We have followed the work of INK 180 for several years and for the past couple we've talked about getting Chris Baker here to share their story with the Wichita community. Friday, January 22nd we finally made it happen and Chris spoke to a packed house at Gracepoint Church, one of our longterm community partners.

KWCH came out and did a great story on the event which was later expanded into an even better story on the work Chris does and how we are working to bring some of that awesomeness to Wichita. (More on that later!)

We started out the evening with a screening of the INK 180 Documentary  followed up by Chris speaking to the crowd about his work, some updates on a few of the people in the documentary and stories of the success he has seen in the lives of those he serves once they are free from the gang or trafficking tattoos that he helps them with.

We wrapped up the evening with a panel of local law enforcement, social service and healthcare providers working on the frontlines of the fight against traffcking right here in Wichita.

L-R: Sarah Haldeman-Smith from Saint Francis Community Services, Nicole Ensminger from Via Christi and Lt. Travis Rakestraw of the Exploited & Missing Children Unit.

L-R: John Ferreira of Homeland Security, Jason Hart of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

L-R: Connie Hultmann of Wesley, Tina Peck of Via Christi (both forensic nurses), Diana Schunn of the Child Advocacy Center & Chris Baker.

Here's the whole panel! We learned so much, had great questions from the audience and heard about new resources coming on board very soon such as Clover House, a residential home for adolescent girls, and the new CAC building opening this summer. (Which will also be our new office space!)

The event itself was wonderful but we're even more excited about what is in the works because of it! While Chris was here he was gracious enough to provide his services to 2 survivors. He did one tattoo removal and one cover up. One a gang tattoo, one a trafficking tattoo. I wish I could share photos with you but in the interest of privacy I can't. But trust me when I say both were amazing to witness and both women remarked that their lives we changed by the services Chris provided to them. They walked away with no more painful reminders on their bodies of the things they had been through.

Here's the next step... We are working with one local artist and plan to get a few more on board. Chris will be back later this summer to do some training and we have some options for a private location for the artists to serve survivors on a volunteer basis without it comingling with their regular business. We have also been approached with some potential funding options to cover supply costs. This is all VERY new and soon there will be more to share. Just know we're working hard to make this an option for survivors in our area as well with the support and guidance of Chris Baker and INK 180.

Thank you Chris, thank you panelists and thank you community for partnering with us. None of us can do it alone.

The post INK 180 in the ICT appeared first on ICT SOS.

March 13, 2011 the Wichita Eagle published a story about a trafficking case here in our city that involved a 13 year old victim. That article changed my life and was the catalyst for ICT S.O.S. becoming the organization that it is today.

Here's a quick overview of some of the things that ICT S.O.S. has been a part of over the last 3 years:

• Multiple awareness events including documentary screenings, speaking engagements and even a flash mob.
• Thousands of dollars worth of donations collected including clothing, hygiene items, food and Christmas gifts for local agencies serving homeless, exploited and at-risk youth.
• A human trafficking conference with the U.S. Atorney's office for over 450 attendees.
• 2 Race for Freedom 5K races (3rd in planning now!)- each with over 900 runners and a combined total of over $35,000 raised for local agencies (Carpenter Place & Child Advocacy Center).
• 2 years of our Rock The Market concert in Old Town.
• $25,000 State Farm "Cause an Effect" grant won and donated to create additional housing at Carpenter Place.
• Thousands of volunteer hours logged with local agencies.
• Volunteers, donations, and coordination to get the "OZ" drop-in center up and ready to open.
• Middle and High School curriculum available at no cost to local schools, churches and groups with the "Tell Your Friends" program.
• A great social media presence and participation from the community to share info, spread needs and educate the public about opportunities to get involved.

And we're just getting started!

This past 3 years have FLOWN by. We have so many dedicated volunteers, donors, runners, sponsors and participants in our events. And that is what ICT S.O.S. is all about- giving EVERYONE an opportunity to fight trafficking in our city through prevention, education, resources and volunteerism. We couldnt do it without all of you!

And a special note to our board members: You have given so much of your time, talent, passion, blood, sweat and tears to this organization and to our community. ICT S.O.S. would not exist without you. You have been amazing friends and cohorts on this crazy ride and I love each of you dearly. Thank you for what you give, so unselfishly, every time a need arises. You are AMAZING!

It's been a crazy, beautiful, hard, rewarding, exhausting, and humbling 3 years. Let's keep going, shall we?

Thanks just isn't enough,

Jennifer White

Founder, ICT S.O.S.

The post Happy 3rd Anniversary ICT S.O.S.! appeared first on ICT SOS.

It's hard to believe we're coming up on our 2nd anniversary! A lot has happened in 2 short years and we have plans for even more.

Join us Sunday March 10th from 2-5pm at Mead's Corner to celebrate! We'll have cake, door prizes, info and entertainment.

If you'd like to contribute to our lending library, you can bring a book or dvd off of our Amazon Wishlist.

Or- if you would like to help us support Project Butterfly, you can bring any of the following items to Mead's Corner any time between now and party day:

Shampoo & Conditioner
Body Wash
Lotion
Razors & Shave Gel
Feminine Products
Deodorant
Brushes

Project Butterfly is a support group for survivors through the Wichita YWCA.

The post Happy 2nd Birthday to ICT S.O.S.! appeared first on ICT SOS.

This year we are proud to once again support efforts to stock the shelves for a couple of our favorite local agencies serving at-risk, homeless and runaway youth in our city. This population is at great risk for being exploited. Please consider picking up a few items off of these lists while you are doing your Christmas shopping and let's help out during this season of giving!

The OZ Drop-In Center is the city's only drop-in location specifically designed to serve homeless youth. Items for the OZ can be delivered to Carpenter Place Attn: ICT S.O.S 1501 N. Meridian. Or if you have a large donation for pick-up email info@ictsos.org.

The OZ Christmas Wish List

The Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County and the Wichita Exploited and Missing Children Unit work hand in hand to assist victims of child abuse, neglect, exploitation and sexual abuse. Officers and social workers often carry items with them to give comfort to a child or meet basic needs in times of crisis. Donations for these agencies can be delivered to Mead's Corner or either location of Scribbles & Giggles Children's Academy.

CAC/EMCU Christmas Wish List

And of course if you'd like to give an ICT S.O.S. tee or bracelet as a Christmas gift (and who wouldn't?) you can now order online!

The post ICT S.O.S. Christmas 2012 appeared first on ICT SOS.

We'll kick things off with the Race for Freedom 5K Run/Walk on September 8th.

The next couple of weeks we'll host several documentary screenings. Info about films, times and locations can be found on our events page.

We'll wrap up the month with a 2-day conference featuring Elizabeth Smart as our keynote speaker. Info and registration forms can be found HERE.

And finally we're going to Rock The Market! A huge concert in Old Town's Farm and Art Market square will send the message to our entire city that our kids are NOT for sale!

With so many options- there is something for everyone. Each event will include chances to connect with other passionate people and local agencies working to end trafficking in Wichita!

The post September- Month of Awareness! appeared first on ICT SOS.

With special thanks to Cox Communications, we are welcoming Elizabeth Smart as our keynote speaker.

In addition to Elizabeth, we will hear from speakers from:

• Wichita Police Department
• OATH Coalition
• ICT S.O.S.
• Veronica's Voice
• Child Advocacy Center
• FBI
• Truckers Against Trafficking
• Many, many more!

For a full list of speakers and to register for the conference: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/33098983/2012%20Human%20Trafficking1.pdf

Registration is $35.00 and must be submitted no later than September 16, 2012.

Fees can be paid by check following instructions on the registration form or via Paypal at:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YKGBLU3GBF7MC

Sign up early- this is limited seating and may sell out!

The post Human Trafficking Conference 2012 appeared first on ICT SOS.

Wednesday, July 11!

This will be a Facebook Meetup/Tweetup donation drive for the Child Advocacy Center  & Exploited and Missing Children's Unit on Wednesday July 11.

11am-2pm
at Heroes Sportsbar in Old Town.

Stop by for lunch and drop off a donation!

If you would like to donate but can't make it to one of these two events, email info@ictsos.org and we can make arrangements!

View our Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/468596436503536/

The post Lunch Hour Tweetup/Facebook Meetup Donation Drive! appeared first on ICT SOS.

The post Take Back the Night appeared first on ICT SOS.

The Opportunity Zone is the local youth drop-in center. They still need several items. If you’d like to pick up a few while you’re out shopping, click here for a Target Wishlist. This is a great way to help the Wichita Children's Home and Street Outreach.

The post Shop for the OZ! appeared first on ICT SOS.