July 24, 2024: UP Human Trafficking Task Force held a event in Hancock

On Tuesday, July 24th, 2024, the UP Human Trafficking Task Force held a event in Hancock, which featured Leslie King, human trafficking survivor and founder of Sacred Beginnings, the very first survivor-led, peer-mentored transitional home program in the State of Michigan, located in Grand Rapids. Stephanie Graef, Executive Director of the U.P. Human Trafficking Task Force and Dr. Scott Kwarciany, District Governor of the District 10 Lions were in attendance for this informative presentation which will initiate the process of developing a Sacred Beginnings transitional home and program in the Upper Peninsula.

Scott Kwarciany-District 10 Governor, Leslie King-Sacred Beginnings, Stephanie Graef-UPHTTF

“The fight against human trafficking is real. It affects our communities, even the rural ones right here in the U.P.”, said District Governor Kwarciany. “Human trafficking and sexual exploitation of our vulnerable populations is an emergent crisis to which we cannot turn a blind eye. Humanitarian issues are one of the global causes of Lionism, and the Lions of District 10 will do our part to not only raise awareness to this type of humanitarian crisis, but we will work to see that this plan to bring Sacred Beginnings to the UP is brought to fruition.”

The UP Human Trafficking Task Force is looking to secure a location for this 12-person transitional home in either Houghton or Keweenaw county and begin programming by the end of 2025.

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