Wellspring Living and Tapestri are launching a citywide educational initiative to equip Atlanta communities with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking as part of a human trafficking prevention initiative during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Together, Wellspring Living contributes 25 years of deep expertise serving survivors of sex trafficking, including youth 12-17, while Tapestri has nearly three decades of experience in labor trafficking and domestic violence intervention, particularly among immigrant and refugee populations. From March through June 2026, the organizations have a goal of jointly training more than 5,000 individuals at 11 locations across Atlanta. The training is sponsored by UPS and the City of Atlanta.

Atlanta's status as a major entertainment and transportation hub, along with its hospitality sector, increases the risk of trafficking activity, making women, youth, and marginalized populations particularly vulnerable. The risk spikes during major sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring over 300,000 visitors into the region in the summer of 2026. This training initiative addresses the urgent need for immediate prevention and also helps foster a long-term culture of vigilance, compassion, and protection for vulnerable populations across the city.

Wellspring Living and Tapestri are proud to be part of a larger coalition that includes the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Violence Prevention, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), City of Refuge, Covenant House, UPS, Delta Air Lines, IHG, and several municipal partners, all committed to strengthening Atlanta’s response to trafficking. The partnership also includes It's a Penalty, a global initiative that focuses on raising awareness and driving action to combat human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse through campaigns at major global sporting events, including the World Cup. 

 “Our partnership brings together organizations deeply committed to protecting vulnerable people,” said Dionysia Ambrose, director of Wellspring Living Institute Services. “Through these trainings, we are equipping everyday citizens, faith leaders, nonprofits, and businesses with the knowledge and confidence to recognize trafficking, respond safely, and connect survivors to life-changing resources.” 

Maja Hasic, Tapestri’s Anti-Human Trafficking program director added, “Through this initiative, we are working together to create safer communities and stand together against human trafficking in all of its forms.”

Wellspring Living’s training model prioritizes trauma-informed and survivor-centered approaches, ensuring attendees learn in a supportive, respectful environment. Sessions range from two to four hours and are designed for faith communities, nonprofit organizations, community members, and other sectors that regularly interact with at-risk populations. Tapestri will focus on providing labor trafficking training to the faith-based communities. These trainings focus on three key outcomes:

• Increased Awareness: Participants learn to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and respond appropriately.

• Strengthened Collaboration: The program fosters cooperation among residents, service providers, law enforcement, and local agencies to improve coordinated responses.

• Improved Victim Support: Communities build capacity to identify trafficking early and connect survivors to essential care and recovery services.

Trainings will take place at 11 faith-based institutions throughout Atlanta, leveraging trusted community leaders and Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs) to expand prevention, advocacy, and local engagement. 

Training dates are listed below, and interested persons can register at https://bit.ly/worldcuptraining.

SW Atlanta Training Dates

• March 7, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
• April 9, 2026, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
• May 23, 2026, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 

SE Atlanta Training Dates

• June 4, 2026, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
• June 6, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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NE Atlanta Training Dates

• February 23, 2026, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
• March 5, 2026, 6:30pm - 8:30pm 

NW Atlanta Training Dates

• March 14, 2026, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
• April 25, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm
• May 11, 2026, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

For more information about upcoming trainings or how to get involved, please contact: 

• Dionysia Ambrose, Institute Director, Wellspring Living Institute, Ph.: 920-375-1263
• Maja Hasic, Human Trafficking Program Director, Tapestri, Ph.:404-299-2185 ext. 421