Although there have been increases in anti-trafficking funding in recent years, a considerable proportion of that money is misused for duplicative or ineffective services,  as well as unnecessary conferences or overhead expenses. As such, when possible, Dr. Mehlman-Orozco attempts to raise funds and resources that go directly to human trafficking survivors or juveniles at risk of sex trafficking.

Most recently, Dr. Mehlman-Orozco raised over $200 in gift cards for several at-risk youth in Manassas City. Although it was a small gesture, it went directly to these youth and Dr. Mehlman-Orozco spent the day discussing the risks and realities of human trafficking with them.

The event concluded with pizza and snacks, karaoke, and painting.

When making philanthropic donations to anti-trafficking organizations, it is important for you to promote accountability and ensure the resources are being used in ways that truly help prevent new crimes, protect and restore survivors, or facilitate the prosecution of offenders. Human trafficking is a crime because people value money over human life. This shouldn’t be the case for organizations responsible for combating this scourge.