January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Media: Fianna Dickson, 625.6297. Riverfront: 311 or 509.625.6600
Friday, January 8, 2021 at 2:03 p.m.
SPOKANE – Beginning Monday, January 11, 2021, signs providing resources and support for human trafficking victims will be placed at Riverfront Park.
The signs are produced in collaboration with Lutheran Community Services Northwest, the Inland Northwest Human Trafficking Taskforce, and Spokane City Council member Candace Mumm’s office.
“The Inland Northwest Human Trafficking Taskforce has been working for a decade towards abolition of human trafficking, and these signs are one tool we have towards outreach, intervention, and prevention,” said Candace Mumm, member of the Spokane City Council.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward issued a proclamation “encouraging citizens to become more informed on this growing problem, to be vigilant and report suspicious activity, and to work towards solutions to end trafficking in all its forms in our community.”
“Lutheran Community Services Northwest and members of the Inland Northwest Human Trafficking Taskforce are very appreciative of the City of Spokane's support on sexual and labor trafficking exploitation public education,” said Mabel Elsom, Lutheran Community Services Northwest victim advocate. “These signs will not only bring awareness of human trafficking to our area but will allow survivors to get immediate information for assistance, support, and advocacy. LCS Northwest's mission of Health, Justice, and Hope is in alignment with the task force mission statement; to abolish all forms of human trafficking through education, prevention and intervention by working collaboratively to provide advocacy, support, empowerment, healing, and justice.”
“Human trafficking is a critical issue, and these signs at Riverfront will support a growing awareness of problem, provide ways to report suspicious activity, and connect victims with resources,” said Garrett Jones, Director of Parks and Recreation.
Nearly 20 signs will be placed around Riverfront Park; some will be placed now, and others as more buildings and additional restrooms re-open as COVID-19 guidelines allow. Additional signs will be placed at other City of Spokane parks and Spokane area locations in the months to come.
About City of Spokane Parks and Recreation
City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, conservation lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
-###-
The City of Choice
509.625.6200
parks@spokanecity.org
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
