What warning signs should you look for with human trafficking?

Common signs can include unexplained injuries, fearfulness, few personal belongings, and limited freedom. If something feels wrong, trust that concern. Our workshops can help you learn what to see, know, and respond with care.

What should I do if I think someone is being trafficked?

Trust your instincts and prioritize safety. If someone may be in immediate danger, call 911 right away. If the situation is not urgent, document what you noticed, avoid confronting anyone directly, and reach out to local authorities or a trafficking hotline for guidance. We also encourage you to join our workshops so you can learn how to see, know, and respond with care.

Who is your hybrid workshop designed for?

Our hybrid workshop is for clergy, parish volunteers, parishioners, and community allies who want to better understand trafficking and respond wisely. It is designed to be practical, compassionate, and easy to follow. Whether you are new to this issue or ready to take the next step, we welcome you to learn with us.

What does “See, Know, and Respond” mean in your workshop?

It is the heart of our training. We help people learn how to see possible warning signs, know what trafficking can look like in real life, and respond safely and compassionately. Our goal is simple: give clergy, volunteers, parishioners, and community allies practical tools they can use right away.

Our Lady's Haven Monthly Newsletter

James Prosoco

1 day ago

4 min read

The Haven Report

Our Lady’s Haven Monthly Newsletter, September 2026

Protecting the Vulnerable • Restoring Dignity • Awakening the Church

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Over the past several months, we have used this newsletter to talk about human trafficking, the warning signs, the realities here in Vermont, the role our parishes can play, and most recently, what life can look like for a survivor after exploitation ends.

This month, I want to share a little more about where Our Lady's Haven is going.

From the beginning, the vision has been about more than raising awareness. We want to help create a real pathway from exploitation toward safety, stability, dignity, and hope.

That takes time. It takes partnerships. It takes resources. And most importantly, it takes good people.

As Our Lady's Haven continues to grow, we are beginning to look for individuals who may feel called to serve on our Board of Directors.

We need people who believe deeply in this mission and who can bring their experience, wisdom, and commitment to help us build it responsibly.

Maybe that person is you. Maybe it is someone you know. Either way, I ask you to pray for Our Lady's Haven during this next stage of our journey. God has opened doors we could not have opened ourselves, and we trust Him with the doors still ahead.

Grace and peace,

James Prosoco Founder & Executive Director Our Lady's Haven

This Month's Focus:

Building a Haven Takes a Community

When we talk about helping survivors of human trafficking, it is easy to focus on the moment someone escapes exploitation.

But freedom is only the beginning.

A survivor may need safe housing, transportation, healthcare, counseling, employment assistance, education, legal advocacy, spiritual support, and—perhaps most importantly—people who can be trusted.

No single organization can provide all of those things alone. That is why strong community partnerships matter. Churches, healthcare providers, counselors, law enforcement, social-service organizations, businesses, volunteers, and ordinary members of the community can each become part of a network that helps a survivor rebuild.

Our Lady's Haven is working toward becoming part of that network here in Vermont.

A haven isn't simply a building. It is a community of people who have decided that when someone needs a safe place to begin again, they will not have to begin alone.

Help Us Build the Next Chapter

OnAs our mission grows, so must the team entrusted with helping guide it.

We are currently seeking individuals interested in serving on the Our Lady's Haven Board of Directors.

Board service is more than having your name associated with an organization. It is a commitment to stewardship—to helping protect the mission, strengthen the organization, make responsible decisions, and prepare Our Lady's Haven for the future.

We would especially welcome conversations with people who bring experience in areas such as:

nonprofit leadership or governance
finance or accounting
fundraising and development
law
healthcare or mental health
social services
communications and community relations
business or organizational leadership
parish or ministry leadership

Experience in human trafficking work is not required. A commitment to the dignity of the people we hope to serve, a willingness to learn, and a genuine belief in the mission are essential.

If this speaks to you—or someone immediately came to mind while you were reading it—we would love to begin a conversation.

Interested in serving? Contact Our Lady's Haven through our website to learn more.

Saint Quote of the Month

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

— St. Teresa of Calcutta

A mission is rarely built through one extraordinary act. It grows through many people faithfully offering what they have.

Scripture Reflection

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

— Psalm 147:3

Supporting the Mission

Your support helps Our Lady's Haven continue preparing educational programs, community partnerships, and the future development of safe housing for survivors.

Together, we are building more than a program.

We are building hope.

Please visit:

www.OurLadysHaven.org/donate

Your support helps expand education and awareness efforts.

Donor Recognition

We offer sincere thanks to those who have supported the work of Our Lady’s Haven.

With permission, supporters may be acknowledged in this space in future newsletters.

We are grateful for every person who helps strengthen this mission.

ZuZu’s Corner

A Moment from the Field

The People Along the Way

ZuZu has never cared much about someone's résumé.

He doesn't ask what they do for a living, what title they hold, or what they can offer him. He's usually decided within about thirty seconds that he's simply happy they're there.

There's something wonderfully uncomplicated about that.

As Our Lady's Haven grows, we're meeting more and more people who want to help—not because there's something in it for them, but simply because they care.

Those are the people who keep reminding ZuZu and me why this mission has never really belonged to just us.

It belongs to everyone willing to care about the person who needs a safe place to begin again.

We're grateful you're one of them.

— James & ZuZu

Latest Updates

Our new Open Eye, Open Hearts Online Course and Training requests are now live on the website.

You can take the course as a self-paced study to learn more about Human Trafficking

Please visit today to schedule a training or take the new online course in Human Trafficking designed to educate on recognizing signs and create awareness, compassion, and confidence.

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Email: Info@Ourladyhaven.org