Mississippi Coalition Against Human Trafficking

Amanda Dollar had the privilege of presenting to the Student Nurse Organization (SNO) at Hinds Community College's Pearl/Rankin Career & Technical Center on October 16. MCAHT Executive Director Lori Hill was also in attendance. Amanda would like to express her gratitude to Hinds Community College and to Associate Degree Nursing Instructor, Beverly Patrick, for the opportunity to speak! #nomoreht

Amanda Dollar recently traveled to Cleveland to attend Delta Strong, a human trafficking conference presented by the Center For Violence Prevention. In addition to benefiting from the quality programming at the conference, Amanda also enjoyed catching up with colleagues. Here, she is pictured with both Carmen Bechel (DeSoto County District Attorney's Office) and Detective Julia Humble (Olive Branch Police Department) and with CVP’s Kristina McCool. #nomoreht

Lori Hill, MCAHT Executive Director, was recently interviewed on WLBT- a Jackson news station- alongside Bo Trebotich of the nonprofit S.H.I.N.E. Like MCAHT, S.H.I.N.E. focuses on eradicating human trafficking. Lori and Bo discussed the reality of human trafficking in Mississippi and how their organizations and others are partnering to end it. #nomoreht

Allison Hertel has always had a heart for human trafficking victims and came to serve on the MCAHT Board after attending an awareness event at her church in 2019. One of the most exciting things she has witnessed as a board member was the opening of a home for human trafficking victims under the age of 18. Allison lives in Brandon with her husband of 19 years, John, and their two children, Willow and Myles. The Hertels own Provision Designs, a design and build company focusing on outdoor spaces, and attend Fondren Church. Allison says: "I am so grateful to get to be a small part of the work the Coalition is doing, and I am passionate about continuing to bring awareness to our area." #nomoreht

On September 19, Mallory Pickering presented on human trafficking at the 2024 Municipal Court Clerks Conference in Biloxi. She could not have asked for a more engaged audience! Thanks to Tracey Daniel of the Mississippi Judicial College for the invitation to speak. #nomoreht

Powerful. Worth the read.

Announcement: MCAHT's highly anticipated and hoped for Online Resource Directory has gone LIVE! You can use the resource directory to find helpful services available in your Mississippi county! MCAHT hopes the directory will aid human trafficking survivors in obtaining all they need to maintain their independence and to prevent their revictimization. Thank you to Magnolia Media for all their hard work on this project! #nomoreht https://lnkd.in/gWPSF8eZ

Sarah Fullen, MCAHT's Board Secretary/Treasurer, came to MCAHT (then MSAHT) after reporting on legislation being pushed in Mississippi to strengthen the state's laws against human trafficking. She, like many on the Board, had a desire to see Mississippians come together to aid in the rescue of individuals from trafficking and support survivors after the fact. While serving for a brief time as Director, she and the Board worked to establish a home for girls under 18 that were victims of trafficking. Now that this safe haven exists, she continues to support their efforts there with the help of her certified therapy dog Charlie, who makes routine visits to the residents of Sunrise Home. Sarah writes, “It is our duty to be there for these young people and show them they have support to regain control of their lives and have a beautiful story.” #nomoreht

Sandy Middleton is a founder of MCAHT and currently serves as Vice President of the Board. She has been the Executive Director of The Center For Violence Prevention since 2005. They serve over 1,500 victims per year, operate the state’s first shelter for victims of human trafficking, offer a batterer’s intervention program, and operate a separate forensic medical clinic. In addition to the MCAHT Board, Sandy has served on numerous boards and task forces, most centered around helping victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. She is a Certified Rapid Response Human Trafficking Advocate through the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. Sandy is married to Fred Middleton, and together, they have four married children and six beautiful grandchildren. A motivational Bible verse for Sandy is Psalm 82:4: “Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” #nomoreht

It is high time we formally introduced our outstanding board members to you all! Lindsey Simmons is President of the Board for MCAHT. She is one of the founding members of our organization, and she served as the original executive director before becoming board president. Lindsey has a heart for serving victims of human trafficking, and she has used her skills as a grant writer, speaker, and lobbyist to further the cause of protecting victims in our state. Lindsey was instrumental in opening the state's first home for victims of human trafficking under age 18. Lindsey and her husband own a lobbying firm in Jackson. They live in Brandon with their two kids and are active at Pinelake Church. #nomoreht