Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Aulds.
Cynthia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking-Texas (CCHT) was born from a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals who gathered in Laredo, Texas, in November of 2015. The lives of those present, including my own, were forever changed after hearing first-hand accounts from victims of human trafficking, and a passion to learn more and serve victims was born in our hearts. The group made a unanimous commitment to form a Coalition to bring awareness to others and help end modern-day slavery in Texas. We exist to provide awareness, education and victim services through collaboration with individuals and organizations to break the chains of both labor and sex trafficking. CCHT is doing all it can to combat human trafficking by being proactive and preventing it before it happens.
We serve individuals throughout the state of Texas, from the border cities to the major metropolitan areas, to small, rural communities. We provide trainings, assist with victim services, and educate through presentations and one-on-one interactions to make a strong, measurable impact on the crisis of people subject to and associated with human trafficking. Today, we work alongside Area Coordinators and Partner Organizations throughout Texas. CCHT is passionate about seeing that not another person is impacted, nor another individual hurt by this horrific industry. We focus on fighting for human dignity for everyone we serve through these outreaches.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Undoubtedly, the greatest struggle, as is common with many non-profits, is to maintain financial stability. Because we don’t have many opportunities for individuals to volunteer, it can be challenging to find the best methods to let people know about us so they can fully grasp the work we are doing. As such, my first year serving as Director was without a salary. CCHT has been able to begin providing a small monthly stipend as of January 2019, but it is minimal. And, the prevalence of human trafficking in the State of Texas makes our task seem at times, overwhelming. We worry that we can’t make a difference, that the problem is too large, that the odds are against us. But then, we are reminded of the Starfish story…..and we know what we do does matter, whether it’s for one person or a 100……it will matter to them and make a difference in their lives. It’s not and it’s never going to be ok to exploit another human being—doesn’t matter who they are—race, gender, sexual preference, social status…..it doesn’t matter.
It’s why CCHT does what we do and why we’ll continue despite any obstacles or challenges. It’s why we exist and we’ll never quit…..there’s too much at stake. Starfish story: One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one.” LOREN EISLEY
Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking-Texas – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are most proud of the efforts we have made to increase awareness of human trafficking throughout our state and the education we have provided to help an individual self-identify and prevent them from becoming a victim (or get help if they are). We recently produced a 3-minute Pubic Service Announcement (PSA) which speaks directly to a person at risk or currently involved in human trafficking. There is plenty of information available if someone like you or I are looking to know how to help or how to get involved, or what to look for……but almost nothing speaking directly to these individuals being trafficked or at-risk. So, we decided to create something, and we are super excited about it!
Our videos are available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io_m5pu1NIQ&t=8s, https://youtu.be/JkHY3UPfs3I) and our website (cchttx.com) and were produced in both English and Spanish. We feel these are an invaluable asset as we work throughout the State to help individuals self-identify. I was visiting with the Director of an Organization where survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation can visit and asked what percentage of their clients self-identified as being a victim of trafficking. I was floored, literally floored when I heard her response. Her response was “less than 2%” Only 2% realize they are victims of human trafficking and self- identify as such?? This is tragic…..and we’ve got to help change these numbers.
How in the world are we going to get individuals across our State the help and services they need if they don’t even realize they are a victim? We felt like we had to find a way for people to see what was happening (or could happen) to themselves because although we can all work to help educate folks to watch for trafficking, and we need to be doing that, there’s no way for everyone, to be everywhere, all the time. I believe CCHT is unique in three aspects: 1. We are a Statewide organization (most are City, County or Regional) which allows us to work throughout the State, including areas least served and with the least amount of resources available. 2. We focus on combatting trafficking along the Border cities and preventing it before it reaches the larger metropolitan cities like Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, etc. We were initially founded on the idea of “what if we could do something to prevent trafficking in Border towns (Gateway cities) before these individuals ever got to the larger areas (Destination cities)? 3. We combat BOTH labor and sex trafficking. While sex trafficking receives more attention, labor trafficking is actually more prevalent in the State of Texas. A study by the University of Texas showed there are currently an estimated 313,000 victims of trafficking in the State of Texas, of which approximately 234,000 are victims of labor trafficking. We are proud to focus our efforts on combatting both sides of trafficking throughout Texas.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
One of the things I find most fascinating about our city is the diversity. I have been blessed to have traveled to many countries and had the opportunity to get to learn about different cultures and people groups. I’m so grateful to live in a city that embraces these different nationalities and cultures. It is absolutely one of the things I love most about my city! And, I’m proud of all our city is doing to combat human trafficking. There are numerous groups and organizations working to make a difference and decrease the trafficking in our city. We belong to one Houston Coalition which has over 50 members (Organizations) just here in Houston all working to impact this horrific industry. That says a lot about the emphasis our city has on making a difference in this arena.
Unfortunately, Houston consistently ranks amongst the top cities in the US for trafficking. A number of factors make our City so susceptible to trafficking • Our proximity to the border • One of the most diverse cities in the country • Interstate 10-considered the number one route for human trafficking the in U.S. • The Port of Houston–amongst the busiest in the country • The size and population of the city • Large population of vulnerable youth (Homeless/runaways, LGBTQ) • High demand All of these factor into a tremendous need for Organizations like ours, and others, combatting human trafficking, and I’m grateful Houston has responded. My initial thought on dislikes……the traffic! But, seriously, overall, it’s a great place to live, work and play. I was born and have lived most of my life in Houston (except for a short stint in the Hill Country). I believe the city has so much to offer and love the friendliness and welcoming attitudes of our people.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5826 New Territory Blvd #819 Sugar Land TX 77479
- Website: www.cchttx.com
- Phone: 2813694412
- Email: Director@cchttx.com
- Instagram: ccht_tx
- Facebook: Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking in Texas
- Twitter: ccht_tx
- Other: Youtube: CCHT-Texas
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