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Local nonprofit urges Liberty County to step up human‑trafficking education, promotes weekend fundraiser
Summary
Representatives from Universal Agape Love told the Liberty County Commissioners Court on Sept. 23 that they are seeing rising human‑trafficking and domestic‑violence indicators in the county and urged greater public awareness; the group is holding a fundraising and education event Sept. 27 at the Daming Community Center.
Representatives of Universal Agape Love told the Liberty County Commissioners Court on Sept. 23 that the nonprofit is seeing a rise in indicators of human trafficking and domestic violence in Liberty County and asked commissioners to support community education and outreach.
Universal Agape Love CEO Stephanie Montgomery said the group provides housing-relocation services, counseling and case referrals and that it has delivered “over 3,000 counseling sessions” in recent years through partnerships with local service providers including Bridgehaven and CASA. “We educate about what's going on, how human trafficking is affecting Liberty County, and give out the tools that's needed,” Montgomery said during public comment.
Brad Peyton, identified as having worked with Homeland Security for about 27 years, told the court that trafficking networks often move victims from urban hubs into rural areas and that local officials and businesses are likely already encountering victims. “This is not a shortage of problem. This is a lack of awareness,” Peyton said, urging officials to learn how to identify victims and where to refer them for services.
Montgomery described a recent incident the group interpreted as targeting because organizers placed zip ties on counselor vehicles; she said local law‑enforcement officers needed explanation of what the signs meant. She emphasized that fundraising proceeds are intended to be used directly for victim services and relocation: “100% of these funds go back into the community,” she said. Universal Agape Love said its upcoming event at the Daming Community Center on Sept. 27 will combine education with fundraising; admission was announced as $100 per person and the organization provided a contact number, (936) 262‑7800.
The presentation asked the county and the public to support broader education—both to identify victims early and to provide post‑rescue services. Brad Peyton highlighted the fiscal and operational strain of serving survivors: beyond arrest and prosecution, communities must provide housing, medical care and other long‑term supports. Montgomery and Peyton outlined that the organization can assist with immediate relocation when a victim’s vehicle or phone is compromised by traffickers.
The commissioners did not take formal action on the presentation; the remarks were recorded as part of the public‑comment period.
