Safe Harbour program welcomes author today who survived sex trafficking

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 January 2023 at 9:16 am

Entries sought for poster contest to raise awareness of issue

Jasmine Grace

ALBION – The Safe Harbour program which started a year ago by the Orleans County Department of Social Services is welcoming an author today through video conferencing.

Jasmine Grace will speak from 12:30 to 2 p.m. today through Zoom. A link to her presentation is available by registering and emailing SafeHarbour@orleanscounty.gov.

Grace will share about surviving the commercial sex trade. She will discuss facts about sex trafficking and how communities can prevent it from happening.

She has started Jasmine Grace Outreach to help people break free from drug addiction, sexual exploitation, and a hopeless way of life.

The county’s Safe Harbour program also is seeking entries in a poster contest with a theme: “Spot the Signs – Stop the Traffick.” Submissions will be accepted from students in grades 7-12. The entries should be on paper or posters at least 8.5 by 11 inches and should include red flags, vulnerabilities, warning signs and myths about sex trafficking.

Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 15. First prize includes an iPad, second prize a VR head set, and third prize a hover board.

For more information, contact Sharon Nenni at Sharon.nenni@orleanscountyny.gov or 585-589-3136.

The Safe Harbour program is designed to be a safe place for teens (12-18 years of age). In addition to providing education and awareness, Safe Harbour provides lessons in life skills to promote a strong foundation to help children launch into their future.

For more information on Safe Harbour or how you can get your child involved in the program, email SafeHarbour@orleanscounty.gov.