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Joined by survivors, including our own Arien Garcia, as well as Fresno’s mayor and police chief, Assemblymember Jim Patterson announced the passage of a bill that would allow human trafficking survivors to have their records cleared of non-violent crimes within a reasonable amount of time after escaping the life.

At the Justice Coalition, we sincerely believe that legislation like CA Assembly Bill 262 represents a step in the right direction for survivors of human trafficking who have been coerced into committing crimes by those who enslaved and exploited them. We are grateful that Governor Newsom signed this bill into law and are so proud to stand beside Arien Pauls Garcia as she tirelessly advocates for change. Not only does Arien use her voice publicly but she also privately has helped dozens of pre-victim adolescent clients this year alone through our youth prevention programming.

Read more about the process of getting AB 262 passed and signed into law:

KMJ story from Reporter Liz Kern

Fresno Bee article by Melissa Montalvo

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freedom sunday

“It is for freedom that Christ set us free!” Gal 5:1

February 2, 2014  churches across the Central Valley are uniting to proclaim freedom for all who enslaved in modern day slavery.

Join in standing against human trafficking and other forms of slavery and FOR the freedom found in Christ Jesus! Sign up here to let us know you are participating. See our new Freedom Sunday page for more info and resources.

Feb 2nd is around the corner and we want to equip YOU with tools and resources for your congregation. Please join us for Freedom Freedom Sunday Training!

When: Tues, Jan 7th, 12 – 1pm (doors open until 1:30)

JUST ADDED! Monday, Jan 6, 7pm. This evening includes brief training, and a larger focus on worship and prayer for 2014 (in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness month).

Where: Fresno First Baptist Parlor (on southeast side of campus, close to Lansing Ave)

1400 E Saginaw Way

Fresno 93704

Click on the following link for a short video on Human Trafficking in Fresno: http://vimeo.com/66281458.

Don’t wait til after Christmas to bring this to the attention of your church leaders! 

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Central Valley Justice Coalition will be part of a session on human trafficking at the 2013 Engage Missional Life Conference on Friday and Saturday October 18-19 in Fresno.
The Engage Missional Life Conference focus is equip believers to be “totally committed to living the love of God in all circumstances where people meet Jesus through our grace, compassion, forgiveness, caring, & loving Lifestyle.” In includes workshops taught by those in organizations here and all over the world with opportunities to connect with mission organizations and like-minded people.
We will be co-presenting a workshop at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19 called “Piercing the Darkness: God’s People Leading the Fight Against Human Trafficking” with Chris Sambaugh, co-founder of the The Grace Network in Sacramento, a gospel-based anti-trafficking network mobilizing communities throughout the Sacramento region to combat human trafficking. CVJC will be sharing on local human trafficking issues and response.
Register to attend the Engage Missional Life Conference here and share this with others you know who are seeking to live a missional life.
Engage Missional Life Conference Facebook page
Engage Missional Life Conference Website
engage

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On Tuesday, May 14, over 30 local pastors and spiritual leaders toured Fresno yesterday and saw first hand the intensity of human trafficking in our city.

The group was taken on a bus tour throughout Fresno, stopping at locations where human trafficking happens regularly. Fresno PD shared true stories of both the horrific realities of human trafficking and also the success stories of transformed lives. Back at People’s church, the group heard testimonies from one of our ministry partners, Christine Riley, who shared her story as a human trafficking survivor. Sgt. Curtis Chastain, head of the Fresno Police Department Human Trafficking Vice Unit, Jessica Pittman of Central Valley Justice Coalition, and Andrea Shabaglian of Made For Them were also among many who cast vision at this event.

The event was an incredible opportunity for the leaders to dive in and be more attentive to the need for their congregations to be involved in the fight against human trafficking and how they can partner with local organizations.  Jessica Pittman noted after the event, “God continues to remind us he is a God of justice and mercy! Thanks to all our partners who work around the clock to bring freedom to those who have been oppressed, and thanks to Christine for sharing her story and for partnering with our Coalition.”

KSEE 24 and CBS 47 covered well not only the event, but information on the reality of human trafficking in the Central Valley. The reports can be viewed at the links below:

“Combatting Human Trafficking In the Central Valley” KSEE 24, 5/13/13

“Valley Pastors Learn First Hand About Fresno’s Human Trafficking Problems” CBS 47, 5/3/13


This event was presented by Made for Them and Fresno Police Department, and we hope to have information soon about the next tour. Sign up for our e-newsletter so you will be notified about upcoming opportunities!

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The Coalition thanks to ALL who joined us April 19 & 20th for Just Act! A special thanks goes to the 50+ people who spent late hours on Friday night or early Saturday morning ACTING in our community! By supporting this event you all helped us to bring about holistic and lasting change to those impacted by human trafficking. Petitions were signed, demonstrations were held, training occurred, and fervent prayer took place. Friday night there were 25 people who walked and prayed on Parkway Drive – these people took a courageous stand to demonstrate our intolerance of the injustice of human trafficking.

If you are not on our e-newsletter list, fill our our form  so we can contact you about upcoming opportunities. There will be more Just Acts happening soon!

The Coalition desires to continue growing and increasing in impact. To do that, we need money! We ask you shamelessly to give because we believe without a doubt that what we are doing makes a difference. Please click here to learn more about donating.