Austin News

First Lady Cecilia Abbott has announced the fifth annual Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking, organized by the Governor's Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) initiative. This event will take place from January 6 through January 12, 2025, coinciding with Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas. The initiative calls on the faith-based community to unite in prayer and increase awareness about human trafficking.

"During this Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking, Texans of every faith will come together to generate hope and healing for survivors of human trafficking," said First Lady Abbott. "This year, I encourage everyone to take a moment and join GRACE in its efforts to provide a network of nurture as we work together to end this horrific crime."

The week will begin with a virtual interfaith event on January 6 at 7:00 pm via Facebook. Participants include Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Commissioner Stephanie Muth, Child Sex Trafficking Team Administrator Janet Kasper, DFPS Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Director Blanca Denise Lance, Pastor Yvette Christy, Magdalene House Austin Executive Director Toni McKinley, Bishop Aaron Blake, Rabbi Neil Blumofe, and Pastor Samuel Velez.

Daily prayers are scheduled throughout the week focusing on various aspects such as decreasing demand for trafficking, recognizing signs within communities, trauma-informed investigations, healing for victims, justice system support strength, safety for those exploited, and personal actions against trafficking.

GRACE was launched in 2019 as a collaboration between the Office of the Texas First Lady and other organizations aiming to combat human trafficking. Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas.

The First Lady also encourages Texans to wear blue on January 11 for National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness. Leaders contributing daily prayer intentions include Amanda Garza from Gracious Hearts; Kathy Givens from Twelve11Partners; Toni McKinley from Magdalene House Austin; Sara Nellis from Unbound Now; Pastor Samuel Velez from Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia; and Susan Peters from Unbound Now.