Cleveland, Ohio – The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland hosted their annual Civic Luncheon at The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel this afternoon. The proceeds raised over $200,000 at this year's event and will be used to support programs like combatting human trafficking. Human trafficking has been a growing epidemic in Ohio. Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns, Hue Jackson and his wife, Michelle, felt passionate towards aiding in the fight against human trafficking. They launched the Hue Jackson Foundation in early July 2017 and established a collaborative relationship with The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland. The Jacksons were this year's event co-chairs, as well.
In July 2018, The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland opened the Hue Jackson Foundation Survivors of Human Trafficking Residence located within the Harbor Light Complex in Downtown Cleveland. This effort, to aid in the recovery of human trafficking victims, was a result of a partnership in mission between The Salvation Army and the Hue Jackson Foundation. The space provides a safe environment for up to 12 recovered adult women survivors of human trafficking. It offers collaborative and holistic services, and provides shared office space for law enforcement, healthcare, and social services providers, to help assist these survivors on their road to recovery. The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland now has a total of 18 dedicated beds between their Harbor Light Complex & Zelma George Family Shelter for recovered victims of human trafficking.
The State of Ohio ranks in the top 5 in the nation in reported human trafficking cases. "We are able to give women a second chance at having their lives back with the opening of this new residence. These 12 new beds will change lives, and for that we are thankful to have great collaborative partners like the Hue Jackson Foundation," stated Beau Hill, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Harbor Light Complex. The Salvation Army also opened a new Detox unit that is used as an additional support service for these individuals.
Major Thomas Applin, Divisional Secretary of Greater Cleveland Area Services, raved over the community's engagement for both the opening of the new Residence and Civic Luncheon. He stated, "I am truly grateful for the way our local community, community partners and corporate partners continue to believe in and support the work that we do every day at The Salvation Army. We strive to build a better, safer, and stronger Greater Cleveland through our programs to help those most in need." In addition to raising critical funds to support programs like human trafficking relief efforts, this year's Civic Luncheon also provides The Salvation Army an opportunity to honor our loyal volunteers and corporate partners. The William Booth Award went to Karen Walsh, President/CEO of The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, and the "Others" Award was presented to Detective John Morgan, Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.salvationarmyusa.org.
