Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Chains Interrupted is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to “Empower communities and contend for the freedom of youth from Human Trafficking and exploitation through Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy.”
Awareness: Chains Interrupted provides trained speakers to present their 17 (and growing!) educational programs which include:
- Awareness/Action (information on human trafficking for the general public) (Called “Breaking the Chains of Human Trafficking”)
- Youth (2 separate presentations for those 12 years old and up, and those under 12)
- General Business
- Hotel/Motel
- Financial Industry
- Medical Personnel
- Mental Health Professional
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Judiciary
- Faith Community
- Church Safety Team
- Realtors
- The Child Labor Trafficking Crisis in Rural Iowa
- Trauma-Responsive Practice
- Technology, Our Kids, and Human Trafficking
The “UnChainEd Coalition” is a group of community members and organizations working together to identify and address the gaps that exist in community services for those victimized by human trafficking.
We seek to raise awareness in as many ways as possible, walking in parades, hosting booths at events, submitting mayoral proclamations, hosting events (including our annual Red Sand Project & Family Safety Fair), utilizing flyers, posters, window decals, billboards, social media, and more.
To schedule a speaker, become involved with the coalition, or volunteer, visit their website www.ChainsInterrupted.com, call the office at 319-364-0222 or email Info@chainsinterrupted.com.
Prevention: Chains Interrupted provides prevention education in schools, church youth groups, after-school programs and through our new BRYX Program (Building Resilience in Youth against eXploitation) that partners with local organizations working with high-risk youth. Through the BRYX program, partnerships with community youth mentorship programs and our Survivor Guidance Program are essential in preventing children and youth from becoming victimized by human trafficking.
Survivor Advocacy: Our Advocacy team works to equip staff in our BRYX partner organizations to identify and assist those who have experienced this specific form of victimization in a Trauma-Informed manner. We also provide expert witness testimony, work for critical legislative changes, and strive to fill in the gaps as we can for partner organizations as we all work together to end this heinous crime!
Service Area:
Eastern and Central Iowa