02-05-2025
Center for Prevention of Abuse awarded $20,000 grant
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Rotary Club of North Peoria awarded the Center for Prevention of Abuse $20,000 during its club meeting at the Barrack's Carter Inn on Thursday.
These funds were raised during the Rotary Club's 'Mardi Gras 2025: Taking Action to End Human Trafficking' event in February. The event shared information about human trafficking locally and around the world.
Carol Merna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, said the grant will supply critical support for the Center.
'Human trafficking is when freedom is stolen. From illicit massage facilities to factories and brothels to farms and panhandlers caught up in a begging ring to cleaning crews and domestic servitude, human trafficking is the second-largest criminal enterprise in the world, and it is a serious issue right here at home,' Merna said. 'Our work to serve survivors, and CFPA's efforts to educate and train on awareness and prevention, are our core responsibilities, but we cannot do it alone. We are deeply grateful for the Rotary Club of Peoria North for their partnership and their commitment to the many thousands of people affected by this heinous human rights issue.'
Rotary Club of Peoria North to presents $20,000 to combat human trafficking
The Center provides services for victims of violence. It is the only agency in Illinois that provides services for Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse/Assault, Human Trafficking, Adult Protective Services, and Prevention Education under one roof.
During the meeting, a $9,000 grant was also awarded to the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery.
Anyone who wants to report a human trafficking incident can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
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