News Articles

              The Valencia Lakes West Women’s Club (VLWWC), a group of 220 residents of Valencia Lakes on Route 301 in Wimauma, presented a check for $1000 to the Southshore Campaign Against Human Trafficking(CAHT) board of directors on Saturday March 16th at their bimonthly membership meeting.  

             The mission of VLWWC is to contribute to local communities through volunteer endeavors and charitable giving, as well as forge relationships among its members.  To raise awareness about the tragedy of human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area, the Women’s Club invited staff from the Survivor Services Team of  South Shore CAHT to give a presentation for Women’s Club members on March 16, 2024. 

             At the presentation Lou Anne Rossdeutscher spoke about the crucial work of CAHT, whose mission is to support victims and help put an end to human trafficking. The Rescue Backpacks Program was formed eight years ago and is part of CAHT’s Victim Services Program.  Since the survivors of human trafficking often have nothing but the clothes on their backs - and sometimes not even that - rescue backpacks are filled with items a newly rescued victim will need to begin a new life.  They are given for free to the victims but cost approximately $55 each.   Almost 800 backpacks have been distributed during the past five years with 176 backpacks distributed so far in 2024. This generous donation will enable CAHT to purchase additional backpacks.  Since they expect to need 224 rescue backpacks in 2024, additional donations to CAHT will be accepted via their website sccblueheart.org.  

Rescue Survivor Backpack

 

            The VLWWC welcomes any female resident of the Valencia Lakes community who is interested in charitable giving. The Club’s philanthropic projects and initiatives can be found at vlwomen.org.