Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Inc., a nonprofit organization founded in 2019, which provides support to people, particularly youth, affected by human trafficking and domestic violence, recently opened a new office in The Bronx, located at 555 West 235th Street, in Riverdale.

 

The organization runs a number of programs, one of which is the Young Adult Discovery (YAD) program. This serves victims and survivors of human trafficking and prostitution aged 12-17, who are seeking a holistic approach to making positive changes in their lives by providing tools and support for those re-entering society.

 

Norwood News has reported previously on the crucial work being carried out by the organization. “As you know, space has been a chronic issue for Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Inc.,” Monique Riley, CEO and founder of Freedom Youth NYC, told Norwood News. “We no longer have to meet with our clients, virtually.”

 

Though numbers are notoriously difficult to pin down, according to most organizations that work in the area of human trafficking, cases reportedly spiked amid the pandemic, as they did for domestic violence. Riley said the group moved to Manhattan amid the pandemic because they couldn’t afford to not meet and assist clients and needed a space to do so, virtually.

 

They had previously been working in person among the community. “So, we made the decision to move into 433 Broadway, New York, NY 10013, a space called Cubio,” Riley said. “The rent was very affordable. We went through Linda Tool office, which gives small nonprofits space at an affordable fee. We were at Cubico for six to eight months.”

 

She said as soon as it started to get warmer and more information was known about COVID-19, the owner approached her and said the rent would have to go back up to its previous rate, which she said was a huge jump. Despite bargaining with the owner, the group eventually had to move out of the Manhattan location. “During this time, COVID-19 started to peek and increase again, so myself and our staff decided to work remotely, yet again.”

 

She said, initially, this meant renting small spaces out for meetings with clients as and when needed, or for meeting clients, in private, via Zoom. “This wasn’t a bad move for us because most of our clients enjoyed the comfort of getting service from their home, without the hassle of getting on mass transportation, just to come to an office, and the same for our support groups,” Riley said.

 

“There were cases that needed attention right away e.g. being able to connect with a family that needed mediation where tension had flared up and a simple Zoom could not fix. This year, we received a very generous amount of donations, and we were able to obtain an office space where we will be able to meet with our clients for support groups, peer advocacy, and provide services,” she added.

 

 

Riley said it had been a struggle doing the work year after year and not getting much support, so they have now elected to assist other organizations that have also been on the ground, doing work but which didn’t have space to operate and meet their clientele either. “So, I have elected and offered dedicated desk space to the organizations, “Palms Upon My Hands,” and “Peer Network of New York,” free of cost,” Riley said.

 

Riley runs the organization with her husband Joseph Riley and a small group of staff members/volunteers. As reported, last year, the couple celebrated St. Valentine’s Day by spreading some love to seniors in the local community and handing out gift cards.

 

On January 17, the organization hosted a virtual seminar to coincide with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, in order to raise awareness about cyber safety in the context of human trafficking. The event can be watched here.

 

 When we spoke to Okera Ritchie, 17, in 2020, she had just started working for Freedom Youth, a position she obtained through a job placement via BronxWorks. “I love it,” she said at the time. Asked what advice she would offer to people who might not know a lot about human trafficking, Ritchie said.

 

“I just feel like people need to be extra cautious nowadays, especially with social media because it’s very easy, you know, through the social media platforms to get caught up in the wrong things.” She added, “So, just always be careful, and always keep an open mind as everyone does not always have the best interests for you and stay safe.”

 

 

If you are being trafficked ​or suspect trafficking activity ​in your area, please call the ​National Human Trafficking ​Resource Center Hotline ​at ​1-888-373-7888 ​or Text “Be Free” to 233733.​

 

Visit Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Inc. at https://freedomyouthnyc.com/. You can also call (929) 367-4754 or email at info@freedomyouthnyc.com.