Chatham County proclaims January Human Trafficking Awareness Month and recognizes local youth shelter

Chatham County commissioners on Jan. 10 proclaimed January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month and recognized a local nonprofit that opened a residential program for trafficking‑affected youth in December 2023. The proclamation cites global estimates of trafficking victims and urges county residents to support prevention efforts.

Chair Desiree Ellis presented the proclamation and invited the nonprofit’s representatives and juvenile court staff to speak. A representative of the nonprofit said the program has served 13 young people since opening and now has a staff of more than 20 providing 24/7 support. "We have staff there working with these young people," the representative said, and invited commissioners to visit the facility.

Judge Tom Cole of the juvenile court thanked the commission for its support and described Chatham County’s human trafficking treatment court, which coordinates with the nonprofit. Judge Cole said the court’s judges and staff appreciate the commission’s funding and partnership.

Commissioner Aaron Whiteley told colleagues that human trafficking is often "understated" locally and urged the county to identify and fill gaps in services, saying he had spoken with stakeholders and wanted to "move the needle" on prevention and support. Commissioners discussed connecting the county’s outreach trailer and peer‑mentoring efforts with school‑based education to extend awareness and support for students and families.

The county manager was asked to have staff coordinate with the nonprofit and other program leaders to explore more formal links between juvenile court services, school outreach and peer mentorship. No formal funding changes or new program authorizations were made at the meeting; commissioners thanked presenters and moved on to other agenda items.