A group of 15 women who make up the Women’s Fund Giving Circle are on a mission to raise public awareness around the issue of commercial sex trafficking. The group has researched the topic and listened to panels of law enforcement officials, service providers and policy makers talk about the problem. They’ve asked questions, attended legislative hearings and gathered information about best practices. An original commitment to study the topic for six months after hearing the first couple of speakers is now approaching two years, with no end in sight.

The Women’s Fund Giving Circle was originally started 10 years ago to promote philanthropy as members pooled their money to support and learn about specific charities with programs for women. In recent months, their focus has been on sex trafficking, and members are looking into how to best invest their funds to have an impact.

“We hope that public awareness will be raised around this issue and that coordinated action can be initiated to put into place policies that will help prevent young girls and women from being victimized by pimps and johns,” member Lorraine Chang said. “We also hope that coordinated action will lead to greater services being available to help victims escape from their exploitive situations, recover and assume successful, fulfilling lives.”

May 2012

Giving Stories Sought

What is your Giving Circle doing to make a difference in the Omaha area? Please send your stories to info@omahawomensfund.org and share them on this site. Include details on how and where the giving circle started and what you have done.