Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Becky Rasmussen, CEO and President for Call To Freedom, and McKenzie Huska, Director of Outreach Services and Marissa's House.

from their website:

Alpine Cares Concert Fundraiser – Johnny Holmes – The District Rock Out and Raise Awareness This National Human Trafficking Awareness Month

This January, join us for an unforgettable night of music and impact with Alpine Cares and the Johnny Holm Band! This special event brings the community together for a shared purpose: supporting local nonprofits, including Call to Freedom, Mission Haiti, The Community Outreach, and the Avera NICU expansion. It’s more than a concert—it’s a celebration of compassion and a commitment to making a difference.

In honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, this event is also a powerful opportunity to spotlight the work being done to combat human trafficking in our community. Call to Freedom is dedicated to supporting survivors and educating the public about this pervasive issue. Events like this allow us to further our mission and ensure that those affected by trafficking receive the care and resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Taking place on a night filled with music from the iconic Johnny Holm Band, this event is not only a chance to have fun but also a moment to reflect on the impact of collective action. By attending, you contribute to the fight against human trafficking and help raise awareness during a month dedicated to shedding light on this important cause.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible evening. Secure your spot today by visiting this link. Please note that tickets will not be available at the event.

With proceeds going to Alpine Cares, this concert ensures that every dollar makes a meaningful impact in our community. Whether you come for the music, the mission, or both, you’ll leave knowing you’ve made a difference. Join us as we come together to rock out and support those working tirelessly to end human trafficking and uplift vulnerable populations.

For more information, contact Alpine Cares at 605.610.5503.

Home  Events  Special Events  National Human Trafficking Prevention Day #WEARBLUEDAY and #END IT National Human Trafficking Prevention Day #WEARBLUEDAY and #END IT

Join us on January 11th in recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Day by wearing blue and drawing a Blue X on your hand to show your support. Snap a picture and post it with #wearblueday and #endit to call attention to the crime of human trafficking.

Blue Campaign’s largest initiative is #WearBlueDay to raise awareness of human trafficking, we invite the public to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and a Blue X (END IT) and share them on social media with the hashtags #WearBlueDay #EndIt

 Arc Of Dreams In Blue As Part Of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month Arc Of Dreams In Blue As Part Of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Call to Freedom is partnering with the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign to shine a light on this critical issue. This nationwide initiative educates the public, law enforcement, and industry partners on how to recognize and respond to human trafficking. As part of this effort, Call to Freedom invites the community to participate in raising awareness and supporting survivors.

This year, the theme will feature wearing blue and marking you hand with a blue “X” to symbolize the fight against human trafficking. The blue “X” replaces the traditional red and signifies unity in combating human trafficking. On National Human Trafficking Prevention Day on January 11th, we encourage everyone to wear blue, share their support on social media, and tag Call to Freedom to amplify the message. Let’s make a collective stand to show survivors they are not alone.

From January 10th through the 16th, the Arc of Dreams, a monumental sculpture in Sioux Falls, will be illuminated in blue as a tribute to the ongoing fight against human trafficking. This iconic sculpture, nearly the length of a football field and towering 80 feet above the Big Sioux River, symbolizes the leaps of faith dreamers take to achieve their goals. The lighting of the Arc of Dreams will serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of survivors and our shared responsibility to build a future free from trafficking.

Mark your calendars for January and join Call to Freedom in spreading awareness. Whether you wear blue, mark you hand with an “X” or visit the illuminated Arc of Dreams, your involvement makes a difference. Together, we can take bold steps to combat human trafficking and create a safer, more supportive world for everyone.

THE PROBLEM

Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of forced labor or sex trafficking. As the world’s fastest growing criminal industry, it affects every corner of the globe—including the state of South Dakota.

It is a $150 billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to millions of people around the world. Every day, men, women, and children are being exploited for commercial sex or manual labor against their will.

It is estimated that less than 1% of victims are ever identified. Many return to “the life” (streets), end up in jail or prison, or simply disappear due to a lack of specialized long-term care for survivors.

OUR SOLUTION

Call to Freedom works every day to expose the illegal sale of human beings and heal those who have been impacted. We navigate a healthy path from victim to survivor through survivor-informed responsive services.

We understand that physically exiting a trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation situation is not the end of the journey, so our team walks with those we serve to help them overcome their past and start to thrive.

Realizing the complex needs of those who have been impacted by the trauma of human trafficking, Call to Freedom addresses human trafficking from all angles and is committed to being a constant throughout a client’s journey. Our Continuum of Care Model is shaped by survivors’ input to ensure holistic and meaningful care long term to every individual we serve. By providing safety, basic needs, a supportive housing site, medical assistance, transportation, and other specialized services, our staff pulls together the best community resources to make integration into the community as seamless as possible.

In addition to providing direct services to those impacted by trafficking, Call to Freedom staff works in the community—including with businesses and schools—to provide education and awareness. Our goal is to increase public awareness about what human trafficking looks like, available programs, and how to make reports so that those impacted can be better identified and connected with resources.