Today, Wellspring Living was awarded $25,000 for general support to continue our fight against human trafficking by United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT) during its summit in Salt Lake City, UT—Beyond Borders: A Call to Action Against Human Trafficking. The event featured keynote remarks from Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes as well as a special video address by Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp.

USA-IT is a public and private-sector partnership led by Philip Morris International (PMI) and supported by more than 85 national and state brand enforcement experts, law enforcement agencies, academics, and leading business organizations dedicated to fighting illegal trade.

The summit convened some of the strongest national voices on illicit trade and human trafficking prevention to educate members on the necessity of working with public and private entities to combat this heinous crime. During the summit, PMI—in partnership with USA-IT— presented the “Champion Against Human Trafficking Award” to Wellspring Living and awarded the group with $25,000 for general support to continue our fight in this important battle. 

"USA-IT and corporate leadership are paving the way to reduce illegal trade, not only ending merchandise, but also saving human lives," said Wellspring Living Executive Director Mary Frances Bowley. "Their stand for justice through this investment will make an incredible impact on the lives of those who have been victimized by sexual exploitation."

Wellspring Living is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of those at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation with expansive residential, community and post-program support to stand by women throughout their care process. Providing a safe environment for survivors of abuse and human trafficking is tantamount in Georgia. Wellspring Living is proud to have founded the state’s first residential intake center for trafficked minors, where they can receive medical care, academic support and therapeutic and stabilization services.

“For years, criminals have shamelessly skirted the criminal justice system to support large-scale operations, bringing a relentless cycle of crime into our cities and onto our interstates, including human trafficking,” said USA-IT spokesperson and former Acting Executive Associate Director for Homeland Security Investigations Alysa Erichs. “Investments into these incredible organizations fighting illicit trade on the ground is an obvious choice to leverage their strength to continue being a champion of justice for the vulnerable.”

For more information about USA-IT's efforts to combat illegal trade and to get involved, visit USAIT.org or email us at [email protected]. 

For more information about Wellspring Living, visit wellspringliving.org.

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