MILWAUKEE — Dana World Patterson believes the fight against human trafficking needs to start at a young age.
That’s why she started Project Youth Matter MKE, which is a summer program hosted by Patterson, the founder of Foundations for Freedom.
“To smooth out those rough edges and teach these kids how to believe in yourself,” said Patterson.
Foundations for Freedom is a nonprofit organization that aims to eradicate human trafficking through education, advocacy and awareness.
This summer, Patterson worked with 13 youths from Milwaukee to help them become more confident and proud of who they are.
“If we can have strong youth, they are resilient, they are able to know the signs and I think we are on our way,” said Patterson.
Through group activities, the 13 youth got the chance to work on themselves and their community. They even got paid an hourly wage to pick up trash in their own neighborhood.
“Even if they didn’t put it down, what can I do to make this city better,” said Patterson. “The city we live in, it’s the extension of our homes, how can we help this city be better one piece of garbage at a time.”
Marinna Darrington is 17 and looking to join the military after graduating high school. She got involved with Project Youth Matter MKE because she wanted to make her community a better place.
“My grandmother’s friend, she had told me about it and I was like, ‘okay, that would be a good experience',’ and it is a good experience because you know, I am doing something positive,” said Darrington.
Darrington’s friends don’t know she’s helping to clean up her community, but she believes they would be proud if they did know.
“People are just nasty, so I just try to pick up stuff like when I see stuff at my house I pick it up, they throw stuff on the streets,” said Darrington.
Patterson has spent most of her life working to eradicate human trafficking. During that time, she has found that discussing the topic directly with kids can be traumatizing.
“This has been more about prevention and self resilience versus the conversation of human trafficking,” said Patterson.
She said traffickers often prey on the weak, so she is building these kids up to be strong.
“One tool to fight human trafficking is a powerful introduction,” said Patterson. “We’re teaching strong handshakes, eye contact, lifting your voice. These are all that they will need.”
The fight against human trafficking involves a group effort from law enforcement, organizations and nonprofits.
The public can also play a crucial role in putting an end to human trafficking by learning to spot it.
She shared red flags to look out for:
Signs of physical or sexual abuse such as bruising, scars or malnutrition
Lack of control over personal documents
Poor mental health
Poor eye contact
Little to no personal possessions
Traffickers will also remain close by victims
If you believe someone is a victim of human trafficking, contact your local police department or call the human trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Patterson hopes to expand her youth program in the coming years to incorporate more of Milwaukee’s youth.
For more on Foundations of Freedom, click here.
Editor's Note: An earlier version of the article contained information that has since been deleted. (Oct. 2, 2023)