Above / In mid-August 2024, signs in downtown Naperville led to the Amazing Grace Human Trafficking Awareness Event and Walk held at the Free Speech Pavilion along the Riverwalk to heighten awareness and prevention. (Photo courtesy Jeannette Gallagher)
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To showcase the signs of human trafficking, a group of concerned citizens is hosting a panel discussion featuring awareness and prevention strategies as well as resources at 5:30PM Fri., Jan. 31, at the DuPage County Historical Museum.
Moderated by former Illinois Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti, the panel will include Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart; DuPage County States Attorney Bob Berlin; and Executive Director at Naomi’s House, Blythe Struck.
The DuPage County Historical Museum is located at 102 E. Wesley Street in Wheaton. The public is invited.
According to the website hosted by the Illinois State Police, human trafficking is among the most under-reported and under-identified crimes and one where most victims generally do not reach out for help.
Any individual who suspects human trafficking is urged to report concerns to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “Help” or “Info” to 233733.
Donate to fill Survivor Resource Bags for Naomi’s House
To support Human Trafficking Prevention Month, consider donating items listed below for Survivor Resource Bags that will make a difference in the life of a survivor. All items must be new. The Survivor Resource Bags will be donated to Naomi’s House in Wheaton.
Human trafficking awareness and prevention
The history of this nation has been marked by the courage and brilliance of many brave individuals yearning for the right to be free.
Even in 2025, the fight for freedom continues. The panel discussion is a chance to learn and become enlightened that human trafficking exists here, there and all over the world, enslaving individuals via drug trafficking and sex trafficking.
This public event is arranged and sponsored by Trustee-Hanover Park Yasmeen Bankole, Evelyn Sanguinetti and the Hope Fair Housing Center.
For updates, resources and information, visit the Illinois State Police website at www.isp.illinois.gov/Home/HumanTrafficking.
Human trafficking awareness dots the American landscape

A decade ago, War Chest Boutique, located at 4 East Jefferson in downtown Naperville, always created an enlightening experience to “shop with a purpose” and learn about human trafficking that many individuals thought could not happen here.
Though the Naperville location of War Chest Boutique no longer exists, local volunteers continue to raise awareness aimed at prevention during events such as the Amazing Grace Human Trafficking Awareness Event and Walk held last August.

War Chest Boutiques are open throughout the nation with a poignant message: “Each and every victim of human trafficking has a name, a voice that has been silenced, a life worth saving, and a story worth telling. This fact makes highlighting stories of rescue and healing vital.”
Panel discussion wraps up month of importance to be aware of human trafficking every day
Individuals who know or suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, report it to local authorities and the National Human Trafficking Hotline www.humantraffickinghotline.org.
The panel discussion will feature prevention strategies and resources as well as the importance to help raise awareness about human trafficking every day.
Remember, any immediate danger should be reported. “If you see something suspicious, say something,” call 911.