HELIANTHUS PROJECT

The Helianthus Project is a Latina and veteran-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting child victims of human trafficking. The scientific name "Helianthus," which is the name of the sunflower, symbolizes truth, strength, and light. Just like sunflowers, which can thrive in harsh environments, the Helianthus Project aims to help survivors grow and flourish despite their challenging circumstances.

Mission and Vision
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy for child victims of human trafficking, empowering them to rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential. We envision a world where every child is free from exploitation and has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Our Programs
1. Education and Advocacy
Education and Advocacy is at the heart of our efforts to combat human trafficking. We believe that awareness and education are crucial in preventing trafficking and supporting survivors. Our initiatives include:

Public Awareness Campaigns: We run campaigns to educate the public about the realities of human trafficking, dispelling myths and providing accurate information.

Survivor Support Services
Our Survivor Support Services are designed to provide holistic care to child victims of human trafficking and their families. We offer a range of services to address their immediate and long-term needs, including:

Counseling and Mental Health Support: We provide transportation to trauma-informed counseling and mental health services to help survivors heal from their experiences.
Legal Assistance: We offer resources for legal support to help survivors navigate the legal system, including assistance with immigration issues, obtaining restraining orders, and more.
Safe Housing: We provide financial access to safe and secure housing for survivors, ensuring they have a stable environment to begin their recovery.
Medical Care: We connect survivors with medical professionals who can address their physical health needs, including routine check-ups and specialized care.
Educational Support: We help survivors continue their education by providing tutoring, school supplies, and support with school enrollment.

Community Outreach
Community Outreach is essential to building a network of support for trafficking survivors. Our outreach efforts include:
Partnerships with Local Organizations: We collaborate with schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and other community groups to provide resources and support for survivors.
Volunteer Programs: We engage volunteers in various capacities, from mentoring survivors to assisting with events and administrative tasks.
Public Events: We host awareness walks, fundraisers, and community fairs to raise awareness and support for our cause.

Training and Workshops
Our Training and Workshops program aims to equip professionals and community members with the skills and knowledge to effectively combat human trafficking.
We offer:
Professional Training: We provide training for law enforcement, healthcare providers, educators, and social workers on how to identify and respond to trafficking cases.
Community Workshops: We conduct workshops for community members, teaching them how to recognize the signs of trafficking and how to report suspicious activities.

Our advocacy efforts include:
Public Policy Research: We conduct research on trafficking trends and policy effectiveness, using our findings to inform our advocacy efforts.
Coalition Building: We collaborate with other organizations and coalitions to amplify our advocacy efforts and create a unified voice for change.

The Helianthus Project has made a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking.
Some of our success stories include:
Rescue and Rehabilitation: We have successfully assisted children/families from trafficking situations and provided them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Community Engagement: Through our outreach and education programs, we have reached thousands of individuals, raising awareness and fostering a community of support for survivors