Efforts will focus on additional housing, services and launch new café to support victims
Leadership Sacramento, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, announced today it is partnering with Courage Worldwide to raise awareness surrounding human trafficking in our region. Leadership Sacramento, now in its 30th year, annually partners with a local non-profit as part of its community service project.
Last December, the incoming 2015 Leadership Sacramento class put out a call via Twitter (#TweetofIntent) soliciting area non-profits to submit proposals to be considered for its class project. Courage Worldwide and its mission to raise awareness and help victims of human trafficking was selected as the most unifying project for the class.
“I am humbled by the interest, support and commitment already demonstrated by this Leadership Sacramento class and their dedicated group of leaders,” said Courage Worldwide Executive Director Jenny Williamson. “Taking on an issue like human trafficking is courageous because it’s hard to discuss. But it’s a reality. Trafficking is a national epidemic, and we’re combating it head-on right here in the Sacramento region. Our emphasis on total restoration and housing for victims will become a national model, and we’re grateful that Leadership Sacramento is our collaborative partner in this effort.”
Leadership Sacramento is working with Courage Worldwide to increase awareness about the issue, the organization and the services it provides for human trafficking victims, as well as preparing to launch a café in downtown Sacramento soon.
The café will create a sustainable funding stream and a community presence for the organization in the heart of the capital city, while giving customers a tangible way to make a difference in the lives of victims impacted by human trafficking. Leadership Sacramento class members are providing financial support, donating time and professional expertise in the areas of finance, publicity/marketing, fundraising, real estate and business planning.
“On behalf of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, I would like to thank Courage Worldwide for reaching out to our Leadership Sacramento program in the hope that together, as one community, we can make a difference on this important issue,” said Peter Tateishi, President & CEO of the Metro Chamber. “The program has a long-standing tradition of growing regional leaders and giving back to the community we call home.”
In addition to the personal time commitment and funds the class hopes to raise, the Leadership Sacramento class has pledged to raise an additional $14,500 to get the project started. Those interested in contributing to Courage Worldwide and this project can donate by visiting http://courageworldwide.org/take-action/donate/leadership-sacramento.
“We are honored to be part of Leadership Sacramento and to work with this meaningful organization,” said class spokesperson and Florin Road Partnership Executive Director Verna Sulpizio. “With Courage Worldwide, we are the voice for the voiceless and we will be resolute in bringing light and hope in an effort to transform lives and strengthen our community.”
About Leadership Sacramento
Founded in 1985, Leadership Sacramento, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, develops community-minded business and civic leaders through a year-long interactive program that provides a behind-the-scenes understanding of the issues that impact the region’s economic prosperity and quality of life. The program is available to a limited number of participants each year, and culminates in the completion of a community betterment project. Learn more about Leadership Sacramento >
About Courage Worldwide
Courage Worldwide (formerly Courage to Be You, Inc.) is an international, 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 2005 simply to help people find their God-given purpose. Then in 2007, a focus was given to building homes for children rescued from sex trafficking so they too had resources and the opportunity to be and do all they were created to be and do. The commercial sex trafficking of women and children is a profitable business of epidemic proportions. Globally, there is an estimated 4.5 million victims held in this form of modern day slavery. In our own backyard, hundreds of thousands of U.S. children are also used as a commodity for the profit of one and the pleasure of another. Worldwide there is a severe lack of services and homes for these highly traumatized children. CWW’s vision is to change that fact by building a restorative home for victims of this crime in every city around the world that needs one. We call our homes Courage House. Learn more about Courage Worldwide at www.courageworldwide.org.
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CONTACT:
Colleen Spitz, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Sacramento Metro Chamber
916.552.6800
cspitz@metrochamber.org