Did you know that January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month? Greenville County was No. 3 on the list of SC’s 10 worst counties for human trafficking in 2021, along with five other Upstate counties. As a state, SC saw a 15% increase in human trafficking from 2020, and that’s just what was reported.
How can I help locally?
Whether you want to donate money or time as a volunteer, these local organizations are dedicated to making a difference here in the Upstate.
Upstate Human Trafficking Taskforce
The Upstate Human Trafficking Taskforce consists of Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens + Cherokee counties and operates under the SC Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force’s mission is to prevent trafficking, protect potential victims and survivors, and prosecute traffickers. Task force members provide presentations, training, and other projects.
SWITCH
SWITCH is a local grassroots organization that has been working to end sex trafficking and exploitation in the Upstate since 2012. In the 10 years since its founding, SWITCH has educated over 30,000 community members, and helped 400 individuals through their intervention and restoration programs. The organization has also partnered with other local orgs like Miracle Hill Ministries and Greenville County Public Safety.
SWITCH offers volunteer opportunities in a variety of programs, from educating young people through its prevention program, to its all-male Demand team (which speaks to local men’s groups about trafficking), to fundraising and event planning.
Jasmine Road
Jasmine Road is a two-year residential program for adult female survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. The organization takes a holistic approach to healing through services like trauma-informed therapy, creative activities, healthcare, and long-term support following graduation.
You can apply to volunteer at Jasmine Road, but there are several other ways to support the organization including donating basic necessities, purchasing Jasmine Road social enterprise products like candles + jewelry, or eating at Jasmine Kitchen on Augusta Road.
Julie Valentine Center
The Julie Valentine Center, founded in 1974 by 13 female volunteers, focuses on services for victims of sexual assault and child abuse. The organization’s services include individual and group therapy for children and adults, medical exams, and community education programs.
Beyond volunteering, you can support the Julie Valentine Center by donating to its continuous need list or participating in the annual Run2Overcome 5k/10k. Additionally, any purchases made from Llyn Strong Jewelry’s Julie Valentine Center collection directly benefit the cause. This Valentine’s Day, the Julie Valentine Center will host its annual luncheon, featuring stories from survivors.
Foothills Alliance
Foothills Alliance is a nonprofit agency that operates in Anderson + Oconee counties to provide support and intervention for victims of sexual assault and child abuse. Its services include a child advocacy center, sexual trauma center, and education and outreach programs.
If you want to get involved, the Foothills Alliance has volunteer opportunities in office work, its crisis hotline, its Strengthening Families Program, and with general needs like yard work and painting. If you or someone you know needs help, you can fill out an intake form for any of the Foothills Alliance programs on its website.
South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN)
The South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN) serves the entire state and offers several opportunities to get involved. SCVAN regularly hosts free, virtual trainings, and will hold the 35th Annual SC Victims’ Rights Week conference this May in Columbia.
In addition to these local resources, you can call or text the confidential National Human Trafficking Hotline 24/7.
