am endlessly optimistic about the future of UAHT. Because I know how much of an impact we make on our clients, our partners, and the community. I am delighted to tell you that UAHT has begun visiting other areas of the country. We plan to expand operations, spreading our vital message of unity and respect.

Our great work must continue. It is crucial that we come together as a community and strive towards a future that respects the dignity and worth of all people. Because we can’t hope to combat exploitation without loving every human being as we work tirelessly to end human trafficking.

With the deepest love and respect, I ask: Will you join me?

Timeka Walker, LMSW
Chief Executive Officer

Together, we can end human trafficking.

My Dear Friend,

Decades of history can happen in a single year. 2020 is a testament to that. It is with this understanding and our mission to end human trafficking in mind that I share my heart with you. Nonprofit leaders throughout the nation contemplate the same dilemma: What can we give you, our dearest friends, to let you know we carry gratitude for your support in our hearts every day? 

HOPE. 

Hope for the future. For justice. For unity. Hope for the growing, changing movement against human trafficking. Why? Because I know you walk beside me. I know that when I reach out a hand in solidarity, you will take it and rise with me. 

It is easy to lose hope during a year that presented us with so many trials: a global pandemic, confronting the unjust death of George Floyd and countless other African Americans, and the most significant election of the century. Day after day, we are barraged with events that seem designed to rob us of our hope and love for each other. 

But United Against Human Trafficking (UAHT) has never given up.

We never lost sight of our mission: to end human trafficking

through educating the community, preventing exploitation, and empowering survivors.

Our clarity of vision allowed us to pivot no matter what the world threw at us in 2020. We effectively served human trafficking survivors, engaged the community, and planned for a bright future. I am deeply thankful for all our new and established partners who stood alongside us this year. 

2020 marks the 20th anniversary of The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (TVPA). This federal statute sparked the anti-trafficking movement — a movement that has involved governments, communities, corporations, nonprofits, individuals, and so many more. Throughout the years, UAHT has emerged as a leader. We are at the forefront of change and progress, moving the fight ever forward in the spirit of unity and collaboration.

What will the next 20 years hold for the anti-trafficking movement? 

UAHT will continue growing and continue unifying our partners against injustice. But this progress will not mean forgetting the past. 2020 was full of trauma from which we continue to recover. I know many of us have experienced significant losses. Let’s choose to live our best lives, celebrate each other fiercely, and relentlessly strive to make the world a better place for everybody in it. 

My heart is full of love and gratitude for the tireless support of UAHT staff, board members, volunteers, partners, and donors like you. Let’s continue to stand united against injustice. Let’s continue to cherish one another in 2021 and beyond. 

Together, we can end human trafficking.