ANNUAL REPORT

2016-2017

The West Virginia Response

to Human Trafficking

West Virginia is not alone in its struggle to respond to modern day slavery known as human trafficking. This world-wide, billion-dollar industry turns children and adults – often those most marginalized – into “goods” for illegal profit. Traffickers use force, fraud, and/or coercion to create physical and psychological entrapment that leaves victims feeling powerless and afraid. Most victims view themselves as criminals or at fault for their victimization.

Human trafficking happens in two forms: Sex trafficking in venues such as residential brothels, escort services, massage businesses,

strip clubs, and street prostitution; and Labor trafficking as found in labor settings such as domestic work, small businesses, large

farms, and factories.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (sponsored by Polaris Project at https://humantraffickinghotline.org/state/west-virginia), in 2016 in West Virginia, 21 human trafficking cases were reported. The types of human trafficking reported included 16 sex trafficking cases, 3 labor trafficking cases, and 3 cases where the type was not specified. Victim demographics included 18 females, 4 males, 12 adults, 6 minors, 7 U.S. citizens, and 3 Foreign Nationals. (These statistics involve cases that may include multiple victims and some callers do not provide demographic information.) When reviewing the prevalence of human traffick-ing in the United States, West Virginia is situated in a "hot spot" with 4 of the 5 bordering states ranking in the top 18 in the nation for human trafficking Cases (Ohio 191, Pennsylvania 117, Virginia 83, and Maryland 61). Additionally, West Virginia is ranked highest in the nation for opioid overdose deaths. Human trafficking and drug trafficking often co-occur. Drug traffickers can offer an additional commercial sex "service" to their "customers."

While the hotline statistics may reflect a small number of victims who report, as more victims and communities become aware of the nature and extent of human trafficking, more victims

can be identified. Through Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation (SSJHWF) funding, aware-ness, training, services, and legal system response are being coordinated by the West Virginia Human Traffick-ing Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of several

members, including state agencies, community-based agencies, faith-based entities, volunteers and interested individuals, and professionals in a position to address human trafficking services, outreach, awareness, education, and legal system response.

In July, 2016, the statewide Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Task Force was staffed with a part-time, contracted Coordinator to facilitate the goals of the Task Force. The current Coordinator has assisted in meeting notices and communications, developing a Task Force

By: Joyce Yedlosky

structure, developing a process for inventorying services, and coordinating work of the Task Force sub-committees. The current goals and objectives for the Task Force include identifica-tion of gaps in services, training needs, and barriers to effective law enforcement and prosecu-tion response. The addition of the support provided through the Task Force Coordinator has helped the Task Force collaborate more effectively, expand its membership and reach through-out the state, clarify roles and responsibilities, and clarify goals and objectives.

In addition to coordination for the Task Force, SSJHWF funds helped to create the first West Virginia Human Trafficking website: www.stophumantraffickingwv.org. This website will pro-vide West Virginia specific information, resources, and awareness to combat this horrific crime.

While the work of the Task Force is new and collaborations and response infrastructures are under construction, a difference can already be noticed in West Virginia. National and state “Report Cards” that provide an analysis of state laws is performed by the American Center for Law and Justice and Shared Hope International (https://sharedhope.org/PICframe7/report cards/PIC_RC_2017_WV.pdf ). West Virginia was one of the top 5 states to show the greatest improvement in the last year – moving from a score of a "D" to a "B." This drastic change and national recognition of West Virginia's response to child sex trafficking is due in part to the education and awareness of members of the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force. Legislation was passed in West Virginia through the 2017 legislative session to: better serve victims of all forms of human trafficking, hold traffickers and "customers" of traffickers accountable, and more clearly define state criminal provisions to match more stringent federal provisions. This new legislation has many components that require education, policy development, and best practice models to implement effectively.

Training of professionals in Julian, WV, on the West Virginia Response to Human Trafficking October 29, 2017

WV Human Trafficking Task Force Members participated in the October 14, 2017, A21 (Abolitionists of the 21st Century) Walk for Freedom in Charleston, WV (Patrick Kerr, WVU Behavioral Health; Angie Conn, Survivor; Julianne Yacovone, A21 Charleston Walk Organizer; and Wuela Heceta, WV Human Trafficking Task Force Coordinator)

The task force, with SSJHWF funding, also coordinated training for law enforcement, service providers, mental health professionals, substance abuse providers, and other community responders on the elements of the new legislation, the newly developed law enforcement protocol, and the model process for service providers. The model process for service providers developed through the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force Services Sub-Committee utilizes the expertise of survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally and linguistically specific services when advocating for victims of trafficking. The model services process builds on an existing service infrastructure that includes Rape Crisis Centers, Domestic Violence Programs, system-based advocates (advocates embedded in law enforcement, prosecutor, and federal offices), health/behavioral health, child welfare, youth services, child advocacy centers, legal services, and other community providers. Without this task force, developing a comprehensive safety and support network for victims would be an overwhelming task for local service providers.

As the Task Force expands, goals are identified to continue training and awareness while building stronger collaborations between the criminal justice system and community service providers. A victim centered approach – one that puts victim safety first – is critical for an effective response.

YWCA Charleston held a candlelight vigil

and Human Trafficking awareness event

during January’s Human Trafficking

Awareness Month (Jennifer Goddard,

YWCA Charleston Chief Program Officer;

Amanda Bridgette, songwriter and

composer of vigil performance; Angie

Conn, Panelist; Delegate Barbara

Fleischauer; and Deborah Weinstein,

YWCA Charleston Chief Executive

Officer)

Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center By: Marissa Russell

When children walk through our doors for the first time, it’s impossible to know their pain. A child who is a victim of abuse, neglect, or other traumas may try to hold all of that hurt inside; but, eventually, those emotions come spilling out. Often, they erupt like a volcano.

In 2017, 605 victims turned to the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center (MCCAC) in the aftermath of abuse, neglect, or a violent crime. Our dedicated team provided 126 forensic interviews, 1,478 therapy sessions, and intensive case management at no cost to victims and their families.

Traumatized children must process what’s happened to them if they’re to grow into well-adjusted, healthy adults. Child victims must have an opportunity to tell their stories in a safe place with a trained mental health professional and be assured that an adult is going to take that burden. Children must know they’ll be safe, believed, and supported uncondi-tionally. That is what our team is working toward each day.

Our School-Based Services Project allows our therapists to treat children that come through our Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Program while they’re at school. This approach eliminates the transportation barrier that many children and families, especially those residing in rural areas, face while seeking treatment. In 2017, the MCCAC provided therapy services to 154 children in Monongalia County. Through the School-Based Services Project, the MCCAC significantly increased the number of therapy sessions provided to children, eliminated any transportation barriers to treatment, and increased the number of children who completed their therapy program. Last year, MCCAC staff conducted 565 in-school therapy sessions. In addition, children enrolled in our School-Based Services Project received another 541 individual intensive therapy sessions at our CAC. Our School-Based Services Project is increasing access to quality mental health services in Monongalia County and ensuring more children have the opportunity to complete their therapeutic programs.

As a nationally accredited child advocacy center, the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center promotes a coordinated, child-focused response to child abuse and neglect cases in Monongalia County.

The Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center provides the following services at no cost to victims and their families: forensic interviews; individual, family, and group therapy; victim support and advocacy; in-school therapy services; intensive case management and tracking; caregiver support; and linkage/referral to services.

Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation Grants Awarded FY 2016-2017

Since its creation in 2001, the Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation has awarded more than $12 million in grants. In fiscal year 2016-2017, the Foundation awarded $856,892.00 for grant funding for the following selected projects:

School-Based Health Initiative (SBH):

E.A. Hawse Health Center - $33,388.00 Supports Mental Health Services in Grant County

E.A. Hawse Health Center - $40,237.00 Supports Mental Health Services in Hardy County

Monongahela Valley Association of Health Centers - $40,000.00 - Supports the Mental Health Educator position

New River Health Association, Inc. - $26,535.00 Supports the Mental Health Educator serving Mt. Hope Elementary, Collins Middle, Oak Hill High, and Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Schools

New River Health Association, Inc. - $33,000.00 Supports the Mental Health Educator serving Nicholas and Raleigh Counties

New River Health Association, Inc. - $29,450.00 Supports the Mental Health Educator serving Valley Elementary and Valley High Schools

Pendleton Community Care - $34,917.00 Supports the school-based Mental Health Counselor

Pendleton Community Care - $37,722.00 Supports the school-based Mental Health Educator

Congratulations! The Benemerenti Medal has been awarded to two of our Board Members, Matthew Bowles and Dr. Judith Romano, along with six other West Virginians. Meaning “well merited,” the Benemerenti Medal is an honor awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for notable service to the Catholic Church. Each was nominated for the honor by Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, for their service to the Church and society .

Congratulations Matt and Judy. We are very proud of you!!

Retirement Sister Janice Landwehr, CSJ, who served as Co-Executive Director of the SSJ Health and Wellness Foundation since 2004, has retired from this position. Sister Helen Skormisley, CSJ, will remain as the Executive Director of the Foundation. She will be aided by Clara Crinkey, who is the new Office and Grants Manager.

Congratulations to Sister Janice on her retirement! We wish you well.

Seated: Sister Janice Landwehr, CSJ; Standing left to right: Clara Crinkey and Sister Helen Skormisley, CSJ

Health and Wellness News!

Pleasant Valley Hospital - $50,000.00 Supports the school-based health program in Mason County

Rainelle Medical Center - $34,209.00 - Supports the school-based Mental Health Counselor serving seven schools in Greenbrier, Fayette, and Summers Counties

Rainelle Medical Center - $27,075.00 Supports the school-based Mental Health Educator

The West Virginia Catholic Foundation $139,900.00 - Supports the SBH programs serving the Catholic Schools of Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall Counties

WV Primary Care Association - $30,000.00 Supports the position of the Executive Director of the West Virginia School-Based Health Assembly Child Advocacy Programs (CAC):

Burlington United Methodist Family Service $20,000.00 - Supports the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist at Sarah’s House

Child Protect of Mercer County, Inc. $15,000.00 - Supports the Direct Service Manager position

Child Youth & Advocacy Center - $6,000.00 Supports the CYAC Therapist position

Children’s Home Society of WV - $17,528.00 Supports Safe Haven CAC

Just For Kids, Inc. - $15,000.00 - Supports the additional Family Advocate

Logan County Child Advocacy Center $20,454.00 - Supports the CAC Mingo Kids New View Program

Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center $20,000.00 - Supports the SBH Therapist

Mountain CAP of WV, Inc. - $25,000.00 Supports the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist

Randolph and Tucker CAC - $10,000.00 Supports the Advocacy and Prevention Coordinator

REACHH - Family Resource Center - $14,288.00 Supports the Family Advocate

Stop the Hurt, Inc. - $20,000.00 - Supports the Forensic Interviewer and Director positions

The Children’s Listening Place - $20,000.00 Supports the Forensic Interviewer

West Virginia Child Advocacy Network $25,000.00 - Continued support of the risk assessment and quality assurance project for the Child Advocacy Centers in WV Children and Families

Wellspring of Greenbrier Co. Inc. - $25,000.00 Support for Fruits of Labor for their Seeds of Hope Program

WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence $22,200.00 - Supports the Coordinator position for the WV Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Task Force

Parents as Teachers (PAT):

New River Health Association, Inc. - $13,650.00 Supports MIHOW Home Visitor Certification

Sisters of St. Joseph Health & Wellness Foundation, Inc.

Statements of Financial Position As of June 30, 2017

ASSETS

Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,525 Total current assets $ 38,525

Property and equipment Furniture and fixtures $ 8,081 Less: accumulated depreciation $ 7,762 Total property and equipment $ 319

Other assets Investments at fair market value $23,368,589 Total assets $23,407,433

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Net assets Unrestricted $23,407,433

Total liabilities and net assets $23,407,433

Sisters of St. Joseph

Health and Wellness Foundation 137 Mount St. Joseph Road

Wheeling, WV 26003

(304) 233-4500

www.ssjhealthandwellnessfoundation.org

Sisters of St. Joseph

Health and Wellness Foundation VISION STATEMENT

The children of West Virginia have resources available to assist them in

living to their fullest potential.

MISSION

The Foundation will make optimal use of its resources in order to promote and support

collaboration and partnership among various local, state, and national groups working

to strengthen the holistic health of children and families in West Virginia.

Board of Directors of the SSJ Health and Wellness Foundation

Matthew Bowles

James Gordon - Treasurer

Rose Anne Hefner, CSJ - Chairperson

Christine Riley, CSJ

Judith Romano, MD

Joseph Santer

Ruthann Scherer, CSJ

Becky Shilling-Rodocker

Virginia Yeager, CSJ

Angela Zambito-Hill - Vice Chairperson/Secretary

For more information

about the foundation,

contact:

Helen Skormisley, CSJ

Executive Director

(304) 363-4223, helenssj@aol.com

Clara Crinkey

Office and Grants Manager

(304) 233-4500, ssjhwf@aol.com