Helping the Helpers

HTH: Southern Grit Advocacy needs volunteers to help take a stand against human trafficking

In late 2019, Southern Grit Advocacy was birthed as concerns of human trafficking grew in the North Texas area. The goal of the nonprofit organization is to prevent, disrupt, and end human trafficking through education and advocacy but the nonprofit leaders says not too long after they hit the ground running, COVID-19 slowed that plan down. Cara Sauceda, director of programs at the Boys and Girls Club said she believes southern grit advocacy is vital to our community as it provides age appropriate programmimng for children on how to protect themselves. "They were able to present the needed and necessary programmatic materials to educate our children on personal safety about being aware of their surroundings and the dangers of trafficking," Sauceda said. Victims of human trafficking estimates at more than 300,000 in Texas, about 79,000 of which are minors and youth. Sauceda said this nonprofit brings awareness to an issue she doesn't believe many people pay attention to enough in our area. "Much of the community is not aware of the extremely high risk that north texas presents to youth with trafficking issues," Sauceda said. "We have seven of the highest risk factors here in North Texas, one being living in or near a border town, we are within 30 miles of a men's state prison,we are near military bases, we have truck stops near us." Executive director of the organization hoping to increase advocacy for survivors, Vicky Payne, said 2020 had a lot of highs and lows. Payne said they spent a lot of time drafting and adopting policy but fundraising took a backseat. "We were disappointed that we couldn't really connect with the people, but what we did do, is we championed prevention education in texas public schools," Payne said. Payne said they only have a handful of volunteers which has affected their ability to do outreach and so, both Payne and Sauceda ask community members to get involved with this nonprofit. "If the community cares about the health and welfare of our children, then they should also care about these programs that protect our children," Sauceda said. If you would like to volunteer with the nonprofit or donate, follow this link.

HTH: Mustangs Pantry needs contributions to continue to fight food insecurity on campus

Three years ago, an emergency aid program was unveiled at Midwestern State University for students experiencing food insecurity.

HTH: Furosity Track suffers financial loss due to pandemic

Officials with a local nonprofit, Furosity Track, that works hard to impact tomorrow's champions said COVID-19 has been painful and needs your help.

HTH: WFAAC officials appeal to community to support local artists

A nonprofit that promotes arts through ongoing education, advocacy, publicity and funding is appealing to the community to support arts and culture in what has proven to be a difficult year.

HTH: Lawton AMBUCS hope you can help keep its mission in motion

The folks with Lawton AMBUCS said any assistance you can provide will help them make a difference.

More Helping the Helpers Headlines

HTH: Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra hopes to keep healing and educating through music

If you are a lover of classical music, then you may be interested in this Texoma nonprofit organization known to heal and educate through music.

HTH: Catholic Charities seeks public help in mission to end poverty across Texoma

After the coronavirus put a stop to all their fundraising efforts in 2020, a local nonprofit is still trying to eradicate poverty one family at a time.

HTH: The Refuge officials say continual giving is vital in keeping mission alive

One Texoma nonprofit is expressing gratitude to area nonprofits, businesses and donors that came together during the COVID crisis and helped in ensuring their success.

HTH: Olney Senior Cub Center needs your support

Many senior citizens in Olney rely on the Senior Cub Center in Olney for daily meals and fellowship but much has changed over the course of the pandemic.

HTH: Community donations could fast-track Base Camp Lindsey’s plan to get vets off the street

Base Camp Lindsey, veterans, local news, helping the Helpers, Texoma, Texas, homeless, homelessness,

HTH: P.E.T.S. officials left chasing tails to meet high demand as they recover from pandemic

When things got rough for area nonprofits, like P.E.T.S. (Preventing Euthanasia Through Sterilization) Clinic, during the pandemic officials were left chasing their tails for ideas to continue to serve your furry family members.

HTH: Christmas in Action in desperate need of volunteers

One local nonprofit works year-round to rehabilitate the homes of low-income elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners.

HTH: Texas Blood Institute experiences severe blood shortage, donors needed

Donor centers across the state said they are suffering from a severe blood shortage.

HTH: Wichita West VFD seeks support as they recover from the effects of the pandemic

The men and women of the Wichita West Volunteer Fire Department dedicate their time protecting their neighbors in the event of a fire and other emergencies and they do this willingly, expecting nothing in return.

Habitat for Humanity needs support to continue laying foundation for families in need

The organization that builds strength, stability and self-reliance with families needs more people to be part of its mission.