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A Virtual Panel About "Human Trafficking" by Special Agents

HUMAN TRAFFICKING


Please join our program in which experts will talk about human trafficking going on all over the US.


As Peace Islands Institute, we would like to make your focus on this important subject.


PLEASE COME AND JOIN US. WE WILL BE HONORED WITH YOUR PARTICIPATION.


Peace Islands is a non-profit institute, committed to building foundations on peace, friendship, empathy and communication. We acknowledge the world needs much more unity instead of disunity within this goal we create an atmosphere of communication through our networks in bringing people of every culture, religion and status to find common ground.


The institution’s name takes its roots from our Honorary President Mr. Fethullah Gulen’s idea of promoting values of peaceful co-existence, or building peace islands, where any person from any race, religion or social status is accepted and acknowledged. This is an initiative to create a “common mind” which is inclusive in its efforts to find solutions to our common problems within the realms of unity, education, welfare and progress.


As an organization, we understand we have an obligation to others. In the end, we belong to one another. Dalai Lama once said, “ Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways.”


So lets find our common ground, find our differences and patch the holes with our similarities because at the end of the day, we are a whole, one way or another, we are always going to walk in each other's alley so why not shed light on it?

VA Coat Drive

Great news everyone, the coat drive and giveaway was a success! We collected about 125 coats that are estimated to be about $2,500 in value thanks to FBI New Haven Field Office, Yale School of Nursing, Yale School of Public Health, Wellsprings Community Center, and Costco of Milford.


The Veterans were very appreciative of all the donations. Thank you to everyone and their support of this event it was an absolute success. Looking forward to doing it again next year!


Backpack for Freedom

FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING:


We held a donation drive Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 10:00am-5:00pm at the Southington Drive In Movie Theater.


The donations collected were to help fill backpacks that were given to victims of human trafficking. More often than not, individuals that are caught up in a devastating cycle have nothing and with the help of these care bags we can make a difference in their lives.


Thank you to everyone that came out and supported this event!


Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign

On September 16, 2019 the CT Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign officially launched and will run for the next 6 weeks through October 31, 2019.


Please take a few minutes and watch the FOX61 News interview with Tammy Sneed (Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team, HART) and Ann Marie Boulay (The Underground) discuss the campaign and the affects human trafficking has on our kids and community.


Many organizations contributed to the development of the campaign from state and local organizations, law enforcement, and non-profits with the goal of educating the public, and preventing our children from becoming victims.


This program was made possible due to the efforts of the FBINHCAAA by raising the funding needed, with FOX61 matching funding dollar for dollar. A big thank you to Dr. Lou Iorio (2013 Graduate) for tackling the fundraising to make this happen.


FBI Victims' Assistance Backpack Initiative


In connection with our new program supporting the FBI New Haven field office’s victims’ assistance unit, the Association assembled three backpacks full of the requested items, including gift cards and a note of encouragement from a member’s young daughter. Courtney Litowitz, Victim Specialist, accepted the delivery and had the following to say:

 

“The bags are great. Beyond what I could have hoped for. Thank you so much.”


Milford PD Virtual Range Training

Our Association was offered two sessions at the Milford Police training facility’s high tech virtual range. We each took a turn running through various scenarios posing as police in order to gain a better understanding of the decision making process they face.  We received both an orientation and a debrief when we had all completed our turns.  

 

The three police department employees who coordinated it couldn’t have been more professional. The event also allowed for social time for members.

 

Participants gave very positive feedback on the experience – our thanks to Charlie and Mike for arranging this great event!


VA Hospital Barbecue

The VA Spring (summer) Barbecue at the West Haven VA Hospital was a great success – in spite of some challenges!


A team composed of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), VA employees and volunteers from our Alumni Association served up the lunch - and the weather was perfect.


The original estimate of 200 provided to us for the number of participants was far too low for how many showed up. The actual crowd of over 600 waited patiently in a long line in the courtyard. It was a scramble, and thanks to our volunteers it went off without a problem!


We received many expressions of gratitude and interest in us and who we are, and had two posters with our name and the event name. The three groups agreed we would do it again next year - and be ready for 1,000 should they come.