WeCare@FGCU

Equipping Professionals to Recognize, Respond, and Advocate

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Equipping Professionals to Recognize, Respond, and Advocate

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.

Industries Served

WeCare@FGCU was designed with flexibility and broad impact in mind. The training is ideal for:

Healthcare Professionals

Resort and Hospitality Industry Professionals

School-Based Professionals

Nonprofits Working with Minors & Vulnerable Adults

Law Enforcement Officers

Students Preparing for Service-based Careers

What Sets WeCare@FGCU Apart

Unlike many other training programs, WeCare@FGCU is distinguished by its collaborative development and deeply human approach. The content was created by a wide range of expert contributors, with strong survivor input woven throughout. Authentic stories from lived experience are integrated into the training, fostering empathy and real-world understanding. In addition to the online curriculum, in-person workshops may be offered to deepen engagement and expand learning opportunities. 

What makes WeCare@FGCU especially unique:

Survivor contributions are woven throughout the program, offering first-person perspectives, and lived expertise.

Mental health and emotional well-being are prioritized through regular self-check-ins and curated mental health resources.

Participants are supported with tools to process difficult content, maintain resilience, and apply what they learn in sustainable ways.

Learning Objectives 

Graduates of this course will be equipped with the knowledge, empathy, and tools to make a meaningful difference—whether they are intervening, advocating for change, or walking alongside survivors on their journey to healing. By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  • Define and gain a clear understanding of Human Trafficking (HT) and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in the U.S.

  • Identify risk factors, signs, and indicators of trafficking and exploitation.

  • Understand and follow federal and Florida state laws in reporting suspected HT or CSEC.

  • Access and utilize relevant resources for prevention, intervention, and recovery.

  • Advocate for legislative and systemic change to protect victims and prevent future exploitation. 

Expert Contributors

Christy Ivie: Founder & President, Christy’s Cause

Vibeke Flornes: Board Member, Christy’s Cause

Francine Donnorummo: SVU Chief & Victim Services

Director, Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit

Jennifer Wolff: BSN, RN, CEN, Lee Health Trauma Center; Board Member Christy’s Cause

Victoria Blair: LMHC, MA, RYT

Lt. Wade Williams: Collier County Sheriff’s Office

Alex Olivares: Catholic Charities, Director Region II (Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties)

Sergeant (Ret.) Alan Wilkett: Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

Erika Pineros: Catholic Charities, Director of Behavioral Health, and Anti-Human Trafficking