As Eyes Up Appalachia continues anti-human trafficking education and advocacy efforts throughout Appalachian Ohio, there is one comment Christi Scott Bartman, Founder, always makes when speaking to groups in SE and Central Appalachian counties – call the 24/7 Crisis Line at Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) if you need help. They have specialists trained to answer your questions and connect you with services if needed.

But more people need to know that line exists.

This project will fund 3.5” square coasters that feature the SAOP and Eyes Up Appalachia logos along with websites for information and the 24/7 crisis line. The organizations plan to distribute them to bars, restaurants and other business and public locations throughout the area. Many times, those in a trafficking situation or those thinking about leaving that situation only have a small window to make that call. The faster that call is answered the more likely that person will actually make that move to resources and help. Making that information widely available will help ensure someone who wants that help can get it.

These coasters would allow Eyes Up Appalachia to connect with those most vulnerable to human trafficking in rural communities who lack access to broadband and online materials. These materials will be distributed across communities and in accessible public places with the goal of preventing human trafficking.