In this summary of Hope Heroes, we are thrilled to introduce Jeff May and explain the work he is doing as the executive director of The Dream City Foundation, a ministry of Dream City Church. May’s mission is to help educate the world about what is happening with human trafficking and help put a stop to it.
Dream Foundation is actively working to protect children from the devastating effects of sex trafficking by providing various services and resources. Through our programs, we are helping children who have been victimized by traffickers, educating the public on the dangers of this crime, raising awareness to help spot traffickers, and striving to prevent further exploitation of innocent victims.
Listed below are a few of the services Dream Foundation provides:
- Raising Public Awareness: Our ministry has developed a comprehensive public awareness campaign called Hope Starts Here that raises awareness of how to spot human trafficking when you see it. This campaign includes signs in Uber cars, posters in airports and bathrooms, brochures with information on what to look for, as well as hotline numbers to call if suspicious activity is observed. We are also working with local law enforcement agencies to provide training on identifying potential victims of human trafficking. Our goal is to empower individuals to recognize the signs of human trafficking and take action to help those who may be in danger.
- Teaming Up: The Phoenix Police Department, along with all of the law enforcement in Arizona, has done an outstanding job in combating human trafficking. We are aware of these networks due to our work with survivors and our close relationships with other law enforcement agencies both locally and abroad. Our efforts have been recognized nationally as we continue to lead the country in this fight.
Likewise, the boys and girls who go through this program have seen firsthand how trafficking systems work and are invaluable in this fight. Not only do they provide us with firsthand accounts of their experiences, but they also give us insight into the tactics and strategies used by traffickers to exploit the vulnerable. By listening to survivors’ stories, we gain a better understanding of how to protect potential victims from exploitation and support those who have already been victimized.
- Saving Children: The boys and girls who graduate from this program at the Phoenix Dream Center are often rescued from harrowing circumstances. As they’re being rehabilitated, we try to support them and help prepare them for regular life again.
We provide counseling and support for survivors of human trafficking, as well as legal assistance in cases where prosecution is necessary.
- Educating: We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Hope Starts Here public awareness assembly campaign, which will be rolling out in schools all over Arizona. Our assemblies have been carefully crafted to meet the needs of each age group: elementary school students, middle schoolers, and high schoolers, with messages adapted appropriately for each age group.
These assemblies help kids who might be unknowingly heading down a dark path. We educate both students and administrators on online safety, particularly in preventing sex traffickers from targeting them. We have developed a comprehensive program that we can bring into school districts at no cost to the schools if they choose to participate. We hope to raise awareness and equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves against potential predators.
How Can You Help?
Education is key! If you work at a school or a business in Arizona and are looking to partner with us, please visit wherehopelives.org. There, you’ll find a link that will take you directly to our partnership page, where you can learn more about what we have to offer and how you can join us in making a difference.
Ultimately, Dream Foundation’s mission is to ensure that no child ever has to suffer the trauma of being trafficked again. You can help by getting educated, praying for us, or by visiting our website for more ways to help support this ministry.
Stop Traffic Walk is from our Hope Heroes video series, where we share real-life stories of healing and hope through Jesus Christ. To view and subscribe to our Hope Heroes YouTube Channel, click here.
