Woman’s Club Hosts SW FL Coalition Against Human Trafficking

The January meeting of the Marco Island Woman’s Club was held at the Naples Lake Country Club. Shirley Thayer led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and God Bless America.  

President Maureen Chodaba asked that we remember the victims of the terror attack in New Orleans while Cyndi Bixler gave the invocation.  

Chodaba invited Joyce Frame to introduce our newest member, Nancy Sauerberg, to the club. Nancy is looking forward to meeting our members and participating in club activities. 

There are many sponsorship opportunities still available for the MIWC annual Fashion Show that will be held on President’s Day. This event raises funds to provide scholarships for students living on Marco Island and to support other charitable causes. Please contact miwcel@gmail.com for more information on sponsorship opportunities.  

Hostesses for the January luncheon were Rita Coyne, Tammy Barstow, Bonnie Clavin, Babara Lialios, and Kecia Chronowski. The 50/50 was managed by Raffles Chair Christina Wergiles and Sue Niebling.  

President Chodaba welcomed Dennis Solon of the Southwest Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking. He is a volunteer and board member, and he has trained over 4500 hundred people including first responders, the Lee County Medical Society, Emergency Medical Services, and the Sherriff’s Department.  

The coalition awards grants to partner agencies that collaborate directly with survivors. These grants benefit those agencies in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties. 

Sextortion is the fastest growing problem that the FBI faces. It is a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute private and sensitive material if you refuse to provide them with money or images of a sexual nature or sexual favors.  

Predators use fake profiles and accounts to target unsuspecting victims. They target young adults, children, and grandchildren and are responsible for the high suicide rate among such victims. 

Children are the number one target from eight years old up to teenagers and are often bullied, harassed, threatened, and made to feel anxious and scared. This leads to shame, embarrassment, loss of respect from family and friends, loss of electronic devices, and can lead to suicide.  

As a parent or grandparent, you can help by learning all the apps and how they are used and not allowing the devices in the child’s bedroom or private spaces. It is recommended that no smartphones be allowed until age 15.  

Dennis showed the closed fist that signals that a child or young adult is in danger and suggested calling law enforcement if you suspect someone is in danger of being trafficked.