Fresno EOC programs are excited to expand our online and virtual services for clients and community members. Central Valley Against Human Trafficking (CVAHT) and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center are two projects that have both moved training, workshops, and support groups online, making a positive impact on those they serve.
Central Valley Against Human Trafficking
CVAHT moving services online has allowed the project to continue its work reaching victims and partners in the six-county region, which includes Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern. Online workshops and activities allow CVAHT also to gain traction from other partners throughout the state.
“The accessibility to our events was appreciated, and it was great to see an overwhelming amount of people interested,” said Amber Secundino, Outreach Coordinator. “Before the pandemic, we were doing a lot of work in-person. Then now we’ve pivoted quickly to provide this essential service online, and we’ve been able to reach more of our scope aside from local areas.” Amber says CVAHT has been able to reach people from other counties as far as Santa Cruz.
Virtual Survivor Meetings hosted three times a week have allowed staff to meet with survivors wherever they are. These meetings provide an inviting space for survivors to talk with case managers and connect with other survivors where they are.
LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Online daily support groups have been the driving force of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center since COVID-19 staff members have hosted online games, activities, and groups for the LGBTQ+ community.
“We are now doing 20 support groups a week, which is much more than we were doing before,” said Emily McKay Johnson, Outreach Coordinator. “With youth, now they can reach us while at home. A lot of them can’t drive or come from families who are not supportive.”
Offering these groups has also allowed those who aren’t “out” a welcoming place to connect with others in a group setting. For those who might not be as comfortable with a group, staff can meet one-on-one for individual appointments.
Due to COVID-19 health concerns, both projects will remain closed to the public until further notice. For details and info on upcoming events, please visit the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and CVAHT on Facebook.
Both of these projects were featured on ABC30 Action News. Click here to check out the story.