At Christy’s Cause, every project is shaped by a single purpose — to eradicate child sex trafficking and exploitation through education, awareness, restoration, and justice.
Our work is collaborative, survivor-informed, and grounded in the belief that healing and prevention begin with awareness and action. Here’s how we’re making that happen:
WeCare@FGCU
Equipping Professionals to Recognize, Respond, and Advocatew
WeCare@FGCU is a groundbreaking collaboration between Christy’s Cause and Florida Gulf Coast University. This survivor-informed, trauma-informed training program equips professionals across healthcare, education, law enforcement, hospitality, and beyond to identify and respond to human trafficking and exploitation.
Learners who complete the program earn an FGCU Digital Badge, verifying their readiness to protect vulnerable lives and serve with compassion and confidence.
Through partnerships with leaders like Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Lee Health, the State Attorney’s Office, and FGCU’s Digital Learning Department, WeCare@FGCU is creating ripple effects of awareness and action throughout Florida and beyond.
“WeCare@FGCU bridges professional standards with survivor insight — equipping teams to respond with both clarity and care.” - Francine Donnorummo, SVU Chief Prosecutor
WeCare: In-Person Healthcare Training Initiative
Transforming How Healthcare Responds to Trafficking and Exploitation
The WeCare initiative began in partnership with Lee Health, FGCU’s students and faculty, and the Office of the State Attorney to reform human trafficking identification and response within hospital systems.
After two years of collaboration, the Lee Health Hospital System updated policies were adopted in 2017 — resulting in measurable increases in victim identification and improved staff preparedness.
This work also inspired the initial WeCare Training for Healthcare Professionals, helping medical teams identify, assess, and respond to trafficking and exploitation indicators in real time. The training continues to be delivered to hospital departments, clinics, and universities, with powerful feedback from healthcare professionals:
“Very eye-opening content. I was not aware of the extent of this issue in our area.” RN, Lee Health
“WeCare gives me more knowledge to help patients that may be in a dangerous situation.” RN, Lee Health
Lived Experience Experts Program
Empowering Voices. Inspiring Change.
The Lived Experience Experts Program (formerly Conquerors and Mentoring Program) offers survivors of exploitation passionate about advocacy a platform to use creativity, mentorship, and lived wisdom to inspire hope.
Through safe community, professional development, and creative expression participants transform personal pain into powerful messages of freedom and restoration.
This program amplifies survivor leadership and ensures that all Christy’s Cause initiatives remain survivor-informed, not survivor-extractive — building with, not just for, those most affected.
AWARENESS
CAMPAIGNS
Mobilizing Communities Through Education
Knowledge is power. Christy’s Cause designs multimedia awareness campaigns — including print, video, and digital initiatives — to highlight red flags, promote prevention, and drive community reporting.
As awareness grows, so does impact: reports have increased, and new professional roles have been added to meet the rising need for victim support.
If you see something, say something.
Report or Get Help:
How to Report Human Trafficking – For Adults:
In an emergency… dial 911 immediately to get help.
Reach out to your local law enforcement agency to report what you’ve witnessed.
In Florida, connect with the Florida Human Trafficking Tip Line at 1-855-FLA-SAFE
For vulnerable adults in Florida, contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873
How to Report Human Trafficking – For Minors:
If you or someone you know is in danger… call 911.
Inform your local law enforcement authorities
In Florida, reach out to the Florida Human Trafficking Tip Line at 1-855-FLA-SAFE
Contact Local Child Protective Services.
In Florida, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873
If the situation involves online exploitation, also report to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST
For Resources Contact:
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:
1-800-THE-LOST
National Human Trafficking Hotline:
1-888-428-7581
Text BEFREE
(233733)
Resources & Real Talk
Equipping Communities with Knowledge and Tools
At Christy’s Cause, we believe that awareness without action falls short. That’s why we curate and create practical resources for professionals, parents, and community members — helping them recognize risk, respond with compassion, and foster resilience.
These resources are designed for:
· School-based professionals who work directly with vulnerable youth (Link to webpage)
· Parents and caregivers navigating conversations about safety and technology (link to webpage)
· Community leaders and citizens seeking trusted education on trauma, exploitation, and recovery
From printable guides and expert articles to tips on coping with crises, our resource hub exists to strengthen families and communities.
Real Talk: A Christy’s Cause Web Series
Conversations That Create Change
Real Talk is a new web series hosted by Christy Ivie that dives into the issues shaping our culture and communities. Featuring voices from law enforcement, healthcare, education, and survivor advocacy, the series explores topics such as:
· The Effects of Trauma
· Changing Mindsets
· Smartphone Security
· Missing Children
· Why Data is Vital
Each episode includes resource links to help viewers take informed action. We hope that Real Talk will spark conversation, inspire empathy, and mobilize communities toward safety and restoration.
Human Trafficking Task Force
Collaborating for Justice
Christy’s Cause is an active member of the Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, a collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies working to:
· Identify and rescue victims of trafficking
· Investigate and prosecute offenders
· Strengthen coordination between law enforcement and service providers
Through quarterly meetings and a shared strategy, this task force embodies what we believe: collaboration is the key to making an impact.
One Story, many voices
Courage Creates Change
One Story, Many Voices is a collaborative book project written by lived experience experts, educators, and professionals who share the same mission: to give children a voice and equip school-based professionals to protect them.
Each story — heartbreaking yet hopeful — invites readers to see through the eyes of a child survivor and learn trauma-informed ways to respond.
As author Brené Brown reminds us, “Courage is contagious.” Through this work, courage is multiplied — empowering readers to join the collective fight for justice, dignity, and hope.
Together, We Make Change Possible.
Every project at Christy’s Cause reflects collaboration — professionals, lived experience experts, and advocates working together to create a world defined by freedom, safety, and dignity.