CWA members inspired to help fight trafficking in SW Missouri

The local Prayer/Action Chapter of Concerned Women for America – Missouri gathered for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 21, at Covenant Life Church in Branson. 

Opening remarks by local Chapter coordinator and State Director Haven Howard included sharing the national CWA statement regarding the death of Christian conservative Charlie Kirk, with a challenge to pick up the torch and work to preserve the values he represented. Howard also expressed thanks for the Young Women for America chapters on college campuses across the country who are standing up for faith and family, including the local College of the Ozarks group. A joint fellowship is on the calendar to build friendships between those young women and the CWA members. 

Guest speaker for the meeting was Veloris Juneman, founder and director of Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks which works to fight sex trafficking in the Ozarks and advocate for victims. Juneman shared about accompanying her son, a military veteran who now works in rescue operations with law enforcement, on an assignment. After seeing the victims’ trauma and hearing their stories, Juneman felt compelled to address the situation in Taney and Stone counties. With her son’s assistance, she began working with Pathways co-founders Nikki Kinney and Jill Jameson, plus a growing team of volunteers, to build awareness through education and create “pathways from awareness to action.” 

To be defined as sex trafficking per federal guidelines, a situation must involve force, fraud, or coercion, except for cases involving minors for which such proof is not required. Missouri currently ranks fourth in the nation in domestic minor sex trafficking cases, with an average entry age of 12 and at least 65% initially exposed and groomed through social media. Even after rescue, reentry rates are high if a victim is not connected with resources, including a safe place to go. “Grooming” in Missouri is not technically against the law unless photographs are involved, so parents and caregivers must be vigilant as to their kids’ online activity. 

Although some people remain unconvinced that trafficking occurs in the Branson/Taney/Stone County areas, boots-on-the-ground reports indicate otherwise; there is a proliferation of online ads every weekend, and a 2024 sting operation identified and prosecuted 10 “buyers” of services and two traffickers. Conversations and follow-up with the victims of that and another recent operation are continuing, as volunteers help connect them to resources. Stone County has a task force in place, and Taney County has an officer working in contact with the regional Homeland Security office. 

Contrary to popular perception, most trafficking of minors does not involve violence or kidnapping, although common-sense precautions are still advisable; rather, most traffickers build trust via social media and gaming platforms, posing as a caring friend while looking for vulnerabilities and convincing the victim they “understand” and can “help” them. With that consideration, Juneman said the big need is to focus on education: Funding is still available through a Skaggs Foundation grant for presentations in area schools, including both parent sessions and age-appropriate student presentations. As those funds expire soon, CWA attendees were encouraged to talk with their local schools about hosting a presentation. Juneman and other volunteers are also available for teacher professional development meetings. 

An advocacy center is currently being remodeled and prepared for use in Stone County as a safe space for victims, initially after rescue and for follow-up meetings with counselors and advocates. This can help bridge the gap between law enforcement intervention and children’s division involvement. 

During Q & A, Juneman explained some ways trafficking situations are identified; one is through monitoring ad sites. Hospital emergency personnel also provide valuable tips. Attendees were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the warning signs posted on the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign website. 

Responding to a question about getting involved, Juneman said Pathways can use additional volunteers to staff awareness events such as fall festivals and help at the advocacy center once opened, with trauma-informed care training offered through the Coalition. Visit the Facebook page to learn more about getting involved and upcoming training and fundraising events. 

The meeting concluded with a focused prayer time about the fight against trafficking and other community needs. Learn more about CWA and receive regular meeting and event announcements by emailing havenhoward01@gmail.com.