We Are
Chains Interrupted
About the Project
Vision
Chains Interrupted is a nonprofit fighting for the freedom from trafficking and exploitation in Eastern Iowa, the U.S., and the world.
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Mission
Chains Interrupted is a driving force that empowers communities and contends for the freedom of youth from human trafficking and exploitation through Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy.
In response to a growing problem and a community needs assessment, we now focus on youth through our three pillars:
*We raise awareness of all forms of human trafficking through our current 17 (and growing!) educational programs, print material, booths, parades and many other events.
*Chains Interrupted is increasing efforts in prevention through strengthening our School, High-Risk Youth, and Survivor Guidance Programs, as well as enhancing partnerships with community youth mentorship programs.
*Our advocacy team provides support to youth survivors of human trafficking, and is implementing a new program to equip organizations working with youth to identify and assist those who have experienced this specific form of victimization. Through our BRYX (Building Reslience in Youth against eXploitation) program, our advocacy team partners with organizations working with youth to provide education and training for staff equipping them to identify and assist those who have been impacted by human trafficking. This program works to fill in the gaps and provide resources for restoration care for those 18-24 years of age.
OUR
HISTORY
What began as a small committee of concerned people, grew over time to what it is today: a thriving, vibrant nonprofit making a significant impact in our city, state, nation and world.
In 2015, the wonderful committee known as “Sisters and Brothers Collaborating Against Human Trafficking” merged with an amazing 501(c)3 organization called “Cedar Rapids Gives."
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At the beginning of 2016, many changes took place in the fight against human trafficking within the state of Iowa. Cedar Rapids Gives dissolved and “Chains Interrupted” was born (incorporated in August, 2016), receiving 501(c)3 status in February 2018.
49.6 Million
People
were living in a human trafficking situation in 2021 - International Labor Organization
57%
of the nearly 450 human trafficking cases in US Criminal Court in 2021, were minors
83%
of active sex trafficking cases in 2020, involved online solicitation