Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Jan. 22, 2025 – Mayor Harold Copenhaver proclaimed January National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

During the proclamation, Kimberly Thomas and Megan Brown with Hope Found of Northeast Arkansas, and Casey Kidd with the Family Crisis Center of NEA were present.

“This is something that as mayor, it’s very disheartening to see this happening anywhere in the United States, much less your own community,” Copenhaver said. “These women, all three … their heart is in it for the right reason. We as a city need to support them in all these efforts.”

Hope Found of NEA was founded in 2019 as a response to local human trafficking cases. It aids human trafficking victims by providing case management and advocacy services, such as teaching healthy coping skills, helping the victim find a new place to live, or providing emergency hygiene supplies and clothing. All services are free.

In addition, Hope Found also informs the community about human trafficking by providing educational and training seminars to local churches, school districts and more.

During the proclamation, Copenhaver also honored the Family Crisis Center, which was incorporated in 1986 by the NEA Family Council on Violence to aid families impacted by domestic violence. It launched the Anti-Human Trafficking Program in 2022 in partnership with the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which aims to educate the community and serve trafficking victims aged 18 and up.

In 2024, Hope Found of NEA and Family Crisis Center collectively served 59 adults and 22 minors, Copenhaver said.

“Both agencies have provided critical education and training to community partners, school districts and others throughout their service areas,” Copenhaver said. “The City of Jonesboro deeply appreciates the efforts of Hope Found of NEA and the Family Crisis Center’s unwavering commitment in fighting human trafficking and supporting survivors, while also educating the community to prevent instances of exploitation.”

January was first made as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in 2010 under former President Barack Obama. Copenhaver said it has been continued under subsequent presidential administrations.

To contact Hope Found NEA for help, call 877-688-HOPE (4673). To contact the Family Crisis Center, call (870) 972-9575.