Sedgwick County proclaims January 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Month as ICT SOS opens new location

Human Trafficking Awareness Month was officially proclaimed by the Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners during their meeting on January 15, 2025. Chairman Ryan K. Beatty led the charge, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in combating human trafficking. The proclamation coincides with the opening of a new location for ICT SOS, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit, set to launch on January 16, 2025.

Jennifer White, Executive Director of ICT SOS, addressed the commission, highlighting the organization’s expanded services and its commitment to raising awareness about human trafficking in Sedgwick County. White noted that the issue is prevalent in communities of all sizes, including Wichita, and stressed the need for prevention efforts, particularly in schools. “We work really hard in the schools to get information out to the kids about what does this look like, what does online safety look like,” she stated.

The new ICT SOS facility will nearly double the organization’s space, allowing for on-site therapy offices and expanded educational programs. White expressed gratitude for the county's recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month and encouraged residents to engage with local organizations to better understand the issue and support survivors.

In addition to the proclamation, the meeting also featured the presentation of the Chairman's Award to the Stand Together Foundation, a nonprofit focused on addressing root causes of social issues in the community. Chairman Beatty praised the organization for its grassroots approach to transformation and reform, emphasizing the importance of community-led solutions.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a collective commitment to addressing human trafficking and supporting vulnerable populations in Sedgwick County, with both ICT SOS and Stand Together playing pivotal roles in these efforts.