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.

Last night I got a phone call from one of the EMCU officers involved in the case. When I answered, he said, "I have some news that I think you're going to be pretty excited about." He went on to explain that the verdict had just come in for this young lady's trafficker. 3 counts of rape under Jessica's Law, 3 counts of human trafficking- guilty on all 6. Justice!

For the past year and a half or so, I have thought about this young woman. I never knew her name, didn't know what had happened to her. But I thought of her often and she continued to be a symbol to me of all the girls like her that we were working to create a better story for. Through prevention, support to local agencies, awareness and education we hope to create a city where this isn't allowed to happen to our young women.

Today I got another call. "Do you want to meet her?"

The officer had told her a little about ICT S.O.S. and this movement that had started because of her story. He asked if she'd like to meet me. She said yes.

We made arrangements to meet and I barely made it in the front door before the tears came. I got to share with her what has happened over the last year and a half. I showed her a picture of the 900+ people who ran in the Race for Freedom in September. We talked about the Rock the Market concert, the conference, the O.Z. drop-in center...all of the people in this city who have come together to fight this in hopes that it won't happen to other girls like her.

"All because of MY story?"

Yes, brave girl.

She is a vibrant, beautiful, bubbly teenager. Because of the work done by the officers, the DA's office, the social workers, judge and others involved in her case- she has a chance to be just that. A teenager. A girl with a future. A chance to be whatever she chooses.

And for me, all of the many hours of work on events, donation drives, the t-shirts and blog posts and Facebook updates...it all came down to a hug. I got to hug the girl who broke my heart before I ever knew her name. She has a face, she has a name, she has a future. And that makes my heart happy.

The post Full Circle 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.

Making "The OZ" from James Wilson on Vimeo.

My wonderful friend, James, was at both work days helping and shooting photos for this time-lapse video. Such a fun look at the project from start to finish!

To volunteer at The OZ, please contact Beth Thummel, Volunteer Coordinator, at the Wichita Children's Home.

The post Making The OZ...A Video by James Wilson appeared first on ICT SOS.

Here are some pictures from the day:

You can also view these photos and tag yourself in them on the ICT S.O.S. Facebook Page!

The local media was wonderful to embrace this project and to help spread awareness of the problems homeless teenagers face. We're very blessed to have a community that is stepping up to say this must STOP!

• KFDI News
• The Wichita Eagle
• KSN News
• KWCH News
• KAKE News
• Wichita Business Journal
• Examiner.com
• Video from Volunteer Kansas

The center opens this Wednesday January 18, 2012 from 3-6pm. They will also hold their first weekly group meeting there Thursday evening. This will be the first time many of the kids will see the center that they have named "The OZ" or Opportunity Zone. Risa summed it up best by explaining that it is, "Where some travelers find their brains, some their courage, others their hearts and they all find a way home."

I could not be more proud of the work we have done. So many people came together to make this happen for our kids. Contractors, laborers, donors, volunteers and people willing to spread the word or say a prayer. All were equally important!

Thank you!

The post The OZ (Opportunity Zone) is finished! appeared first on ICT SOS.

Monday Jan 30th, 2012 Mead's Corner will host a special night of music, prayer and conversation about human trafficking.

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/events/171410072966181/

A special offering will be taken at the event to benefit the Youth Resource Center staffed by the Wichita Children's Home. Donations will help to purchase items still needed for the center.

If you'd like to purchase an item to bring, you can choose from the Target Wishlist:

http://www.target.com/ot/list/u6n_NB5d5DYIVbrSVigy2Q

Hope to see you there!

The post Freedom214: A Night of Worship to benefit ICT S.O.S. appeared first on ICT SOS.

We have our monthly meeting on Tuesday evening 1/10/12 at 6pm. We'll meet at the new youth resource center at 1157 N. Emporia. There are still some items needed for the opening of the resource center and we'll discuss that. We'll also hear from the CASA program about how we can help as court appointed special advocates.

If you would like to pick up a few items off the wishlist and bring them to the meeting, that would be awesome!

http://www.target.com/ot/list/u6n_NB5d5DYIVbrSVigy2Q

Then...The BIG Move In Day!!

Be sure to register at Volunteer Kansas: http://www.volunteerkansas.org/Opportunities/Opportunity/337:Extreme_Makeover_Day_for_Youth_Resource_Center

We'll move in the furniture, clean, set up the rooms, and anything and everything else to get the center ready for opening day. Come see all the beautiful work that has been done and help make this an AMAZING place for Wichita's kids! We'll also reveal the name the kids have chosen for the center!

It's been months in the making and I'm so excited to see the center open and serving our youth. THANK YOU to everyone who has had a part in it!

The post Big week for us! appeared first on ICT SOS.

I am very honored and excited to announce that The Rusted Chain Jewelry has created a custom-designed piece in support of ICT S.O.S. and in January $10 from the purchase of each necklace will be donated to help end human trafficking right here in Wichita.

Here's what owner, Beki, has to say about the necklace:

http://www.blog.therustedchain.com/2011/12/new-year-new-word-big-news.html

Here's a direct link to purchase:

http://therustedchain.bigcartel.com/product/be-free-charity-necklace

The post Buy a Necklace- Fight Human Trafficking appeared first on ICT SOS.

Donations of gifts, time and service were given to:

Carpenter Place

Wichita Children's Home (Youth Resource Center)

Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County/EMCU

THANK YOU!!

Looking forward to 2012- here's what's coming up next for ICT S.O.S.:

January Meeting: Tuesday January 10 at 6pm at the Youth Resource Center

More info here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/320810844606944/?context=create

Youth Resource Center Move In Work Day: January 16t at 9am

Sign up to help here:

http://www.volunteerkansas.org/Opportunities/Opportunity/337:Extreme_Makeover_Day_for_Youth_Resource_Center

Many items are still needed, check out the wish list here:

http://www.target.com/ot/list/u6n_NB5d5DYIVbrSVigy2Q

And here's a nice article about the project:

http://www.kansas.com/2011/12/26/2153506/midtown-wichita-center-for-homeless.html

Hope to see you at one of the January events! 2012 is going to be great year in the fight against human trafficking!

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