By Cindy Brookshire
For PotomacLocal.com
In January, Soroptimist International of Manassas sponsored a public awareness program to shine a light on a serious issue affecting women and girls in the Prince William area, and around the world: human and sex trafficking.
The event, held in the Verizon Auditorium on George Mason University’s Prince William Campus, featured the documentary “Call + Response,” followed by a panel of experts.
Kathleen Darabond, FBI Special Agent, Washington Field office, described how the agency works closely with local law enforcement to stop sex trafficking and curb gang activity in our area.
Captain Hans Mumm, US Army Retired, an expert in the area of modern day slave labor, related a story of a perpetrator who used Facebook like a shopping catalogue to find, “friend” and groom minors. He also proposed asking banks to donate foreclosed properties to be safe houses for women, turning their dead assets into tax deductions.
Dr. Courtney Gaskins, Youth for Tomorrow’s Director of Program Services and Fay Phillips-LeSane, a Case Manager for Youth for Tomorrow, introduced the program’s new Crisis Intervention Counseling Center, which opened this month at 2500 Hunter’s Place in Woodbridge, as well as a safe house for trafficked girls that will be opened soon.
Lisa Johnson-Firth, Esq., a principal attorney at Immigrants First, PLLC, an immigration and human rights law firm representing victims of sex trafficking, talked about the warning signs of trafficking – such as seeing someone walking without shoes in winter. She also asked the audience to be more aware of fair trade issues – if you are paying a low price for goods, such as $5 for a pair of shoes, think about whether someone in another country is being trafficked to manufacture those goods.
Megan Cesar, Case Manager, Restoration Ministries, talked about her program’s compassionate response to men, women and children who have been caught up in the trap of sex trafficking. Many victims suffer from profound shame and guilt, extreme anxiety and fear, and self-destructive behavior.
The panelists offered suggestions – getting involved and being a positive role model, especially to young people after school. A common denominator in many victims is that the adults in their lives didn’t have time for them.
Information tables in the lobby included Freedom 4/24 a group based in Lynchburg, Virginia, that provides a pathway to freedom for the sexually exploited through Christ-centered ministries that seek to rescue enslaved women and children. Group president Mike Zealand and his team heard about the Soroptimist event and drove four hours to participate.
Soroptimist International of Manassas is a non-profit service organization of business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in our local communities and throughout the world.
As part of the event, annual Soroptimist awards were given out to local organizations that work to improve the lives of women and girls in the local area. Award winners included ACTS/Turning Points, BEACON, Fauquier Faith Partners, Fauquier Family Shelter, Transitional Housing BARN and Youth for Tomorrow.
Soroptimist International of Manassas welcomes new members. For more information go to simanassas.org or contact club President Diane Bennett at [email protected] Donations to help improve the lives of women and girls in the local area are welcome at P.O. Box 2535, Manassas, VA 20108.
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Traffic disruptions and lane reductions are set to begin on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) near Tysons, Virginia, as part of the 495 NEXT project’s Big Beam Weekend. The impacts will start tonight, Friday, January 24, at 9 p.m., and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, January 27. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and plan alternate routes, as significant delays and backups are anticipated.
Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Downtown Manassas on the thrilling Manassas Scavenger Hunt! This exciting walking tour will take you on a journey through the charming streets of Manassas, unlocking the secrets of its iconic landmarks and beloved attractions. From the historic Veterans Memorial to the majestic Water Tower and the Opera House, each location offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.
Join the adventure and solve clues, unravel mysteries, and dive into the captivating stories that make Manassas unique. It’s a perfect outing for friends, families, or anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to explore this vibrant city.
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Visit Manassas Scavenger Hunt for tickets and details.
With contraception rights under scrutiny nationwide, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to safeguard access, even as they brace for potential pushback from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Virginia Mercury reports.
House Bill 1716, introduced by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee.
Last year, similar bills passed both chambers with bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed by Youngkin.
The Manassas City Council began its three-day retreat on Thursday at James Madison’s historic Montpelier, located over 80 miles south of the city. The event quickly raised concerns about public access after members of the public who traveled to attend the meeting discovered the venue was locked and inaccessible.
Virginia law mandates that government meetings remain open to the public unless they are specifically classified as legal closed-door sessions. According to Virginia’s open meetings laws, the Council’s work session and retreat did not qualify as a closed-door meeting, raising questions about compliance.
Former Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Green attended the event and confirmed the gate to the complex was locked. “I couldn’t get in. Had I not had the cell numbers of council members, I would not have gained access because the meeting space was more than a mile past the gate, and the complex was closed,” Forkell Green said. While she was able to contact a council member who provided the entry code, she noted that most members of the public would not have such relationships or access.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
