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National Human Trafficking Awareness Month is not just about “knowing trafficking exists.” It’s about deciding—together—what we are going to do about it.That’s why UnSilenced is hosting:
SHINE A LIGHT: UnSilenced Community Awareness Day
📅 January 31, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Comstock Community Colt Center | 2107 N 26th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
💙 FREE + Open to the public
🥣 Free breakfast & lunch provided
This day is designed to move our community from:
“I’ve heard of trafficking” → “I know what to do if I see it.”
What you’ll experience:
🎤 Morning Panel: “When They First Walk In” — how trafficking actually shows up in healthcare, mental health, schools, streets, and faith spaces.
🎤 Afternoon Panel: “After They Speak Up” — what happens after disclosure, and what realistic, helpful support can look like.
* Resource Mixer & Safety Stations — local coalitions, shelters, crisis services, and ministries sharing practical next steps.
Why we’re doing this (and why counties matter): Because trafficking doesn’t stay inside city limits—and neither should the response. Southwest Michigan deserves common ground: shared language, warm handoffs, stronger partnerships, and fewer survivors falling through cracks because “we didn’t know who to call” or “we didn’t connect the dots.”
This isn’t a day for shame, blame, or statistics alone. It’s a day for clarity + action:
✅ learn what it can look like when someone first comes in
✅ learn what to do when someone finally speaks up
✅ build real relationships across agencies during lunch/networking
✅ Leave with at least one concrete change you can make in your role this year
Who should come:
If you’re on the frontlines with people in crisis—this is for you: parents/caregivers, youth workers, teachers, medical/dental/behavioral health teams, social workers/CHWs, law enforcement/first responders/advocates, shelter/outreach/housing teams, faith & tribal leaders, students, survivors, loved ones, and any neighbor who wants to understand and help.
** RSVP on our website **
Questions: 269-339-0303
⚠️ Topics will include trauma, abuse, and exploitation. Please use discretion when bringing children or youth.
Bring your county. Bring your agency. Bring your heart.
Let’s shift from awareness… to action.
#NationalHumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth #ShineALight #UnSilenced #SouthwestMichigan #TraumaInformed #SurvivorLed #CommunityAction
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2107 26th St N, Kalamazoo, MI 49048-9217, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
