Leon County Government Receives 2025 Imagine Freedom Gratitude Award
County Earns Recognition for Efforts to End Human Trafficking
Leon County Government has received the 2025 Imagine Freedom Gratitude Award from the Survive & Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC), honoring the County’s ongoing work to end human trafficking. The award was presented at STAC’s Imagine Freedom 2025 event on January 28 at the TNL Performing Arts Center, marking the culmination of Human Trafficking Awareness Month and the celebration of STAC’s 10th anniversary.
“Leon County remains steadfast in our commitment to championing the safety and dignity of every resident,” Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch said. “By working closely with partners like STAC, we are making real strides to end human trafficking in our community.”
Presented by STAC Board Member Khia Thomas, the award reflects the County's dedication to expanding training opportunities and bolstering the local government's ability to prevent and respond to human trafficking.
"Leon County has made a lasting commitment to trafficking training for the benefit of our employees and our entire community, all of which is taking us to the next level,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “We thank STAC for their continued commitment to safety, and we remain proud partners in the fight against trafficking in its many forms."
The County’s comprehensive approach includes incorporating Human Trafficking Training into its NEOGOV Learning Management System, ensuring that all employees have ongoing access to this critical information. In 2024 alone, more than 300 staff members received training, which helps them:
- Recognize Indicators of Trafficking: County employees learn to spot potential red flags and warning signs of both labor and sex trafficking.
- Respond Safely and Effectively: Through scenario-based learning and best practices, staff are prepared to handle situations confidently, as demonstrated by Emergency Medical Services personnel who recognized and assisted a victim escaping sex trafficking.
- Foster a Trauma-Informed Workplace: Training addresses survivor-centered approaches and encourages empathy, helping employees support colleagues and citizens who may be impacted by trafficking.
- Build Community Awareness: By understanding trafficking dynamics, staff can better serve the public, share accurate information, and collaborate with local organizations to strengthen community resilience.
“Leon County Government understands the reality of human trafficking and its impact on our community,” said STAC Executive Director Robin Hassler Thompson. “The County’s steadfast efforts have fortified our community against both labor and sex trafficking, empowered survivors, educated our community, and made lasting impacts on the lives of many.”
For more information about STAC and STACPRO Training, visit www.surviveandthriveadvocacy.org.
About STAC (Survive & Thrive Advocacy Center):
STAC provides direct support to survivors of human trafficking and offers training, education, and advocacy to help individuals and organizations identify and respond effectively to trafficking situations.
|