8 NV nonprofits to support during Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month

By providing safe housing, spreading awareness, or partnering with law enforcement, these Nevada organizations are devoted to combatting human trafficking.

While news of the Epstein files and calls to “release the list” have propelled the topic of human trafficking to the forefront of people’s minds, it’s nothing new for survivors, nonprofits, and legislators in Nevada.

The Silver State has one of the country’s highest human trafficking rates, according to the World Population Report, ranking second in the nation for incidents of human trafficking per 100,000 people. Trafficking data may understate the extent of the crime in the United States and is believed to represent only 14-18 percent of potential total victims, according to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

Human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is defined as the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion.

“Traffickers use a wide variety of tactics … to exert control over their victims,” said Kim Small, CEO of Las Vegas nonprofit Signs of HOPE, in a press release. “Education and awareness are critical in helping to prevent human trafficking, which unfortunately affects many in our community.”

To raise awareness and educate the public on this crime, January was designated as National Human Trafficking and Slavery Awareness Month by President Barack Obama in 2010. That makes this the perfect time to support one of the many Nevada nonprofits devoted to advocacy, awareness, and aiding survivors of human trafficking.

1. Signs of HOPE

Las Vegas

Signs of HOPE (Healing, Options, Prevention, Education) has provided help to human trafficking survivors throughout Clark County with crisis response, education, outreach, and case management services for over 50 years.

Founded in 1974 by Florence McClure and Sandra Petta, Signs of HOPE currently operates two 24/7 crisis hotlines (702-366-1640 and 702-936-4004). The organization offers hospital response for sexual assault victims, counseling, advocacy, education, and long-term support, utilizing the comprehensive Resources and Integration for Survivor Empowerment (R.I.S.E) program curriculum.

In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Signs of HOPE is partnering with the county to host a conversation about the potential for marriage trafficking situations in Las Vegas, the Wedding Capital of the World. Though marriage trafficking is rare in Southern Nevada, the Clark County Clerk’s Office and Signs of Hope believe proactive awareness, education, and preparedness are critical. The event starts at 10 a.m. Jan. 29 at the Clark County Chambers, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.

Signs of HOPE accepts donations but also welcomes volunteers who are residents of Nevada.

2. Awaken

Reno

Co-founded by Melissa Holland and Jen Robinson, faith-based nonprofit Awaken aims to end human trafficking and restore dignity to survivors. The Reno agency works with local law enforcement agencies, hospitals, schools, and other nonprofits to find victims, serving 218 survivors and reaching 2,180 people in 2025 alone.

Awaken is home to a survivor-run drop-in center with management, education, therapy, mentoring, employment, and housing assistance for adults. The organization also helps minors reclaim their lives through programs such as group therapy, social activities, and mentorship.

In 2024, Awaken debuted a documentary, “At What Cost,” which highlights the hidden tolls of sex trafficking on survivors, their families, and society. It also offers a downloadable Parent Guide on its website for the understanding and prevention of commercial sexual exploitation. Donations and volunteers are welcome.

3. The Cupcake Girls

Las Vegas

With locations in Las Vegas and Portland, The Cupcake Girls provides confidential and judgment-free outreach, advocacy, resources, and referrals for victimized sex industry workers of all gender identities. The organization initially offered cupcakes to break the ice during outreach efforts, leading to its name.

A nonprofit, The Cupcake Girls works with hundreds of volunteers and community partners, connecting participants with trauma-informed medical and mental health care, career support, educational resources, safe housing options, mentors, and support groups. It’s all pro bono or at reduced cost with an emphasis on safety and empowerment.

The Cupcakes Girls has a free store for survivors with essential items such as clothing, hygiene supplies, and household basics, and welcomes donations of these items. Volunteers and monetary donations are also needed.

4. Xquisite

Carson City

Since 2012, the nonprofit Xquisite has been working to bring freedom to survivors of sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Its founder, Brenda, believes in uplifting women with no strings attached and aims to help victims in the state’s capital city not only survive but thrive.

The organization offers round-the-clock services at the Diamond Strong Freedom Center. There are support groups, including GEMZ (Glimmer Empowerment Motivation Zealous) for adults and J.E.W.L.S. (Journey Embracing Wisdom Loyalty Success) for youth.

TXquisite accepts donations and is also seeking advocates and volunteers.

5. The Embracing Project (TEP)

Las Vegas

The Embracing Project (TEP), founded in 2007 by Esther Rodriguez and Mike Brown, provides programs and care for survivors of violence, sexual exploitation, and trafficking who are between the ages of 12 and 21. This includes everything from assistance with court cases to mentoring, therapy, food, shelter, or other necessities.

Founded in 2007, TEP offers a short-term residential treatment program called Pivot Point, with 24-hour supervision. There is also a drop-in center offering individual and family therapy, life skills classes, a CCSD adult education program, and more.

TEP accepts donations to help fund mentoring services, youth groups, therapy, residential services, court advocacy, and necessities. It is also looking for mentors.

6. Supporting Our Survivors (S.O.S.)

Reno

Supporting our Survivors (S.O.S.) describes itself as a community of individuals who are passionate about helping victims of human trafficking. The non-profit organization primarily raises funds for services and programs that will help survivors in Northern Nevada live free from abuse, exploitation, and slavery.

S.O.S. accepts donations to help fund resources like shelter, counseling, and legal assistance, but also puts on an annual fundraising golf tournament. Money raised from this event helps support the Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT),  a specialized law enforcement and investigative unit, and the federal Human Exploitation Recovery Operation Team (H.E.R.O).

7. Human Trafficking Prevention Alliance (HTPA)

Reno

A community-driven nonprofit, the Human Trafficking Prevention Alliance (HTPA) promotes awareness, education, and advocacy to expose the horrors of human trafficking and child exploitation. Founded by Janet Lombardo, it also helps identify safe spaces, local resources, and crime hot spots in Northern Nevada.

From fundraising to supporting state and national laws aimed at child safety and survivor rights, HTPA provides tools to combat trafficking, including courses to educate children, parents, businesses, civic organizations, law enforcement, and the community. Several resources are available on the website, including assistance for students interested in starting a Students Against Trafficking & Exploitation (S.A.T.E.) club at their school.

To support HTPA, you can donate funds or purchase a T-shirt from its Merch store. The organization’s second annual HTPA Golf Classic fundraiser will take place in October.

8. St. Jude’s Healing Center

Boulder City

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children has been home to thousands of abused and neglected children for nearly 60 years. It is also the site of Southern Nevada’s first residential campus for children who are victims of sex trafficking.

Open since 2014 to children of all genders, ages 0-18, the $25 million St. Jude’s Healing Center offers a specialized, trauma-sensitive, and healing program for breaking cycles of abuse and neglect. It is located on the St. Jude’s 40-acre campus in Boulder City near Lake Mead National Recreation Area and includes residential homes for participants, a healing garden, and a school.

Donations are welcome, but you can also purchase items from the organization’s Amazon wishlist.