The Anchorage training at Ted Stevens International Airport on May 18, 2017 was a huge success!

There were approximately 40 attendees including Alaska Flight Attendants, Alaska Airlines Management, airport personnel and individuals from local organizations.  Also in attendance were representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, the ANC Police and Fire Departments (including the Chief of Police) and ANC airport management.  Some spoke at the event sharing their expertise in human trafficking matters.

Airport Managers, Lisa Moore and Jeanette Luckey helped secure a beautiful conference room, complimentary parking for attendees, help setting up equipment from the Facilities department and a catered lunch!

Special thanks to Dr. Jeff Brodsky of Joy International sponsor of this training, who led a Barefoot Mile Walk in Anchorage May 20, 2017 – See the story here . He also shared about his involvement in the fight against human trafficking and the rescue of victims all over the world.

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DHS Representative, Dean Wauson spoke for a few minutes on what happens when they receive the reports via the DHS Tipline number.  They immediately start evaluating all reports with the Airport Police, and he spoke on that for several minutes.  Sergeant Joe Gamache previously told me about the Downtown Hope Center (Soup Kitchen and shelter), and how that is one of the only paces set up in the area to house survivors.  However the Hope Center Director, Sherrie Laurie and founder, Richard Irwin or any on their board knew how to properly care for survivors.  Although they are accustomed to helping house and care for the homeless, human trafficking is not something they have had training for.

Kathryn Griffin, expert AAI Trainer and survivor of human trafficking was instrumental in arranging for more extensive training for the downtown Anchorage Hope Center’s personnel. Kathryn also assisted in the care and rehabilitation of a trafficking survivor, while visiting the Hope Center.  This survivor will now receive extensive care from a rehabilitation center in Houston, Texas, thanks to Kathryn’s coordination!

Sherrie told us after the training that Kathryn was the answer to their prayers!

It was an amazing experience meeting the many individuals working together to see human trafficking come to an end in the state of Alaska and beyond.

It was also incredible to meet the directors and leaders of the Downtown Hope Center and some of the individuals and survivors that have been cared for there.

Kathryn shared part of her story at the Hope Center’s dinner that night, encouraging the men and women coming in for a hot meal.  They all loved her!

It was a powerful time as Sandy Ettinger (AAI Board Member), Kathryn, and myself got to talk with, encourage and hand out beautiful (Three Strand Global) bracelets to some of the homeless women and survivors at the Hope Center.’