The Bravestone Project brought the community together once again with its third annual Together We Rise conference, a nine-hour event dedicated to education, empowerment, and advocacy for survivors of human trafficking and sexual trauma.
Held at The Rock Church in Grand Junction, the event showcased guest speakers, teamwork activities, and valuable resources to support survivors and educate the public.
A Mission Rooted in Support and Awareness
The Bravestone Project is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence while fostering community awareness. Its annual Together We Rise conference has grown into a cornerstone event in Western Colorado, aimed at equipping both professionals and community members with tools to combat human trafficking effectively.
This year’s event featured author Caitlyn Scaggs as one of its keynote speakers. Attendees also participated in mental health exercises, teamwork activities, and browsed booths offering resources and support for survivors.
Jennifer Allen, co-founder of The Bravestone Project, emphasized the importance of public education in addressing human trafficking. “Service providers but also community members will be better equipped to fight human trafficking in Western Colorado, to help know the signs, to know how to help people, and to create a safer Mesa County and Western Colorado,” she explained.
Human Trafficking Awareness: A Community Effort
Allen underscored that human trafficking isn’t a distant problem—it affects communities worldwide, including Mesa County. She noted that by recognizing the signs and fostering collaboration among local service providers, the region could make meaningful strides in addressing the issue.
The conference served as a platform to:
- Educate Attendees: Attendees learned how to identify signs of trafficking and trauma.
- Provide Resources: Booths offered literature, tools, and contact information for survivors and their advocates.
- Promote Collaboration: Service providers connected to discuss how they could work together to improve outreach and prevention.
Growth and Impact Since 2021
Since the Together We Rise conference’s inception in 2021, The Bravestone Project has made significant strides:
| Metric | Impact |
|---|---|
| Survivors Assisted | Over 50 survivors of human trafficking |
| Individuals Educated | More than 300 attendees trained in awareness |
| Community Collaboration | Stronger connections among local service providers |
This steady progress highlights the conference’s role in fostering change within Mesa County and beyond.
Making a Difference for $25
This year’s event cost just $25 per participant, allowing attendees to access a full day of insightful programming, connect with experts in the field, and leave better prepared to support survivors of human trafficking.
Through this conference, The Bravestone Project continues to shine a light on the challenges faced by survivors while providing tools and resources to build a safer community.
